Everyone knows Disney’s Moana (2016), which starred Auli’i Cravalho as Disney Princess and Pacific Islander Moana, Alan Tudyk as her avian sidekick Hei Hei, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the demigod Maui. But few people know the dark mythology that inspired the film, particularly Maui.
The Origins of Māui in Polynesian Mythology
Māui is a prominent figure within Polynesian mythology, known for his cleverness, strength, and mischievous nature. He embodies the qualities often ascribed to demigods: a blend of human vulnerability and divine power. Key attributes of Māui’s character include his ability to shape-shift and create natural phenomena, which makes him an esteemed hero in various islands of Polynesia.
Significant myths surrounding Māui include the tale of how he fished up islands from the ocean floor using a magical hook. In an unusual but celebrated story, he is credited with capturing the sun by its testicles, slowing its journey across the sky to lengthen the days for humanity.
Disney’s Interpretation of Maui in Moana
In Disney’s animated film Moana, Maui emerges as a larger-than-life character whose vibrant personality and physical traits reflect aspects derived from traditional myths. The film depicts Maui with tattoos that tell the story of his adventures, a visual element that resonates with the rich storytelling tradition in Polynesia. While Disney celebrates Maui’s greatness (and his magical fish hook), this representation diverges in notable ways from the original myths.
The comparisons between original myths and Disney’s version reveal a selective retelling. For example, in traditional stories, Māui is often portrayed as both a hero and a flawed character who faces consequences for his hubris or mischief. On the other hand, Disney’s Maui is designed more as a comedic sidekick, showcasing charm and heroism but lacking some of the deeper moral complexities in the myths.
Maui’s relationships with other characters, particularly Moana, shift the focus toward teamwork and redemption. This adaptation makes Maui accessible to a family audience while also discarding some of the darker implications of his mythological past.
The Darker Aspects of Maui’s Legends
Delving into the darker aspects of Māui’s legends reveals an intricate tapestry of themes, including sexuality. Within some Polynesian myths, Maui is depicted as a figure entwined with romantic escapades that explore the boundaries of relationships and desire. These tales often included elements that modern audiences might consider inappropriate, reflecting societal norms that differ from contemporary expectations.
Māui’s death is perhaps the darkest of his mythology. The story goes that the demigod desperately desired immortality and aimed to outsmart Hine-nui-te-pō, the goddess of death. While she was asleep, Māui climbed inside of her vagina, hoping to destroy her from the inside out.
When Hine-nui-te-pō, she crushed Māui with obsidian-like teeth that lined the cavity. Albeit dark, the myth serves as a lesson about man’s hubris and inability to escape our fates.
While Moana does not overtly explore these sexual themes, it’s interesting to recognize the origins of this character from a cultural lens. The subtleties of Maui’s relationships in the film do speak to the desire for connection, but they are presented in a sanitized manner that aligns with family-friendly storytelling.
Disney chose to adapt these mythological elements by keeping them accessible and relatable. The transformation results in a character who engages the audience without delving into more controversial aspects. By showcasing Maui’s heroics and his mentorship of Moana, the film captures the essence of growth and collaboration rather than focusing on the complex allure of his backstory.
Moana Fans Respond
Like many Disney Princess fans, Reddit users were surprised to learn of Maui’s mature mythology.
“His go-to was to have sex with things?” one user asked.
“Can’t wait for Moana 2 then……….,” another quipped. (Moana 2 premieres this Thanksgiving, but it’s unlikely these particular myths will make their way into the Walt Disney Animation Studios sequel!)
Maui, as portrayed in Moana, serves as a bridge between ancient myth and modern understanding. The layers of the demigod’s character remind viewers that every hero carries with them a diverse heritage marked by both triumph and flaw, a balance that continues to resonate through the ages.
What are you looking forward to most about Moana 2 (2024)? Let Disney Dining know in the comments.