Rata (Tahitian mythology)

Rata, in Tahitian mythology, is said to have become king of Tahiti when his uncle, king Tumu-nui, and his father Vahieroa (Tahitian mythology) are swallowed by a great clam while they are on their way to Pitcairn. When he reaches adulthood, Rata plans to avenge his father. As in the Tuamotuan version, Rata identifies a tree to build his canoe, but it is protected by forest elves. After he captures them they build it for him in a single night. While en route for Pitcairn, Rata and his crew are sucked down into the same clam, but they use their spears to cut the monster open. They rescue the remains of Rata's father and uncle and bury them back in Tahiti. After recovering from their adventure, Rata sets out for further adventures. See also Aremata-Popoa and Aremata-Rorua.

References

R.D. Craig, Dictionary of Polynesian Mythology (Greenwood Press: New York, 1989), 133-4;
M. Beckwith, Hawaiian Mythology (Yale U.P.: New Haven, 1948), 263-275.

Tahitian and Society Islander mythology

Deities	Ai-tupuai Fati Ihi (goddess) 'Oro Potii-ta-rire Rearea Ro'o-i-Te-Hiripoi Ta'aroa Taonoui Te-uri Tumu-nui

People	the Maohi people Maui Rata

Demons and monsters	Pahuanui Pua Tu Tahi Aremata-Popoa and Aremata-Rorua

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