Who is Tangaroa? In the cosmology of the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), Tangaroa is the powerful and omnipresent God of the Sea. Far more than just a guardian of the tides, he is a primordial entity who governs the oceans, lakes, and rivers. He is the ancestor of all fish and reptiles, the keeper of the secrets of carving and fire, and a central figure in Polynesian mythology.
If you are looking to understand the maritime soul of the Māori world, this guide covers everything you need to know about the deity known as the ruler of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (The Great Ocean of Kiwa).
Tangaroa's Origins: Creator or Brother?
Tangaroa’s role changes depending on where you look in the Pacific. His name is a linguistic cognate found throughout the Polynesian Triangle, suggesting he is one of the oldest deities brought from the ancient homeland of Hawaiki.
In the Pacific (Supreme Creator): In tropical islands like Samoa, Tonga, and Tahiti, Tangaroa (or Tangaloa/Ta'aroa) is often viewed as the Supreme Creator who existed in the void before the universe began.
In New Zealand (God of the Sea): When Māori ancestors migrated to the temperate climate of Aotearoa, the forest became crucial for survival. Consequently, Tangaroa’s status shifted to a departmental god—he became the brother of Tāne (God of the Forest), holding dominion strictly over the water.
Tangaroa’s Whakapapa (Genealogy)
There are two main traditions regarding Tangaroa's birth in Māori mythology.
The North Island Tradition: He is the fifth son of the primal parents, Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother). After his brothers separated their parents, Tangaroa fled to the sea to escape the wrath of the storm god, Tāwhirimātea.
The Ngāi Tahu Tradition (South Island): In the South, Tangaroa is an elder figure—the uncle of the Sky Father. In this version, he fights Ranginui on the beach for the love of Papatūānuku, wounding the Sky Father with a spear. This suggests the ocean is an independent force that predates the sky.
Why are Tangaroa and Tāne Enemies?
One of the most enduring stories in Māori legends is the war between the Sea (Tangaroa) and the Forest (Tāne). This conflict began with a family betrayal during the time of creation.
When the storm god attacked the brothers, Tangaroa’s grandchildren split into two groups. Ikatere, the ancestor of fish, fled to the ocean. Tū-te-wehiwehi, the ancestor of reptiles, hid in the forests of Tāne.
Tangaroa was furious that the forest sheltered his runaway children. This created an eternal conflict: the sea seeks to erode the land, while humans—using canoes and nets made from Tāne's trees—venture out to capture and eat the children of Tangaroa.
The Children of Tangaroa: Monsters and Treasures
In Māori beliefs, the creatures of the sea are not just animals; they are the descendants of the god, collectively known as Te Tini a Tangaroa (The Multitudes of Tangaroa).
Punga is the son of Tangaroa and ancestor of all repulsive things, such as sharks, rays, and lizards.
Tinirau is the guardian of fish and whales, known for his pet whale Tutunui.
Pounamu (Greenstone), in some traditions, is considered a fish of Tangaroa that fled the warm waters and solidified in the cold rivers of the South Island.
Did Tangaroa Discover Fire and Carving?
While Maui is famous for his tricks, archival texts reveal that Tangaroa is the true source of two major human technologies.
The Origin of Fire: Ancient chants describe Tangaroa teaching Maui the art of friction—rubbing dry sticks together—to create fire. He used a white duck to demonstrate the secret, which Maui later branded, giving the bird its black markings.
The Origin of Wood Carving (Whakairo): Carving did not originate on land, but in Tangaroa’s underwater meeting house, Hui-te-ana-nui. A human ancestor stole the art form (and the silent carved posts) from the sea god's realm, which is why traditional carvings today have pāua shell eyes—a homage to their oceanic origin.
Symbols and Physical Appearance How is Tangaroa depicted?
Unlike Greek gods who look like humans, Tangaroa is a force of nature. However, he has distinct avatars (ariā).
The Flame-Coloured God: Early accounts describe him with flame-coloured hair or a radiant body, symbolizing the phosphorescence of the waves or the glint of the sun on water.
Animal Forms: He manifests as the Shark (his warrior), the Stingray (guardian of the sand), and the Eel (symbol of elusiveness).
Fishing by the Tangaroa Nights
For the Māori, Tangaroa was not just a myth; he was a calendar. The Maramataka (Lunar Calendar) identifies specific nights when the god's influence is most beneficial.
The nights from the 23rd to the 26th of the lunar month are named Tangaroa nights. These are considered the best times for fishing, as the ocean currents are favorable and fish are active. However, strict protocols such as returning the first catch to the sea were required to lift the tapu (sacred restriction) and ensure safety.
FAQ: Common Questions About Tangaroa
What is Tangaroa the god of? Tangaroa is the Māori God of the Sea, rivers, and lakes. He is also the progenitor of all fish and reptiles.
Who are the parents of Tangaroa? In the North Island traditions, he is the son of Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother). In Ngāi Tahu tradition, he is the uncle of Ranginui and the first husband of Papatūānuku.
What does Tangaroa look like? He is often described as having flame-coloured hair or a radiant body. He can also take the form of sea creatures like sharks, stingrays, and eels.
Why is Tangaroa important today? Tangaroa represents the ocean's environment. Concepts like Rāhui (ritual prohibition) are used today to protect fisheries and marine ecosystems, invoking Tangaroa's mana to conserve resources.