Legends of Gods and Ghosts (Hawaiian Mythology)

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aginative people wondered how the fish were
painted, so for a story a battle between two
chiefs was either invented or taken as a basis.
The chiefs fought on the mountain-sides until
finally one was driven into the sea and com-
pelled to make the deep waters his continual
abiding-place. Here he found a unique and
pleasant occupation in calling the various kinds
of fish to his submarine home and then painting
them in varied hues according to the dictates
of his fancy. Thus we have a pure nature-myth
developed from the love of the beautiful, one
of the highest emotions dwelling in the hearts
of the Hawaiians of the long ago.

So, again, Maui, a wonder-working hero like
the Hercules of Grecian mythology, heard the
birds sing, and noted their beautiful forms as
they flitted from tree to tree and mingled their
bright plumage with the leaves of the fragrant
blossoms.

No other one of those who lived in the long
ago could see what Maui saw. They heard the
mysterious music, but the songsters were in-
visible. Many were the fancies concerning
these strange creatures whom they could hear
but could not see. Maui finally pitied his friends
and made the birds visible. Ever since, man has
been able to both hear the music and see the
beauty of his forest neighbors.