Maoriland Fairy Tales-Edith Howes

0:00Story 1 of Mauryland Fairy Tales This is a Libravox Recording, all Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org Recording by Maria Brook Mauryland Fairy Tales by Edith Hous Story 1, The Wanderers Somewhere far across the sea lies Hawaii ki That wonderful motherland where the sun's rays glow from early dawn to sudden night. Nobody knows now where that old land is. Nobody has ever found it again. But its far-streamed sons and daughters still tell of its remembered glories. Its radiant sunshine, its flowers and butterflies. Its white-topped mountains and its mighty streams. Some think it may have been India, while others say it must have been some age-old continent,

1:04which is since sunk and now lies buried under the Pacific Ocean. The brave people of that old motherland were ready for adventure. When wars and famine drove them out from their ancient homes, they said, let us sit out across the sea that we may find new homes in which to live. They sailed across tropical seas to the islands of the Pacific. Some now and some again, setting up their homes where their coconut and breadfruit grow. There they lived their island lives, swimming, diving, fishing, boating, sometimes making long voyages in their carved canoes. Far out into the great unknown seas. One voyager returned with tidings of a new land seen far to the south, with white-topped mountain peaks such as headshorn in Hauaiiki.

2:04Let us go to that land. These islands are already overfall, said some. They prepared for the voyage. They built three great canoes, so long and wide, that hundreds of people could sit in them. They curved them high at the prowl and ornamented them with beautiful carving. They loaded them with food and water, and everything necessary for a long voyage. Then, those who were departing, paid farewell to friends and sailed across wide, lonely seas to look for that new land. At first, the voyage went happily. The sun shone, the sea was calm, and the voyages were gay. But after many days, when all the songs were sung, and all the stories told, and everyone was tired of sitting still so long, quarrels began and blows seemed near.

3:04Nathoro, the magician, was there. He resolved to put a stop to all quarreling. With a mighty spell, he raised a storm so fierce that the voyages cried out in fear. Chanting more loudly still, he drew a terrible whirlpool from the depths of the sea. It rose in front of the canoes. The people shrieked. Save us, Nathoro! They begged. We quarreled no more. Changing his spell, Nathoro quieted the storm. The wind dropped, waves and whirlpool fell away. The canoes went on their quiet course. The thankful people, remembering their lesson, quarreled no more throughout the voyage. After many weeks, they saw a long white cloud that seemed to hang across the meeting place of sea and sky.

4:04All day they drew nearer to it. Next day, they saw it plainly. The new land. At the welcome sight, weary eyes brightened with relief. Altearoa, the voyages called it, land of the long white cloud. As they drew nearer, the fairness of the land came into view. Mountains rear their snow-reafed heads above the cloud. From them, green forests ran down to the sea. Here and there, the gleam of mountain torrents showed between the green or clusters of crimson flowers glowed beneath the sun. The people cast off their red necklaces in ornaments. In this new land, we can pluck gems from the trees. They said gazing at the crimson ratha flowers. They sprang on shore. With joy, they found that this new land was rich in food and water.

5:06They settled, built houses and planted the sweet potatoes they had brought with them. They fished, speared birds and hunted them all. Natoroa, the magician said, I go to travel through the new country, enriching it and making it safe for my people. He went. At his magic word, hills were leveled. Marsha's were dried and made firm for walking. Stamping on the ground, he brought forth springs of water wherever they were needed. He traveled through the forests, placing guardian fairies everywhere. He said, I go to climb to Yonder Mountain. Fast till my return, that my magic power may be sustained. He climbed and climbed. When he was hidden from their sight among the clouds, the people forgot his words and ate. At once his magic power left him.

6:08Crawling painfully where he should be striding lightly, he reached at last the top, only to sink exhausted in the snow. He was freezing in the bitter cold, yet he had no strength to help himself. I perish. He said, unless the fire god sent me help. He called and the fire god sent help from the mountain top, fire spouted, flowing over one side. Nathoral warmed himself, gathered strength to finish his work and to descend to his people. When they heard how their carelessness had nearly cost their beloved magician his life, the people were sorry. They promised never again to forget his words. The fire on the mountain will remind you, he said.

7:09The fire still burns, sometimes far down, sometimes at the top. Men call that mountain a volcano. The voyagers stayed on in their new land. When the last of them had gone to his long rest, there were thousands of their children left. These lived, loved, died, as many women have always done, and their children took their places. So, 500 years have passed. The new land has become old, and the story of the great voyage a tale of long ago. But still, in the land of the long white cloud, as in the sunny islands of the tropics. The ancient stories of the unforgotten Motherland are told, blended with new happenings in the newer lands. They are the old traditions of the race, mysteries of moon and star, and the making of the world, of fire and life and death, and the making of man.

8:17Among them too are brave deeds of ancient heroes, and the doings of princes and magicians, and the fairy folk that lived in every forest. Listen, little white children, up to date, while I tell you these stories that have for centuries been told to the little brown children in these far islands of the south. End of story one, the wanderers, recording by Maria Brook, New Zealand. Story 2 of Maureenland Fairy Tales by Edith Hous, this Libravox recording is in the public domain, recording by Maria Brook. The 6 brothers, in the beginning, so the ancient stories say the land was dark, no light ever shone upon its surface, for Rangii, master of the sky, hung low over Papa the earth.

9:21In Papa's garden, which was the land, no flowers grew, nor trees, nothing but strange half-grown plants, whose leaves were flattened as they pricked against the great Rangii's arms. For the sake of being together, sky-father and earth-mother forgot to take care for the growth of flowers and trees, and even for the lives of their children. In the low dark garden, lived six sons, knowing nothing of the light, but wondering much what lay outside and longing as they grew to stretch themselves and stand upright. Once Rangii lifted up his arms, and for a radiant moment the light streamed in. Oh, what is that? The brothers asked. It is nothing but the light. Said Rangii, he dropped his arms again and darkness fell.

10:22But it was beautiful, crytane, the eldest of the brothers. Lift your arms again, Rangii. Let us look at this wonderful thing you call light. No, no, crytangii, be contented as you are, but the brothers were no longer contented. They began to make plans for letting in the light. Our home would grow beautiful, said Tane, and besides, we could see to move about. If Rangii would but move and give us room, we could stand upright, said too, the next in age. Let us ask him, said the rest. They begged Rangii to give them light and room, but he would not move. No, he said, I am happy here. My place is near the earth mother. Many times they asked, but each time he refused.

11:28The brothers grew angry, kill him, said too, who was the fiercest. Push him up, said Tane. Leave him alone, said Tafiri, for a long time they argued. At last, they decided that each brother should try to push him up out of the way. I will try first, said Rongo, he pushed with all his strength, but he could not move the great Rangii, homey up trial, and Tangaroa and two, but none of them could move him. Now Tane put forth all his strength, pushing with both hands against Rangii's mighty chest, he raised himself slightly from his resting place. Ah, the light, the light, cried the brothers. Push Tane, push harder yet, Tane pushed using his feet for greater strength, the light streamed in higher and higher rose the helpless sky giant.

12:35The earth mother, wet, allowed as Rangii was torn from her, Tane resting a moment from his labours, heard an answering cry from above. Cool, Tane, you have left me on the mountain peaks, they are tearing my sides. Tane looked up, he had become a giant, had pushed Rangii to the mountain tops, and in his breathing space had left him there to rest upon their jagged peaks. Quick as thought, he ran across the land and up the mountain sides, lifting Rangii off, he bound up his wounds. Tane was not really cool, he was determined however, when he returned to his brothers he said, I shall send him so high that he can never come down again. He stood on his head and his hands, bending his right knee, he kicked Rangii so far into the heavens that he has had to stay there ever since.

13:44Now let us make the garden beautiful, said Tane, Tafiri said, I shall not help you, I shall go to Rangii, for Tafiri was always jealous of his brothers, he went to Rangii and lived with him in the sky, the others stayed with the earth mother making her garden beautiful. Tane said, I will make trees, he made trees and bushes and flowers and moths and butterflies and sweet singing birds. The sunshine filled warmly on the garden and everything grew, Tane was well pleased. Rangii made all the food plants that grow in the gardens, homea made wild food plants, dhangaroa filled rivers and lakes and sea with fishes. Earth mother said, Tane, we have no more for Rangii, be happy in your garden, I am pleased with your love for me and all your kindness to me said the earth mother, but I cannot cease weeping for Rangii.

14:59I think always how cold he must be in the sky or he is not warmly clad, I will close him better, said Tane, he made a warm wide cloak of glowing red for Rangii, I will fasten it with stars, he said, they are the most beautiful things I have ever seen. He went to the star goblin, give me stars or on his cloak, he begged, the star goblin said, they lie on a mountain at the end of the sky, you must take a long and dangerous journey to reach them, I will go, said Tane, it was indeed a long and dangerous journey, but Tane was not afraid, he strode gale over the mountain tops and through the wild dark lands of night, coming at last to the mountain at the end of the sky, here he found a gleaming stars piled above the precipices, he gathered a number of the largest and brightest and took them back with him.

16:06He stood on the mountain peaks and set the stars in the cloak, but he found that in the sunshine they did not show, so he made a dark cloak for night time and placed them in that, there they shone brilliantly. The earth mother smiled, well pleased, still she was not quite happy about Rangii, she said, I'm afraid lest he should fall from that great height and be hurt, I can prevent that said Tane, he made soft, plowed pillars, with these he propped up Rangii that he should not fall, so in his kindly way Tane did what he could for Rangii in the earth mother, but these two have never recovered from the sorrow of their parting, often in the night Rangii's tears fall upon the earth's mother's garden. Men seeing these tears, call them dew, he looks fondly down upon her from the sun and moon which are his eyes, she sends up soft sides of mist to tell him of her never dying love.

17:14Yet they are not quite separated for their hands outstretched touch each other on the low horizon. The brothers were at last happy, only Dafiri still jealous would not be at peace, he made the winds, setting them at opposite corners of his sky home, one day he called them together with all the storms and hurricanes, all the rain hailed and black clouds were falling. And black clouds of the sky, sweeping down through the air with these terrible helpers, he fell upon Tane's beautiful trees beating them to the ground. Tane was too late to save his trees, but he called to his brothers to warn them that Dafiri had come, Rangor and Homiya in their fear, changed themselves into roots and hid in the garden. Dhanarawa changed himself into a fish and jumped into the sea, these brothers have lived in those places ever since.

18:20But two stood on high ground where Dafiri's floods could not reach him, there he waited for his jealous brother. When Dafiri came, he fought him and beat him and made him promise to stay quietly in his sky home, leaving his brothers in peace. Dafiri still sometimes sends his wings to tease his brothers, but he is too much afraid of two to worth any serious mischief. Tane replanted his trees and they grew into mighty forests, the garden grows more beautiful every day, for never again can the light be shut out. End of story 2, the six brothers, recording by Maria Brooke New Zealand. Story 3 of Maldieland Fairy Tales by Edith Hous.

19:23This is a Libravox recording, all Libravox recordings are in the public domain. Story 3, Tiki. Tane gazed on red clay that lay exposed where earth had fallen from a cliff. Red, the sacred colour, he said, and earth from which all things grow and flourish. Surely from this I can make something greater than anything I have yet attempted. He gathered the red clay and worked it with his hands, kneading it and fashioning it into a shape like his own. When the shape was made, he breathed into it his own breath. Slowly life went into the figure and it began to breathe as if in sleep. Tane stood, chanting a life-giving song. The limbs received their powers, the eyes opened and saw the world.

20:24The shape arose and walked. It was Tiki, the first man whose heart and all inner parts were red as the clay from which he was made. Tane, invisible, watched the man walk with dazed and wandering eyes across the barren plain where he had lain towards the forest trees where birds were singing. Invisible goddesses floated through the air to look at this new creature. He will need a mate, they said. From the sunshine that quivered on the trees and the echo that wandered through them, the goddesses' woe are fine mist, which limb by limb they shaped into a woman. They sent her out to meet the man and he was lonely no more. The two left together in the earth mother's garden and from them all the men and women come that lived there to this day.

21:27Tane went to live in the shining sunrise land beside the lake of glowing light. So two was left master of the garden. For he alone of the sixth giant brothers was left ever since the men and women who lived there have received good things from four of the brothers. From Tane's trees wood for boats and houses, fibrous leaves for ropes and clothing, from raw and homea, roots and berries, from tangaroa fish. But from two they received an evil gift for he taught them the arts of fighting. Yet strange to say they worshipped him more than any of the brothers. They made him their god of war and since then peace has left the earth. End of story three. Recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand.

22:29Story four of Maru Land Theretails by Eda Kaus. This is a Libravox recording, all Libravox recordings are in the public domain. Story four, Tarwhaki's climb, Tarwhaki the Prince was so brave and handsome and did so many noble deeds that his fame went abroad throughout the land. At last even the sky fair is heard of him. One of them dead. I wonder whether this earth prince is as brave and as handsome as they say he is. I will go down to the earth to see. One summer morning she descended to the earth. Purself unseem, she watched Tarwhaki finding him even braver and more handsome than anyone had told her. Indeed she was so pleased with him that she came out of her hiding place and made herself known to him.

23:33Each day she came down to talk to him. He was glad and proud for no earth princess was half so beautiful. Besides, was she not a sky fairy? At last these two became so fond of one another that they were married. The sky fairy left her home above the clouds and lived on the earth as Tarwhaki's wife. Such a thing had never happened before. When the other sky fairies heard of it they were exceedingly angry. She belongs to us they said she must come back but she refused to come. I love Tarwhaki she said. I will not leave him. They made up their minds to carry her off. One day they swooped down upon the island and carried her away before Tarwhaki's very eyes. She struggled with all the strength to free herself.

24:34Well Tarwhaki tried to hold her back and beat the sky fairies off. But the sky fairies were too powerful. They pushed Tarwhaki aside and carried his wife away. Sky fairies must not live on the earth they said. You shall never return to Tarwhaki. Come to me then Tarwhaki. Come to me in the sky. She called the voice growing fainter as she was born out of his hearing. Tarwhaki stretched up to sparing arms. What could he do? He had no means of following her and yet the loneliness without her. For many bad and weary days he wandered hopelessly about unable to find a way of reaching her. He asked the eagles to carry him but they replied that they could never reach the sky. He climbed mountain after mountain but none was high enough.

25:38One morning passing through the mountain land he came upon an old woman sitting alone. An old old woman she was. In her hand she held a fine white spider thread. Who are you, Tarwhaki? I am called the old Grandmother she replied. What are you doing in this lonely place? Holding this print, Tarwhaki's eyes followed the thread up. Where is the other end he asked in the sky? What is it for? As Tarwhaki eagerly the old woman eyed him steadily. If a man on the earth wished to go to skyland he might climb this thread. It would be him but he must be very brave.

26:41Or if he once looked back or lost heart he would fall and be dashed to pieces. I do not think any earth man is brave enough to attempt the deed. Try me, I will go. Crowned Tarwhaki is heart beating with joy. He guessed that this thread had been sent down by his wife that he might go to her. Give me the thread he said. The old Grandmother was pleased at his courage but she warned him of his danger. It is such a tiny slender thread she said. One slip, one moment's loss of courage would dash you on his mountain tops. I should not be afraid, said Tarwhaki.

27:41My heart is too full of love to have room for fear. Listened in, she said, I will teach you a charm. Sing it if ever your strength seems to be leaving you. Buy it too you can change yourself as you will. She sang the charm and he repeated it until he knew it. Now you may go, she said, keep brave heart remember to never look back and if your strength fails sing the charm. Grasping the spider thread Tarwhaki sprang from the earth and began his wonderful climb to Skyland. What a frail thread it was. It swayed and swung with his weight but he had faked his magic power to hold him. He climbed higher and ever higher until he was leveled with the tops of the lower hills.

28:48Up still and higher yet now he was leveled with the highest mountains. Now he was above him. He was passing through cloud-led. What if the thread should break will come loose? He would not think of such accidents. His wife was at the top. It was cold, cold and wet in cloud land and he had been climbing for hours. His strengths began to end. Then he remembered the charm and sang it with all his might as he passed through the great lonely spaces beneath Skyland. Over and over again he sang it till weariness led and strength returned. Climbing now quickly and joyfully he came to the first of the ten Skylands. He pushed himself through the flooring and it cracked in all directions. A deluge of water rushed through the hole.

29:50He sprang up and looked around. The water was overflowing from the edge of a lake in which Skyfairies were bathing. That water will make a flood on the earth, he thought, but he did not stay to look back, not even to watch the Skyfairies. He knew his wife's home was not here, but on the fourth Skyland. He thrust the thread again and went on his way. When he reached the second Skyland he met a snake-shaped fish. Behind this fish, called hundreds of smaller ones. Who are you? Kafa he passed boldly. I am the eel king replied the fish. I am looking for water. Up here we are patched and dry. How was it in the earth? Uncomfortable, wet, I should say.

30:50For I have cracked the lowest Skyland and let the water through from the fairies lake. Said Tafwaki. Good, said the eel king. Yes, is a very place for us. Come my children to this delightful earth. With his wriggling people he slid down through the hole to the earth, and there he has stayed ever since. Before that there were no eels in the creeks and rivers of the world. On the third Skyland, Tafwaki met the poo-kutty. The bird stretched its long nick in astonishment at the sight of an earthman. Where are you going? He asked. To the fourth Skyland replied Tafwaki. What is the egg like just now? Was the bird's next question? Very wet. Fluttered in fact, said Tafwaki.

31:50You don't say so, cried the bird joyfully. Boy, that is the kind of world I want. Here, there is no hope. I shall go down to the earth. Tell me, do the fairies know you are on your way to their land? No, said Tafwaki. I do not wish them to know that. Oh, indeed. Then I shall give them morning. When the genius bird raised his head to give a cry that should reach the fourth Skyland. Just in time, Tafwaki caught him by the nose, pinching it so hard that the poo-kutty could make no sound. He pulled and struggled to break loose, but Tafwaki held on. Tafwaki said, will you promise to keep quiet if I let you go? A subdued group of the bird's tail seemed to answer yes, so Tafwaki loosened his hold.

32:52The poo-kutty flew down through the hole to the earth. Ever since that day, his nose has been red from Tafwaki's pinching and all his children and children's children have been hatched with crimson noses. Tafwaki climbed the fourth Skyland. Here the thread ended. He looked about him. This Skyland was beautiful, clothed in green forests and dipped with bright flowers. Through the trees, he saw the gleam of water. Listening, he heard the sound of voices. He crept quietly towards the voices. Near the lake, the fairies who had carried off his wife were making a canoe. If I follow these fairies, I shall find my wife, thought Tafwaki, but they must not know me, or they will send me down to earth again.

33:52I will change my form. He stood all back into the forest and softly sang his charm. By the time it was finished, he had the appearance of a poor, miserable old man. No one would have recognised in him the handsome Tafwaki. He walked slowly towards the fairies. Look at that old man, said one, where has he come from? Make him work, said another, he shall carry our axis home. They loaded Tafwaki with axes and he followed them towards their home. What would my people say if they could see their prints carrying tools like a slave, thought? But it is for my wife's sake, for her I will suffer anything. An idea came to him. He called to the fairies. Do you not wait for me? I am old and then it cannot walk fast. I will follow you slowly.

34:53The fairies went on. As soon as they were out of sight, Tafwaki changed himself to his old strength of lune. Running back to the canoe, he worked at it until one side was finished. My work is better than theirs, he said. They may be glad to learn from me. He ran through the forest till he almost reached the fairies, then he returned to the form of the old man carrying axes. At the fairies home he sought his wife. She sat sadly by herself taking no interest in anything. She glanced at the old man following the fairies, but did not recognise him as Kauhwaki. He did not make himself known. I must first finish the canoe, he thought. Early the next morning, the fairies again set off for the forest. Kauhwaki carrying the tools.

35:54When they reached the canoe, the fairies stood lost in astonishment. Who has been working on our canoe? It is half done and so well done, who can it be? Nobody knew and of course nobody suspected the feeble old man. After talking a great deal about it and coming to no solution of the mystery, they set to work, chopping and adzing all through the day. With the evening came Tafwaki did exactly as he had done the night before. The next morning, the other side of the canoe was finished. Tonight we will watch, they said. This was just what Kauhwaki wished. When the evening came, he changed himself into the strong and handsome Kauhwaki, knowing that the fairies were waiting in the forest to surprise him. They came rushing out from behind the trees.

36:56We have found you at last kind worker, they shouted. He turned to face them and they saw it was Tafwaki. Without a word, he set off at a run for his wife's home. The angry puzzled fairies followed him. Some said, he shall not stay, send him back to earth. Others said, let him stay, he can teach us the building of canoes. We can make a sky fairy out of him and his wife will then be happy. They reached the house. Tafwaki ran in and stood before his wife. She knew him now and sprang to meet him. They held each other's hands and showed their joys so plainly that the fairies could not be at a part of them. He shall stay, they agreed, they gave him very power. So he can never die.

37:57Today he lives in happiness with his fairy wife. So powerful has he grown in magic that men hearing his footsteps on the floor of skyland called them thunder and when he lifts his arms lightning flashes from his armpits. End of story 4 Recording by Maria Brock New Zealand Story 5 of Marty Land Fairy Tales by Edith Howe's This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. Story 5, how the moon was made. Long ago, before there was a moon in the sky, there lived two beautiful maidens who loved each other dearly. One was called by a name that meant shining eyes

39:00and the other by a name that meant rippling hair. Shining eyes had heard a great deal about the fire that never goes out. She often talked to rippling hair about it. It is kept in one of the underworlds, she said. Fears, spirits, guard it day and night. If we could bring it away, we could obtain the life that never dies. Think of it, unending life. What a gift that would be to the world. One day she said, will you come with me to look for it? The journey is too dangerous, cried rippling hair. Besides, there are those terrible spirits. We should never return alive. Wait, I have a plan, said shining eyes. We might take a basket of puma ra to the spirits. While they eat the sweet earth fruits,

40:01we can snatch away a fire stick and run off with it. But they would catch us. I think not we are both swift rumours and we should have a good start. Our fathers may not let us go. We need not say where we are going, nor mention the dangers of the journey. It would be enough to say that we wish to take a little trip together. Rippling hair still looked doubtful, but shining eyes took her hands and looked into her eyes. I am going, dear friend, she said. I have thought of it, night and day, until I must go. I cannot give it up. But you do not come if your heart fails you. I do not wish to lead you into danger. Where you shall go, I shall go. You know that, cried rippling hair.

41:01Then come with me to find the fire that never goes out. Last shining eyes. For that is where I am going. I will come, said rippling hair, though she trembled at the thought. Afterwards, when the real dangers came, she forgot her fears and went through everything as bravely as shining eyes herself. They obtained the consent of their parents to leave home, made all their arrangements as if for a short visit to a neighboring village, and started off, taking with them food for themselves on the way, and a basket of pumera for the spirits. At first, the track was pleasant enough. It led over a sunny plain and past, a gently flowing river. But when they came to the dark bushlands, their troubles began.

42:01Every tree and bramble, every bird and insect in the bush, knew why shining eyes and rippling hair were travelling north, and they all tried to turn them back from the death they risked. The tall trees interlocked their boughs to shut out the sun and make the pathway dark. You will lose your way. Turn back before it is too late. They sighed, and many times the two girls lost their way. Turn back before it's too late, said the bramble's the thorny weight-a-bits. They caught the friends holding them with their curved claws and tearing their hands and faces till they bled. Turn back before it's too late. Pipe the birds and insects. They stole what food they could when the maidens were not watching,

43:02so that hunger should drive them back to safety. But shining eyes and rippling hair would not be turned back. Though after many days their sufferings had weakened them so sorely that they fell at the foot of a great tree food, and could not rise, they did not lose heart. All their food was gone, except the basket of kumarap or the spirits. They were foot sore and numb with weariness. But they said, we shall sleep and wake up strengthened. We must not will not give in. From among the fronds of the tree-furned, they kept the kindly faces of watching forest fairies. They heard the brave words and saw the worn-out girls drop off the sleep. Let us help them, said one. The bush has done its best to stop them,

44:04but they will not be stalked. Perhaps their courage will carry them safely to their journey's end. They tripped down from the tree-furn, carrying the sleepers to the fairy palace, and laid them on beds of softest down to dream the night away. In the morning, they brought magic foods and drinks that took away all pain and weariness. The two girls, strong and well once more, went on their way with grateful, happy hearts. Leaving the bush behind, they came into the mountain land. The mountains put forth all their terrors to turn them back from death. Little hills raised themselves into mountains to tie their feet. Mountains stretched themselves almost to the sky. The girls went on as if nothing had happened.

45:07The hills and mountains seeing this fell back again to their old size and the girls climbed over them with ease. Sometimes, great rocks sprang suddenly into their path. Deep clets opened before their feet. Mountain storms rolled about their heads. Once a mountain giant chased them. But they never faltered nor turned back, and it last the mountain said, leave them alone, their courage will carry them safely through to their purpose. They came at last to the end of the land. Below them lay the sea. Above them towered a beautiful tree with crimson flowers. They stood on the edge of the cliff and looked at the twisted roots that led from the tree down the face of the rock

46:08to the beach below. The tree is called spray sprinkled, said shining eyes. Between its lowest roots lies the opening to the underworld. To that higher point above us, come each night the souls of those who have died during the day. There they pause, once to sigh, then filling themselves below to enter that dark underworld. If we can save our friends from death and this sad end, our sufferings on the way have been worthwhile. Through the night they rested. When the morning broke, they descended by the roots and found the opening to the underworld. A narrow passage, dark as night, led into the earth. Trambling, they entered in, broken their slow way with beating hearts.

47:08After a long time, a dream of light shone out in front. They walked faster. Coming to the end of the passage, they peaked out. Before them lay a wide open plane, lit by a fire made of three sticks crossed. In front of the fire, set three first old spirits. The fire that never goes out, whispered shining eyes. Give me the Kumara. Silently as they could, the girls approached the fire. But the spirits heard their steps. What a... They shrieked, starting up in anger. Shining eyes held out the basket of Kumara. See? She said. We have brought you these earth fruits. You have none so sweet down here. Astonished at her boldness, the spirits took the Kumara

48:09and crowded ground to taste them. Steoping, shining eyes, snatched a fire stick from the ground and flew with rippling hair towards the entrance to the passage. They had almost reached the entrance when screams of rage behind them told them that their trick was discovered. Quick, oh quick! Breathe, shining eyes. Up the long passage, now lit by the fire stick, they fled with desperate swiftness. Behind them came the spirits, gaining on them with every step. If only we can keep the lead till we reach the opening, painted rippling hair in front. Ah, here it is, we are saved! She sprained through the opening, turned and grasped her friend's hand to pull his throat. But at that moment, one of the spirits reached shining eyes

49:10and seized her heel. I am held, gasped, shining eyes. She struggled wildly while rippling hair pulled with all her strength. They could not free her heel. Drop the fire stick and give me both hands. Rippling hair whispered, drop it, or you'll be pulled back, and that means death. I will not lose it. It is an ending life, cried shining eyes. With one tremendous effort, she hurled it far into the sky, seizing the freed hand, rippling hair, jerked her friend out of the spirit's grasp, onto the sandy beach, above the opening. The spirits did not come above the ground. They fled back through the passage, screaming with rage at the loss of their cherished stick.

50:11The girls lay panting on the beach, their eyes directed to the flaming stick. From where shining eyes had flung it, it world higher, and yet higher, faster, and faster, until it world itself into a ball. Brangi looked down and saw it coming. He put out his hand and caught it, and fitted it into a niche in the sky. Calling the North Wind, he gave him a message for the girls. Tell them, he said, that unending life is not for the people of the earth. But tell them also that their brain, deed, is not lost. For the fire that never goes out, shall stay in the sky, to give light when the sun is away. Through it, I can look down upon the earth mother at night. By its light,

51:11men shall see to walk when otherwise it would be dark. Let the maidens return to their homes, knowing that, forever, men will bless them for the good deed they have done. The girls listened to the message and were comforted for the loss of the stick. They retraced their steps, arriving home in safety, to relate their doings to their friends. The people were astonished, but they saw the new great light in the sky, so they believed the girls and loved them for their noble courage. And the great light still shines on in the sky. Men call it the moon. In the story five, recording by Maria Brooke New Zealand,

52:11Story six of Marieland Fairy Tales, by Edith House. This is a Libravox recording, all Libravox recordings are in the public domain. Story six, Brother and Sister. Rupert and Hina were brother and sister, but they loved each other with a love greater than that of most brothers and sisters. So close was the bond between them, that they were scarcely happy except went together. One day, Hina fell into the sea and was carried out by the tide. Fortunately, she wore a magic girdle. This protected her from death, but she went floating out over the horizon, miles away from her home and parents and the loved brother. Nobody had seen her for. When she was missed,

53:12there was a grief-stricken search. No trace of her could be found. She must be dead, her friends whispered. Rupert overheard them. She is not dead. He cried. Something in my heart tells me she is not dead. I go to find her. He set off, traveling from one end of the land to the other, seeking her. Four months, for over a year, he sought her proglously. In the meantime, she was floating, drifting through the sea, upborn by the waves, saved by the magic girdle from every death that threatened her. In her slow progress, little seaweed tendrils clasped themselves about her. Pink-tipped barnacles attached themselves to her. For many months,

54:12she floated on. Till at last, she was thrown up by the surf, on the sandy beach of a little island. There she lay, helpless and unconscious, from her long voyage in the water. The people of the island found her. Tukurin gently scraped off the sea things that still clung to her, and showed her every kindness. After a while, the king purred of her, and was so chound with her sweetness and beauty that he took her to live in his royal home. And so a year passed by. Just at this time, Pink-tipped gave up seeking for her on the land. I will go to Rehua, he said. Repeating a powerful spell, he changed himself into a pigeon. He had a long,

55:12weary flight before him to the highest sky land. For this was where Rehua lived. Rehua was the greatest of all sky fairies. He knew everything. He would surely know where he was. Soaring bravely, brute-bed mounted higher and higher, his love for his sister, upholding his tiring wings. Up he went through the great sun-filled spaces, till he reached the first sky land. From that, to the second, the third, the fourth, onto the tenth. At last, he stood before Rehua. Merma's concerning you have risen to me from a little island in the sea. Was Rehua's answer to the question Rupé put to him. He pointed out the island in the world that lay so far below.

56:14Back to the earth, straight as a stone in his course for the little island, Rupé took his downward flight. A lighting at Hiener's dwelling place, he flew to her window-cell, there he waited to be seen by her. Some of the kings servants saw him. See, a pigeoned on a cell, they said, one brought a spear and tried to spear him, Rupé turned the spear aside with his bill, so that it broke on the wood of the window-cell. Another brought a noose and tried to snare him, but each time he turned his head aside and the noose fell away. Magic! Pride the servants. A magic bird. We cannot harm him. They told Hiener of the magic visitor. Leave the bird alone. While I look at it, she said, long and earnestly she looked.

57:14It is my brother. She cried at last. It is Rupé. Taking again his natural shape, Rupé embraced his long lost sister, telling her the story of his weary search for her. In return, she told him of her strange voyage, and her life on this far island, where king and people were all kindness to her. Come with me to the tenth skyland where Rehu lives, said Rupé. There is brightness such as never-glows on this low earth. There is beauty, there is joy. There we may live together all our lives. I will come, said Hiener. By spells, Rupé changed their shapes to those of pigeons. Together, they flew through the upper sunlit spaces till they reached the

58:14tenth skyland. There, with Oréhuah, they spent together their happy days. End of story 6. Recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 7 of Mauryland Fairytales by Edith Hals. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. Story 7. The Seaking's Victory. The Seaking in his palace under the water, heard the sound of bitter weeping on the shore. Somebody is in trouble, he said. I must see what is the matter. He changed himself into a fish way up to the shore to look.

59:14A woman walked along the beach whaling loudly. Why do you weep? Ask the Seaking. The woman stopped, looked into the water and saw the fish. And guessed that he must be the king. I weep because I have lost my husband. She replied. We quarreled and he left me. He's now in the next village. While we quarreled, I hardly know. For indeed, we love one another. I have been to the village to beg him to come back to me. He would have come, but his friends laughed at him for yielding. So I return alone and sorrowful. She told her tale with such heart-broken words that the Seaking's pity rose on her behalf. I will send a message to the village.

1:00:14Maybe your husband will soon return to you. He said, go quietly home and await events. The wife went home, not much comforted. She was doubtful of the Seaking's power on land. The Seaking himself had no doubts. He called the Seagull. Go to the village nearby, he said, and tell the people to restore the husband to the wife. Say that I, the Seaking, command it. The Seagull flew with the message. Restore the husband to the wife. She called from the walls surrounding the path. It is the great Seaking who sends the word. The Seaking, who obeys him, laughed the villagers. Go back, tell your Seaking that the

1:01:15husband stays with us as long as we desire it. The goal returned with the insulting message. The Seaking was pale with anger. They dare to laugh at me, and doubt my power. He cried, they shall pay for this. I will teach them to obey. From his palace, he sent a summons to all the fighting fish. Begin little to come to his aid. They crowded round his palace in their smooth grey coats, which in those days were one and all alike. Sold, your fish, said the King. Your help is needed. Sharpen your teeth, and polish your skins this night. For in the morning, we go to battle with men.

1:02:15On land, my power has been insulted. The fish spent the night in polishing their already shining skins and sharpening their teeth, and the spines of their fins and tails. In the morning, they swam in ranks before the palace doors, ready for the fight. The Seaking swam out, changed to the likeness of the biggest fish of all. Placing himself at their head, he led them to the battle. Below the sea, they swam in their hundreds of thousands, rising to the surface as they neared the shore. Scramble up the beach, they marched across the country to the par. The people of the par, seeing them coming, ran out to watch this strange army. Fish, marching on dry land.

1:03:17Quartered, drove, they said, whoever saw its life before. One man wiser than his fellows shouted, it is the Seaking's army. This is no joke, but grim war. Remember, we laughed at the Seaking's power, to your houses, for your spears and axes. Someone cried, but fish cannot fight with men. We must destroy this army, or it will destroy us, replied the first. The men ran to their houses, caught up their spears and axes, and came out to fight the fish. Now began the strangest battle ever seen. Over the wall of the par, slid the great fish army, rank on rank, column after column, until the ground between the houses,

1:04:17was covered with their moving bodies. The men speared and hacked, and cut at the fish, while the fish port fiercely was sharp teeth, and spiked fins, and flapping tails, or through the men by riggling with polished skins beneath their feet. The battle raged all day, the men fought for supremacy, but the numbers and the courage of the fish wore them out. When evening came, on all sides, men lay wounded and beaten. The fish army had won. The Seaking stood high in his kingly shape again, looking down on the beaten men. You will send back the husband to the wife. Who commanded?

1:05:17Yes, they answered. You will never again laugh at my power on land. No! That is well. Be the husband, stand before me. The husband came. Back to your wife, quarrel no more. Treat her kindly, and be happy, said the king. Without a word, the husband turned and went home to his wife, for happily ever after. The Seaking led his victorious army back to his sea palace. You have done no glee, he said. Ask me,

1:06:17what will you do? And if it is mine to give? You shall have it. One by one, their requests were granted. Most of them had seen strange sights upon the land, colours and forms, such as were never seen below the sea. From these they chose their gifts. A cod had gazed upon the gorgeous colours of the sunset, and asked for these upon its back. The Seaking had gone on the sea, and the sea was on its back. Another preferred to wear the soft blue of the summer day. One had seen a boy's kite, and wished to resemble its shape. That is why today, the skate is broad and flat. One wished to be red-like blood,

1:07:17and to be able to groan like a wounded man. And so you may always hear the gernet groan when it is caught. One asked that a spear might be fixed at the end of its nose. To this day he carries it there, and men call him the guardfish. So in turn, every soldier, one, what he most desired. This is how the fish obtained their varying shapes and colours. These are their rewards for bravery. End of Story 7. Recording by Maria Brooke. New Zealand. Story 8 of Marieland Fairy Tales by Edith Hous. This is a Libravox Recording. All Libravox Recording are in the public domain. Story 8. The Magicians Magic.

1:08:19Rua Rangis, his wife was so beautiful that the fairy king fell in love with her and carried her off to his fairy city. There he set a charm that caused her to forget her former life, her husband, and her home. When Rua Rangis came home at night to find his house empty, his beloved wife gone, his grief was terrible. After a fruitless search, he went to a magician. Find out where my wife is, he begged. What will you give me for my services? Ask the magician. Half my crop of sweet potatoes? Good. I will find her. He made his magic ring and looked through his magic eyes. Your wife is in the city of the fairy king. He said it last. Fairy king was so beautiful that he was so beautiful.

1:09:19Fairy king has set a charm to make her forget you and her own. You must go to the fairy city for her. I will say a spell that will cause her to remember everything when you appear. He said the spell. When he had finished, he said, take red ochre with you to rub on your wife's skin. The fairies will then be powerless to touch her. Rururangi set off, taking red ochre with him. After many days of travelling, he reached the fairy city. A quaint cluster of peaked houses built on a flat toped hill. He climbed the hill and walked through the city. But houses and streets were empty. Not a fairy was to be seen. On the next hill, sports were being held. Everybody from the fairy city had gone to see them. Rururangi's beautiful wife walked on the sports ground

1:10:19with the fairy king. Watching with idolise, the racing, jumping and throwing of the fairy people. Suddenly, as Rururangi's foot touched the empty fairy city on the next hill, the fairy king had gone to see them. The empty fairy city on the neighbour hill, the magician spill, did its work, in a flash, her memory came back. My husband, my Rururangi, she thought, what magic has bound me? I must escape! Two fairies wrestled on the course. The king and all his people watched with eager interest. She said to the king, he nodded permission, his eyes on the performers. She turned and walked downhill, stopping at a moment to speak to the king's brothers. Once out of sight,

1:11:20she hurried on, meaning to escape, passing through the fairy city, she met her husband looking for her. Rururangi, my husband, take me home! Rururangi's heart sang for joy. He rubbed red ochre on her face and neck, that no fairy spell should overtake her. Then he took her home. When they reached their country, a great feast of welcome was given by their friends, for joy at their safe return. On the sports ground, the fairy king waited for Rururangi's wife. When she did not return, he said to messenger for her. The messenger brought word that she had gone on to the city. It is well, said the king. She rests. She has but mortals strength. When the sports were over, the fairies all went home, but she was not in the city.

1:12:20No clue was left, but the prince, the footsteps down the hill. The king examined the footprints. They are those of Rururangi and his wife, he cried. He has dared to enter my city, and take her from me. He shall be punished. She shall return. Bring the army together with all speed. In three days, we march on Rururangi's city. For two days, the fairy army prepared their weapons and exercised themselves. On the third day, they marched for Rururangi's home, the fairy king at their head. Through the land, the alarm was spread by swift-footed messengers. The fairy king draws near with his army. Prepare for war. Rururangi commanded. There is no need, said the magician.

1:13:20There is a better way. Tell us, said Rururangi. What shall I receive for help you? The other half of my crop of sweet potatoes. Good, then listen to my words. You cannot fight the fairies. Their magic power would render you defenseless. But there are two things against which they have no power. Redoka and the steam of cooked food. Smear yourselves, your fences and your houses with redoka. Cook food, and set its steaming on your posts and roofs. Thus the fairy army will possess no power to harm you or your homes. The people listened and obeyed the words of the magician. While the men rubbed redoka over everything, the women cooked great quantities of food

1:14:20and set its steaming on the posts and roofs. With a loud battle cry, the fairy army drew up in front of the waiting city. A gust of hot steam answered them. The crimson glow of redoka flashed on their dismayed eyes. Oh, magic! They cried in consternation. They turned to fly. The fairy king stood forth and called them to endure it. I will overpower their magic, he said. Standing in front of his army, he began to chant an incantation that should remove the paint and food. His fairies, listening, took courage to endure the horrid blow and the stifling steam. But the magician, hearing the king's words, sprang to the gateway of the city. And chanted a spell to make the paint and food remain. More and more loudly they sang, each trying to outchant the other.

1:15:20Meanwhile, the paint and food did not move. A sign that the magician's power was stronger than the kings. At last, the fairy king realised that he was beaten. Turning, he gave orders to the king. The king was a little bit more powerful than the king. Turning, he gave orders for retreat. The fairy army marched away, never to return. Bruerani and his beautiful wife were saved by the magician's magic. End of story 8, Recording by Maria Brock, New Zealand. Story 9 of Marie-Len Fairy Tales by Edith Hous. This is a liver of ox recording. All liver of ox recordings are in the public domain. Story 9, Maui.

1:16:20When he was a baby, Maui was lost on the seashore. But though lost, he was not harmed. For the sea creatures took care of him. Little waves rocked him to and fro. Jellyfish made a soft bid for him. Seaweeds floated above his limbs to shelter him. Beach winds cruned like cradle songs to lull him off to sleep. He slept happily, till hungry sea birds spied him. With their cruel eyes and strong hooked beaks, they gathered round him, eager for a feast. The seaweeds tossed themselves above him as protection. But the birds would certainly have devoured him, had not runny, looked down from the sky and observed his danger. He called to the mountains. Lift that child from the sea and hand him up to me.

1:17:22The mountains stooped, lifted Maui from his dangerous bed, and held him high as they could reach. Rangi stretched down his arms, took the little baby and lifts him into the sky. The disappointed sea birds flew away, and the kindly jellyfish and seaweeds were at liberty once more to float about on their own important business. In the skyland, Maui lived with Rangi till he was 12 years old. The life was very different from that which he would have lived amongst his brothers on the earth. Sky foods and cloud beds, sky games and sky work made a most unusual boy of him. Best of all, Rangi taught him magic. Through his magic lessons, Maui learned how to lift with ease

1:18:23I think a hundred times as big as himself. How to stretch a few feet of any substance so far that the further end became invisible. How to make himself invisible. How to change himself into any bird or animal he wished. Rangi taught him also many new ways of making ropes and fish hooks, spears and axes. Better ways than any earth man knew, Maui looked down at the earth and saw his brothers at play. May I not go to them? He asked Rangi. With them is my real home? Go down if you wish, replied Rangi. I would not keep you here if you prefer a life on earth. But promise me first to teach your brothers the useful lessons

1:19:24I have taught you. Maui gladly promised. He said goodbye to Rangi and was gently lowered to the beach by his mother's house. There his brothers were playing. He joined in their game, but they all stopped to stare at the strange boy. Who are you? One of the masters. I am your brother, he answered. They would not believe him. We have no brother, they said. They ran to the house and told their mother that a strange boy calling himself their brother had come to play with them. She hurried out to question him. I am your little boy, he said. I was lost on the seashore and have lived with Rangi ever since. His mother believed him and took him into the house. She kissed him and told his brothers to be kind to him. So Maui lived at home.

1:20:25He taught his brothers the useful arts that Rangi had taught him. And he kept them amused by his marvelous tricks. At first they were jealous of their mother's love for her recovered son. They were inclined to quarrel and be spiteful. But he showed them his magical powers and so won their admiration. He pulled a whale onto the beach, using only one hand in the effort. He changed himself into all the different birds, one after the other. He made himself invisible. Ord by his strange powers, his brothers ceased their persecution. When he was grown up, he wandered around the village one night and put out all the fires. This was a serious matter for the secret of making fire had long been lost.

1:21:28For many years the fires had never been allowed to die out. Now they were gone and nobody knew how to start another. In the morning the people cried out in dismay. Some enemy has entered the park and served us this ill turn they lamented. How shall we warm ourselves and cook our food? This was the opportunity Maui had been seeking. See how helpless we are when our fires go out he said, what we need is the secret of making fire. I will go to the fire goddess for this secret. The people exclaimed in horror at his daring. His mother begged him not to expose himself to such danger. But Maui would go. He went gale through the dreary dark passages that led below the earth to the cave of the fire goddess.

1:22:32Our fires on earth are out he said to her, I have come to you for help. The fire goddess pulled fire from one of her fingertips, lit a stick with it and gave a stick to Maui. He set off the home but he was not satisfied. This will start our fires he thought, but it will not teach us how to kindle fire. It's not what we need. Coming to a pool of water he purposely dropped the flaming stick in it. The fire went out and he carried the stick back to the fire goddess. See he said, I dropped the stick in the water. Please give me another. The fire goddess drew fire from her next fingertip, lit another stick and handed it to Maui. Still disappointed, Maui treated this second stick as he had treated the first.

1:23:33Nine times he came back and nine times the fire goddess, unusually patient, drew fresh fire from a fingertip. But at the tenth request, Maui woke up to the fact that Maui was tricking her, that he was, in fact, trying to take all her fire from her in order to discover how she set to work to make new flame. Angry at his presumption, she dashed the tenth fire on the ground. From where it fell, a burst of fierce flame sprang. In a moment, the whole place was ablaze. Maui fled the raging goddess after him. Faster than the goddess came the fire. It roared through the passage, coming out to the earth close behind him. The surrounding forest caught, and Maui was soon breathed in flames.

1:24:36Speed could not save him. For the fire was ahead. He must use his magic. He changed himself into a hawk, and flew high above the flames. But the air above the fire was unbearably hot. Looking down, he saw a pool of water. I will cool myself there, he thought. He dived into the pool, but to his horror, he found the water boiling with the heat of the fire. He rose hurriedly again into the air. As far as he could see on every side, the land was on fire. Even the sea was boiling with the heat. What to do, he could not think, nor how to save his mother's house and all the houses of the path. His own life too was in danger. He felt he could not bear the heat much longer.

1:25:39Suddenly he remembered Rangi. He cried to him for help. SEND RANE, he begged. Rangi heard the cry, saw Maui's danger, and sent rain at once. But the fire was so great that the rain could not quench it. So he gathered all the rain clouds and storms of the sky and sent down a deluge that made a flood. That put the fire out. Hire and hire rose the flood. Till the fire got us, was thoroughly soaked and had almost drowned. She fled in terror to her cave. All her fire was lost, except some sparks, which she threw into the tops of the tallest trees. Maui was saved. He went home and related his adventures.

1:26:39His people had been terracedrykin at the sight of the great fire and the flood, and were rejoiced to welcome him. But where is the fire? He went to find, asked his mother. It is in the tops of some trees, said Maui. He climbed the trees and broke off small, dried branches. He rubbed the branches one upon the other, till sparks flew out. He caught the sparks in twigs and blew them into flame. He had found the secret of making fire. Ever since, his people had made their fires from the branches of these trees. End of story 9 Recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 10 of Marieland Fairy Tales by Edith Hous.

1:27:43This is a liberal box recording, all liberal box recordings are in the public domain. Story 10, more about Maui. Maui had a grandmother, a strange old magic woman, whose bones worked in sharpness. He visited her and asked her to give him one of these bones. She slipped out her jawbone from its place and presented it to him. He returned home delighted for now his magic powers would become greater than ever. It was summertime, and the days were burning hot. The people grumbled at the sun. He's too fiery, they said. The women said, he travels so fast through the sky that darkness comes before our work is finished. Ah, thought Maui. The magic jawbone shall help me now.

1:28:45He said to his brothers, come, we shall force the sun to move more slowly. Everybody laughed at such a wild idea. The brothers were afraid to go, but Maui spoke of the magic bone and persuaded them to trust his power and help him. For the next few weeks, he and his brothers were busy men, twisting ropes stronger, longer and thicker than any scene on Earth before. Maui sang a spell over them to make them proof against the power of the sun. When the ropes were finished, the men set out for the edge of the world. They travelled by mic, resting in the shadow of the bush by day, so that the sun should not see them and guess their intention. When they reached the edge of the world, they lay down to wait for the dawn. Maui gave his orders.

1:29:46When the sun begins to rise above the edge, fling the ropes over him, then hold him firmly while I beat him. Presently, morning broke and the sun came rushing up to his day's work. Wait till we get to see the middle of him, with Spid Maui. Now, as a round body came into full view, they threw the ropes and caught the sun fast. He struggled, he panted, he roared, he threatened Maui with every penalty he could remember. But Maui only laughed, and the ropes held fast. Then Maui beat him with the magic drawbone till he was so flattened out, and his rays so scattered that he has never been able to scorch the world as he did before. When the beating was over, and the sun was whining for mercy,

1:30:47Maui tied the ends of the ropes firmly to the edge of the world. You must move slowly in future, he said, for you are tied to the earth. The day will be longer now. Maui and his brothers returned home, well pleased with their work. On a cloudy day, the ropes may still be seen, stretching from the earth upward to the sun. Anyone not knowing the story, might mistake them for long beams of light, but in reality they are the magic ropes, the signs of Maui's mastery over the sun. Strange to say, the brothers began to fear Maui. They were afraid that someday he might turn his magic against them. When they could, they made their excursions without him. One day when going fishing, they refused to take him in the boat.

1:31:47He allowed them to start without him, then changed himself into a bird and overtook them. Rho far out, he commanded as he seated himself in the boat. Why should we? This is our usual fishing place. The brothers were frightened and uneasy at finding that they could not escape from Maui. Maui said, one reason for going further out is that you will catch more fish if you do. How do you know that? Do I not know many things that you have never learned? Ask Maui impatiently. That is true, said one of the brothers. Perhaps it is best to go. They rode farther out to Maui said, stop, let down your lines. In a few minutes they caught so many fish that the boat was heavily laden.

1:32:49We have enough, said one. Let us go home. I have my fishing to do yet, said Maui. For that you must throw further out. The boat is full already, said his brothers. Besides, it is not safe to go out of sight of land. You know it is safe while I am with you. Answered Maui. Indeed if you look, you will see that we are already out of sight of land. The brothers looked to their horror. They saw that the land was gone. Maui, using his magic power, had stretched out the sea until the other end could not be seen. He laughed at their terrified faces. You need not be afraid, he said, no harm will come to you. If you obey me, the brothers realised that he had the power

1:33:50that must be obeyed. They rode out to see, further and further, until he gave the order to cease rowing. Here I will do my fishing, he said, he had carved a fishhook from the Magic Drobot. Thus he carefully fixed to his line. Dropping it into the water, he fished till the pull on the line told him that something was caught. It was no ordinary fish. The weight was tremendous. Human strength alone could not pull it up. Nothing but magic power could move it. Maui grasped the line with both strong hands, leaned over the edge of the boat and sang a spell to help the Magic Fishhook. Slowly, inch by inch, he gathered in the line, chanting more and more loudly to make the great weight rise.

1:34:53The line came in now more quickly. The water began to hiss and bubble and boil. The boat healed over to one side. Be careful Maui. Be careful! His brothers cried. You will drown us all! Maui did not hear them. The great fish was rising, rising, it came to the top. The boat rose on its back. It was an island from the bottom of the sea that Maui had fished up. The brothers sat in stupified amazement, gazed at the land on which their boat now lay. Maui said, This great fish is ours. By and by we shall divide it and each brother shall have his share. But first, I must go to the sea king to take him a peace offering, he may not be angry with us for bringing his fish to the surface of the sea.

1:35:54While I am away be patient. Do not touch the island with your axes until the sea king is appeased and I return. He left them. Almost as soon as he had gone, those foolish brothers forgot his words. They scored upon the surface of the island with their axes. Each one saying, I will have this portion, I will have that. Now the island was still half fish. At the touch of the axes, it tossed its head, lashed its tail, wreathed from side to side, until its surface was raised and dented in a hundred places. When Maui returned, he found mountains and valleys before the island had been flat, foolish ones. You have spooked my beautiful, smooth island, was all he said.

1:36:55He was a good-natured brother. He dragged the boat down to the water and they all went home. Later, they took seeds and plants to the island and some of the brothers went to live on it. Maui was troubled over the death of friends. Is there no way of finding out whether men may not live forever? He asked his father. His father replied, where the horizon meets the sky lies in it. The giant goddess of death. If any man safely enter her and touch her heart, she would die and men would live forever. But she is so terrible that no man dare go near her. What does she like? Ask Maui. Her body is that of a giant. Her hair is like tangled seaweed. Her mouth is like that of a shark.

1:37:57From her red eyes comes swift, lightening flashes. She is fierce and cruel beyond all telling. I will go to her to win eternal life for the world. Said Maui. No, said his father. His mother said, death waits you there. Something tells me that if you go, I shall never see you again. Do not go. Maui would not be displayed. Have I not beaten the sun? He asked. Have I not fished up a great island to be home for men? My magic shall protect me. I will go. He tried to find companions for his journey, but everybody was afraid. Even his brothers, though they knew his powers, would not face the dreadful goddess. At last he set forth a line. Then the birds who loved him gathered around to keep him company.

1:39:00They hopped and fluttered beside him on the track, cheering him with their merry talk and sweet bush songs. At the end of their long journey, they came on Hine, fast asleep. Silence now, Maui whispered to his little friends. I shall jump down her throat as she lies there with her mouth so widely open. If you wish to preserve my life, utter no sound to wake in her till I return. The birds promised him whispers to be silent as the grave. Maui threw off his cloak and ran back for his spring. He ran swiftly forward, leapt and a lighted in Hine's throat. He did not slip through quite as easily as he expected. For a moment his legs dangled outside in the most comical manner. The birds tried to stifle their laughter,

1:40:01but a little wagtail could not keep it in. She laughed out merrily and so said the others laughing. In an instant Hine woke, shut her great teeth together and killed Paul Maui. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear! Scream the terrified birds. They flew off to take the sad tidings to Maui's mother and father. The remorse for wagtail hid herself in misery, but the North West Wind found her out and learned from her what she had done. He flew to Rangi with the news of Maui's death. Tell Hine to give up his spirit to me, said Rangi. She has his body, but his soul must come to Skyland. The wind delivered the message and Hine had to give up Maui's soul. So Maui went to live again in a sky, and there he has lived ever since. When the nights of dark, the earth men say,

1:41:04Maui is doing that. He has put his hand over the moon to tease us here below. End of story 10 Recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 11 of Maureen Land Fairy Tales by Edith Hous. This is a liver box recording. All liver box recordings are in the public domain. Story 11, The King and the Fairies. On Maui's island, many years after it was fished up from the bottom of the sea, and when the forests had grown and the land was people, then lived the King who was good to his subjects, and thought constantly of their welfare. Of the shores of the island, fish were plentiful. Shull after shull, swam past the headlands.

1:42:07Millions crowded up the rivers. Through the long summer, the people fished, the fish that were not eaten fresh were dried in the sun and strung for winter use. But the only method of catching fish these people knew was that of the line and hook. It was slow work, in spite of numbers of fish, for they could catch only a few at a time. They were forced to see the rest of the shell go by un-court. They often grumbled at the slowness of the work. But they never thought of any better method. The King thought much on the subject, however. One day after listening to the grumbling of his fisherman, he set himself to work to devise some new and better method. He lay awake all night. He spent three days in puzzled thought over the matter,

1:43:10but no plan came to him. At last, tired of trying, he gave it up. I cannot find a new way, he told the fisherman. That night he had a dream. He dreamt that a voice said, Go North! There you shall find what you seek. The dream was so vivid, the voice so real that he could not forget. He told his people about it, saying, I will go North. The people begged him not to go. Dut forests and bitter enemies lie to the North, they said. Besides, a dream may mean nothing. If you must go, we go with you. That cannot be replied the King. You must not leave your homes, undefended.

1:44:13Neither can we allow you to go North undefended, pride his men. The King perceived their earnestness and their love for him. Perhaps, after all, the dream meant nothing, he said. I will wait to see if it comes again. He went hunting and thought no more of the matter. That night, the dream came again. Go North! To find what you seek, the voice said. Go alone and go now. It must mean something thought the King starting up. I will go now while my people are asleep. He threw his beautiful cloak of feathers over his shoulders, found his weapons of the chase, and crept softly past his sleeping people out into the night.

1:45:17I must hasten, he thought, so as to be far away before morning. My people mean kindly, but the voice said, go alone. And alone I will go till I find what I am seeking. He set out full of courage. During the night, he travelled over the country he knew. When they came, he rested or hunted for his food. Each night, he went on again till he reached the dark forest. Here, he travelled by day for fear of lurking enemies. Food was plentiful. He snared or speared wild pigeons and tweez. Court fish in the rivers gathered bramble and fuchsia berries. At last, he came out beyond the forest. Another day's journey brought him to the end of the land.

1:46:20He stood on a low-bushed hill, below, lay a bay with a beach of white sand. Beyond that was the open sea. I cannot go further north, people. Yet where is the thing that I seek? I will wait to see what may happen. He lay down between the bushes and rested, watching. Night came. The drowsy birds went twittering to their nests. The moon rose over the hills. Presently, from far across the sea, floated singing sweeter than any uttered by mortal tongues. Enratchered with the sound, the king sprang up. Round the bed of the bay came a fleet of ferry boats decked with flowers. In the boats, some rowing or singing were troops of ferries.

1:47:25Reaching the beach, the ferries sprang to shore and pulled their boats onto the white sand. Then they dragged something from each boat and threw it into the sea, shouting galley. In with the nests, brothers, this is a good fishing place. Nets, what a way for the king. Something to do with fishing evidently. Ah, this must be what I was sent to see. He crept softly down the side of the hill, keeping in the shadow. As he reached the beach, the ferries drew in the nets and he caught his breath with wonder. The nests of shining silver threads were filled with leaping, flashing fish, cleaning in the mood light by the spangled dancers of the deep. Clear the nets in with them again, crowd the ferries.

1:48:29They gathered the fish and strung them on threads of flax, laughing and chattering and singing all the time. Then into the sea again the nets were cast. The king watched creeping nearer and nearer, but always in the shadow. I must see how these nets are made, he said. At last he stood amongst the ferries, unseen because the moon had slipped behind a cloud. He began to haul at one of the nets, helping the ferries to pull it to the shore. When it came to the land, he seized one end and tried it to see how it was made. The knots were hard to understand. He was still puzzling over them when the ferries said, in with the net again. He had to let it go. He walked to the next net as it came up, but still he could not see how the knots were made.

1:49:31He grew so interested in the nets that he forgot about the moon till suddenly a cry rose from the ferries. And walked to, and walked to as amongst us. He looked up, the cloud had passed, the moon shone full upon him. The ferries were flying in dismay to their boats. They sprang in, pushed off and rode far out to sea, leaving the king alone on the empty beach. He turned sadly surewards. All is lost, he said. I have nothing to take back to my people. A little longer and I should have found the secret of those knots. His foot caught in something, he almost fell. Stooping, he saw to his great joy that a net lay at his feet. In their hurried flight, the ferries had forgotten it. He gathered it up with thankful hands. The voice spoke truly, he whispered.

1:50:34This is indeed what I sought. Now I can teach my people to make nets. When morning dawned, he set off on his homeward journey. At each resting place, he practiced the knots with strips of plex. Until by the time he arrived at home, he was ready to teach his people how to make them. The land was filled with joy at his return. For the people had mourned him as dead. He showed them the net and told of his adventure with the ferries. He taught them the knots. He showed them how to make nets for themselves. Then they all went fishing with their new nets, catching hundreds of fish, where in former times they had caught twos and threes. And storing up a plentiful supply for winter use. So the good king obtained a blessing from his people. To this day, they used the nets he taught them first to make.

1:51:39End of story 11. Recording by Maria Brook, New Zealand. Story 12 of Marie-Learn Fairy Tales. By Edith House. This is a Libra Vox recording. All Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. Story 12. Hachi Paki. Hachi Paki was the youngest of three brothers. Though he was better-led, his brothers were men. They were cruel to him. They beat him and starved him and gave him all the hardest work to do. Once, without hunting, they sneered a great number of twos and wild pigeons. Hachi Paki was ordered to cook some of them for supper and to pot the remainder for winter use. None were given to him. He went hungry to bed.

1:52:39Next day, the elder brothers again went hunting, leaving Hachi Paki with the cab to finish potting the birds. Hachi Paki looked at the food with famished eyes. I will have a feast, he said. Whatever the result may be. He brought out the cooked and potted birds, sat down and fed till he had thoroughly satisfied his ravenous hunger. When he could eat no more, he stepped to work. To make the cab look as if an enemy had broken into it and stole in the food. He knew he'd need expect no mercy from his brothers, if they suspected him. He threw the cooking pots about, knocked several things over, cut himself a little and smeared the blood all over his hands and placed in chest, then lay down and slept. When the brothers returned, they found the camp in confusion, the food gone and Hachi Paki apparently wounded.

1:53:44So many of me has been here, they cried. They ran out to look for the enemy. No sorens in the bush around, no strange foot marks, proclaimed the visitive strangers. Puzzled, they returned. The eldest brother bent to look at Hachi Paki's wounds and it once discovered the trip. He shook the boy, pulled him from the mat on which he lay and pushed him towards the spring. Washed, he said. Hachi Paki tremblingly obeyed. As the blood came off and the brothers saw how they had them deceived, they flew into a fury. You are the enemy, they cried. They beat him so cruelly that his screams rained through the forest. His old grandmother heard him from her body at the edge of the bush. She hurried to the spot to see what was the matter. They came online!

1:54:45She cried to the brothers. They obeyed her because they feared her magic power. They left the boy and slump away to their camp. Or I did they beat you, the grandmother asked. Hachi Paki pulled her about the feast and the trip. For the first time she learned how cruelly his brothers treated him. You must run away from them, she said. Where could I be safe from them, they asked hopelessly. They would find me and punish me more cruelly than ever. I will give you a magic gift, she said. You shall have the power to enter earth or water. What about harm coming to you? Thus you shall escape from your brothers.

1:55:46She gave him the power and returned to her home. Hachi Paki ran into the bush. He ran and walked and ran on again till many miles late between him and his brothers. When darkness fell, he crept into a heap of dry thunders and slept cruelly. Next day he journeyed still further from his brothers, till at last he felt sure he was safe. He was happy at last. He lived by himself in the bush with no one to beat him and revile him. Everything he caught was his own, so he was well dead. Though alone he was free and well-contained. One day while spearing birds with a long sharp pointed stick, another spear crossing his pierced the tree from the other side. He stepped around the trunk to see who was there and found himself confronting unmistwomen.

1:56:50He drew back in fear. He would have flamed but her power held him. Tall as the tree, white and mysterious, she looked down at the lad with dirt-pull eyes. It's a new bird! She said she gave him up in one hand. I will take it home. How to pack his struggle but she helped him fast. I am your bird. I am a bird. He cried. She thought he was back chirping as other birds chirp. She carried him to his home. It was a huge room full of birds. Birds of all kinds appear, kept as pets from bush, river, from sea and lake. They were happy enough for the mistwomen loved them and kept them well fed. But Hockey Pucky, who was not a bird, went death of thought of his lost freedom.

1:57:54It was lost indeed. Four years the mistwomen held him prisoner. Carefully passing the door on the outside every morning when she left the house, shutting it with magic words each night when she returned. She fed him well and petted him, but she would not sit in pre. At last he learned the magic words that unfastened the door. Now he only waited for a chance to escape. He made his plan. Each morning the mistwomen asked, where shall I look for your food today? Over the fatherest ridge of hills are the finest pigeons of Tupati replied this day. I was jamming there. She said, as soon as she was gone, Hockey Pucky opened the door and stepped out,

1:58:56fastening it securely behind him. Gathering twigs he stopped at any hold through which a bird might squeeze, for fear one should fly out and warn the mistwomen. Then he set off running fast for freedom. But he had missed tiny hole in the house. The smallest bird found it squeezed itself through and flew out to warn its mistress for Hockey Pucky's escape. Back over the hills came the mistwomen following fast in Hockey Pucky's track. She soon overtook him, forward every few steps she covered miles. As she reached for him, however, he remembered his grandmother's gift. Hesterly muttering the magic words, he saw the ground open before him.

1:59:58He stepped down, the earth closed again over his head, leaving the mistwomen gazing in the wilderness. He waited below the ground till he thought she must have gone. Then he came up again. But she was still there, watching for him. He had to run to escape her. As she overtook him, he entered the earth again. So the chase went on for hours, until at last she turned home in weariness. He never saw her again. In his flight, he had unconsciously drawn near his old home. When he noticed this, he had a desire to return to it. Now that I am a man, my brothers cannot ill treat me as they did years ago. He went home, but his brothers showed no pleasure at his return.

2:00:59He was too big to be beaten nor star, but they took a delight in quarreling with him and fighting him at every opportunity. He was soon most unhappy. A neighbor said, Our tribe has many enemies. Surely three brothers should fight them rather than one another. The elder brothers were pleased with the idea, for they loved to fight. They gathered together the warriors of the tribe and led them across the lake and over the hills to fight a troublesome tribe who had often harassed them. Hucky Puffy begged for warriors and a place in the canoes, but his brothers refused to listen to him. They set off without him, and he returned home disconsolate. He longed to win a battle for his people, to do something that would give him a place in their steam

2:02:03and his brothers respect. I will go to the fight, he said, If I cannot have men I can at least pretend to have them. He had a plan in his mind. He borrowed 30 clothes, like those warriors wore, together with several gayer ones such as Commander's War. Rolling the clothes into a bundle, he took them on his back and set out. Coming to the lake, he repeated the magic words, stepped into the water and walked across the lake floor, into muscles as he grew hungry on the way. Over the hills, on a little plain beside the bush, he found his brothers and camped with their armies. Walking softly, he crept into the edge of the bush and unrolled the bundle of clothes. Time the bushes, into the shape of men,

2:03:05he dressed them in the warriors' clothes, keeping the richer ones with himself. In a short time, he had the things so well done that at a little distance his bushes looked like men. The enemy came in some way. They showed no fear of the armies on the plane, and the puppy-pucky soon had them secretly terrified of his army. As they approached, he strode out from the bushes, gave orders in a loud voice, disappeared, changed his coat, came out, and gave orders in a change voice. He kept this up for a long time till he had worn all the gay clothes. The enemy thought there were many commanders here, and that therefore there must be a great army, hidden behind the trees. The battle began, Chattupati could not go into the open to fight, but he shouted orders and made a great noise,

2:04:07keeping the fear of his army in the minds of the enemy. The elder brothers were losing the battle, their men were no match for the enemy. At length, they were driven back to the edge of the bush, almost exhausted. On came the enemy. They were now facing Chattupati's army of bushes. They halted. They could only see 30 men as they thought, but Chattupati still shouted orders and different voices behind the trees. How many armies were hidden there? At last, with a shout, their leader rushed forward. Chattupati ran to meet him and was one explode, struck him to the ground. At the sight of their leader, fallen, the terrified enemy turned and fled across the plain. Their ears ringing with the fancy chaps of thousands of hidden warriors.

2:05:07Seeing them run, the elder brothers with their armies turned on them and rode them far across the hills. When they returned, the warriors made speeches, praising Chattupati's cleverness and courage. He shall be our leader, they said, but we will follow none but him. Across the lake, the best place in the largest canoe was kept forth from. When they reached their own country, the warriors spread his fame far and wide. He became the greatest and most powerful man in the land. His brothers did not feel treated now, nor even quarrel with him. He was so kind-hearted that he never punished him for their unkindness to him in his youthful days, but lived in peace with them, happy in position he had won.

2:06:10End of story 12, recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 13 of Marieland Fairy Tales by Edith Hous. This is a Libervox recording, all Libervox recordings are in the public domain. Story 13, The Star Hunt. Mataviki was a Sky Fairy. His duty was to keep his star shining brightly, that it might light up the earth at night. So well did he love his star, and so faithfully did he polish it, that it soon outshone all other stars. This raised fierce jealousy in the hearts of the Sky Fairies. Brighter and brighter grew his star, until even the people on earth began to raise their eyes in admiration. Then Tane grew jealous.

2:07:11He wished the people of the earth to be always praising the beauty of the trees that he had made. In his eyes nothing could compare with him. Yet here were the foolish people, gazing past his trees at Mataviki's star. It will grow dim, said Tane, I will wait. But nightly the star grew brighter, and more beautiful, till all the world was gazing at it. The beauty of the trees was quite forgotten. Tane could bear it no longer. He sent for two of the jealous Sky Fairies. Help me, he said. Together we can catch this troublesome Mataviki, and destroy his star. The jealous Sky Fairies gladly promised their help. The three made plans for catching Mataviki. Wait a few knots, till he has forgotten your visit to me,

2:08:13and has lost any suspicions he may now have, said Tane. Then we will rush out on him and kill him, and take his star and break it. Mataviki, being kind and gentle, had friends as well as enemies. One of his friends was a little lake princess. The calm waters of his home, Mataviki had used as a mirror for his star. The lake princess had been proud to be of service to Mataviki, and the two had become firm friends. The princess, lying still in the soft silence of the night, over her Tane and his friends plotting to kill Mataviki. She at once determined to help him. She called the wind to her side, and told him the plot. We must help Mataviki, she said. What can be done?

2:09:13We are not strong enough to fight against Tane, and the Sky Fairies, said the wind. But we can warn Mataviki, cry the princess. Tomorrow, I will go to Skyland to tell him, be here to help me. In the morning, the princess sent a message to the sun. Help me to rise to Skyland. The sun sent down his strongest beams. The princess rose from her home in the lake, and floated upwards on the golden sunbeams through the air. Light morning mists, wreathed around and hid her form from Tane's eyes. The strong arms of the wind pushed her ever upwards, till she reached the sky. She found Mataviki, told him all the plot against his life and his star,

2:10:14and begged him to hide, until his enemies had forgotten their anger against him. I cannot leave my post, little princess, said Mataviki. My place is here, but I am warned, and ready to fly at any moment to save my star. Go back to your lake, less Tane see you, and work you arm. Take with you the warmest thanks of Mataviki for your friendliness and courage. The princess went home. The clouds sent down a little shower of rain to cover her from Tane's eyes. The wind flew to help her and to hear how she had feared. Three nights later, Tane called on the sky fairies to help him. The three rushed out together to kill Mataviki, but he was warned. At the first sound of their approach, he seized the star in his hand and fled with it.

2:11:17With shouts of rage, the three flew after him, and the wild chase began. Mataviki had the lead. He flew at headlong speed through the great spaces of the sky, winding in and out between the stars, trying to hide behind the moon. Tane rushed after him into his hiding places, just in time to see him escaping in another direction. Sky fairies scattered over the sky, drew back in fear of timing. No one was brave enough to help Mataviki. Round and round the sky, the fierce chase went on. Mataviki was still ahead, but he was growing weary. I must rest, he thought. I will go down to my little princess and hide in her lake. He shot down to the earth. The princess, watching the chase with her heart beating for him, was filled with joy when she saw him take refuge in the lake.

2:12:19Hide there and rest, she said as he sank to the cool valleys below the water. She floated up to a rock to watch less times would come to him. One of the sky fairies had seen Mataviki go down to the lake. He hastened to Tiltane. They all came down to the earth, and found the princess sitting on her rock. Gevo, Mataviki, said Tane. The princess slid into the water out of sight. She would not give up Mataviki, but her fear of Tane would not let her answer him. Mataviki lay quietly at the bottom of the lake, while Tane shouted angrily above it. I will drive him out, said one of the jealous fairies. He flew to the other side of the lake, and sang a magic song to draw the waters to him. In a few minutes, the lake heaped itself up at the end,

2:13:20and Mataviki was left uncovered. Again, he had to rise and flee. He left the earth, once more the chase went on in the sky. Mataviki had rested and could fly faster, while his enemies were growing worried. I shall soon tire them out, and be free, he thought joyfully. Poor Mataviki, he was too hopeful. Tane saw that the race was over. Something must be done at once, he said. We shall never catch him now. Give me something to throw at his star. We may at least break that. He seized the star, and hurled it with all his force. There was a crash, a cry of despair from Mataviki. His splendid star fell in seven pieces. Tane laughed. He picked up the broken pieces,

2:14:21and threw them far into the southern sky. I do not think the earth men will gaze at the wonderful star now, he said. Their eyes will turn again, to the beauty of my trees. The three went away triumphant, leaving Mataviki, gazing, and sad eyes at his broken star. The seven pieces still shine on in the southern sky. First men, point to them and call them little eyes. See, they say, through them, look down the eyes of brave men who have died in battle, upper world. The lake princess still loves to see them shining in the waters of her lake, for they belong to Mataviki, who is her friend. And Mataviki's heart still aches for the lost splendor of his star. End of story 13.

2:15:21Recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 14 of Marieland Fairytales by Edith Hous. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. Story 14. The Pet Whale. Tiniro, the king, lived on an island across the sea. He had a pet whale, which was so tame, he could ride on its back. Summoned by the king's whistle, the whale would swim to the shore to be fed and petted, then off he would bear his master for a merry ride on the sea. Olkaya, a chief from a neighbouring island, came to visit Tiro. He was much interested in the pet whale, and cast covetous eyes upon it. When the time came for him

2:16:21to return to his own island, he refused to go in the canoe. He gave Tiniro plainly to understand that he desired to ride home on the whale. At last Tiniro lent him his pet. Be kind to him, he said, and return him faithfully. As soon as he touches the shore of your island, he will shake himself. You must, at once, jump off, upon the right side, and allow him to return to me. Kaye promised to obey instructions and set out on his homewood voyage. The whale swam carefully through the water. Kaye, high upon its back, enjoying his unusual method of travelling. When they came to shore, and the whale touched the bottom, he shook himself as a sign for Kaye to jump off,

2:17:22but Kaye sat still. Swim further in, he commanded. The whale obeyed his voice. Carefully he swam a little further in, then again stocked and shook himself. Go on, cried Kaye, now quite determined to steal the subedient whale. For the third time, the whale swam, stopped and shook himself. After that no commands moved him, he lay still, afraid of being stranded on the beach. Kaye's people stood on the shore to welcome their chief. Ring ropes, he called to them, hauled the whale to shore. They brought their strongest and longest ropes, and threw them noose over the whale, pulling hard together to haul him to the shore. The whale struggled, and would have escaped, so great was his strength. But in his twisting,

2:18:22his blow-holes became choke with sand. A few spasms and rithings said to sea, and he lay dead. Kaye was disappointed. It was as a living pet that he wished to keep the whale. However, now that the creature was dead, they might as well have a feast, and he said, he gave orders that the whale should be dragged on shore, cut up, and cooked. Fires were made, ovens heated, the flesh was cooked. Everybody on the island was on the shore, feasting for days. Songs were sung, dances danced, stories told. All were married, and Kaye never once remembered to be ashamed of his broken promise to the kindly tinnyro. In the other island, tinnyro waited patiently for his pet. He stays long away, he said.

2:19:22I hope no harm has come to him. On the day the ovens were opened on Kaye's island, a delightful smell of roast whale was born across the sea. Ah! Ah! They eat whale in Kaye's island. Tinnyro remarked, but he could not, would not believe it was his pet. At last, however, passing strangers brought word that it was really Tinnyro's whale that they had eaten on Kaye's island. All the story was told of Kaye's cruelty and theft. The king was filled with wrath. Who will go to punish this false Kaye? He asked. Forty men stood up. We are ready, they said. The wife of one of them sprang forward. Hear me, great tinnyro, she cried. Our husbands go to certain death.

2:20:22For Kaye's army is strong. He will send out a great number against these forty and slay them all. Send us their wives instead. A burst of laughter came from the men, and the woman went on. If women go Kaye will not suspect any harm, he will think we have merely gone on a visit to his island. He will entertain us instead of gathering his army. We shall use our magic to make him fall asleep. And while he sleeps, we shall carry him here to be punished by you. What think you of my plan? It is good if the other wives are willing, replied the king. The other wives came forward till forty of them stood in a row. We are willing, they said. The men were doubtful of the wisdom of allowing women to go on such a dangerous errand,

2:21:25but the wives were determined, and the king approved of the plan. He gave orders that boats should be made ready. The women set out. When they reached Kaye's island, the old chief thinking they had come as visitors, treated them politely. He took them into a great hall. The islanders brought food and made a feast. When the feast was over, stories and songs were given. The evening went merrily. As midnight approached, the forty women began to work their magic, singing charms that threw the people one by one into a heavy sleep. They sang on. Everybody seemed to be asleep but Kaye. Unblinkingly, he stared at them. However strong they made their spells, his eyes remained wide open. One of the women at last suspecting a trick,

2:22:27crept to him and bent low to look at him. With a laugh of triumph, she sprang up again, holding out two shining pieces of polished shell, which she had taken from Kaye's eyes. When he saw his people dropping so suddenly off to sleep, the king had grown suspicious. Taking the round pieces of shell from the wall beside him, he had placed them over his eyes, thinking, the shining of the shells will look like the shining of my eyes. I think I'm watching them and will be afraid to touch me. In reality, he was in a magic sleep as sound as that of any of his people. The women stepped outside and formed a line of twos at equal distances, stretching from the hall to the boats on the beach. Two were left in the hall. When all were ready, these two lifted Kaye and carried him out to the next two. These two carried him to the next two.

2:23:28They in turn passed him on. So he was passed down the whole line, still sleeping his magic sleep. He was placed in one of the boats. The women sprang up, pushed off and rode home. Their husbands met them, pleased that their success and their safe return. Kaye was handed over to Tiniro, who punished him so effectively that he never stole again. End of story 14, recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 15 of Marieland Fairy Tales by Edith Howes. This is the Libravox recording, all Libravox recordings are in the public domain. Story 15 on the Moon. When shining eyes through the fire that never goes out in the sky,

2:24:28it was only a flaming stick. But it grew rounder and wider and cooler until it lasted became a great moon land. It was a wonderland place. Everything gave out a golden light, mountains and lakes, rocks and trees and flowers, and even the walls and spires of a beautiful moon palace that Marama had built. In the palace lived Marama all alone. At first he had been so charmed with his fine new land that he had not noticed the loneliness. But after some time he began to say to himself, Why have I no one to share my work and play? There is no pleasure in playing starboard by myself, and I am tired of singing with no one to listen. Oh, for a companion! He asked the sky fairies to live with him,

2:25:28but they refused. They had their stars to guard. He looked down on the earth. A beautiful girl with a calabash in her hand walked to a stream at the foot of a hill for water. A young man ran down the hill after her. Ina, Ina, he called. It was her old playmate, the friend she loved better than anybody else. She waited for him. They went to the stream together and Marama watched the return. Several times the girl's face was turned upwards to the moon. Each time Marama thought it was more beautiful. All the next day he could think of nothing else. She would never leave her old playmate in her home, he thought, and yet she is the companion I desire. What a sweet friend she would be. When the night came again, he watched for Ina.

2:26:28Down the hill she came as before, her calabash in her hand. Her playmate had not yet appeared. She waited for him. I will go down. She shall return with me, said Marama suddenly. In a flash he stood before her. At first his brightness dazzled her, but little by little she looked at him and saw that he was a stranger. I am Marama, he said. I have come to ask you to live with me on the moon. It is a beautiful life, and I will be kind to you. Come. Ina drew back. I cannot leave my parents and my home, she said. I should be most unhappy. You will soon forget them, on the moon you will have other joys. But I do not want to forget them, and I have a friend,

2:27:29but I will not come. Think how lonely I am up there, urge Marama. Ina, you will never grow old in the sky. For I will take you to Bay's in Tarnes shining lake, which gives perpetual youth and beauty. Come with me. No, said Ina, no, no. Marama flung his arm around her and lifted her from the ground. She screamed, caught a young palm tree with her hands, and clung to it with all her strength. Gently but surely, Marama lifted her, dragging the palm tree out by the roots, and carried her up to his moon land. Plant the palm tree here, he said as he set her down. It will always remind you of your Earth home. They planted the tree on the edge of the moon, placing the Calabash beside it.

2:28:29Come and see your new home, said Marama. He led her proudly over his palace and its gardens. She was dazed with her quick flight and the brightness all around her, but she could not help seeing the beauty of the moon land. Everything was new and strange. It took her many days and nights to learn to work and play as they worked and played in Skyland, but Marama taught her gently and they were soon the best of friends. She learnt to make fine curtains from the fleecey morning clouds and to throw them across the sky till they hung like lacework over the blue. In times of storm, she rolled the thunder clouds. Morning and night, she painted the domed sky roof with crimson and purple and gold. She kept the inside of the moon's palace bright and beautiful as Marama kept the outside, for she grew to love her home.

2:29:32When the day was over, came the time for play. Then Marama and Ena danced and sang, played with the stars, rode on the moonlit clouds, paid flying visits to Rangi or the fairies. Every month, they bathed in tarnas shining lake so that they should never grow old, but should forever remain young and gay and beautiful. But although Ena was so happy and although she had learned to love Marama and to her moon home, she would never forget her old life as Marama hoped she would. Deep in her heart, lay the memory of her parents and her friend. Often, when the earth lay lit beneath the moon, she would stand for hours under her palm tree, trying to see the hill and her friends. Until she had bathed in tarnas lake,

2:30:32she could not distinguish objects at such a great distance. After that, however, she found that she could see perfectly. Now, when she looked down, she saw her old playmate traveling wearily over the land in search of her, while her mother sat in the doorway wailing for her lost child. Full of pity for her sorrowing friends, Ena flew to Marama. Marama, she said, my mother weeps for me and my friend roams the country in search of me. Look on the earth and you will see their sadness. Marama looked below. If my old playmate could see how happy I am, he would be pleased she went on. Bring him here for a visit Marama that he may ease my mother's heart on his return. It is well said,

2:31:33I will bring him here, said Marama. He flashed down to the earth, seized the young man in his arms and carried him up to the moon. Ena stood awaiting them. A astonishment and joy shone in her old friends eyes as he stared at her. Ena told him what had happened to her on that night when she disappeared from the hillside, and he told her how her friends had sorrowed for her ever since. Ena showed him the wonders of the moon land and talked of her great happiness in living there. I can never come back to earth, she said, for I have bathed in Tarnas Lake, but you must not think I am unhappy here. Indeed, I would not return to the earth if I could. The pleasures of this life are so great. Stay with us for a little while that you may see what happiness is mine.

2:32:35He stayed with them, and they taught him the work and the play of the sky. When it was time for him to return, Ena said, tell my mother and my friends what you have seen that they might not sorrow for me any longer. She called the rainbow, charging it to carry her old playmate safely to the earth. The rainbow hung over the earth. Ena said farewell to her friend, and he slid down the shining bow to the hillside. When he told Ena's mother of her daughter's new life and great happiness, she dried her tears and rejoiced. As each night fell, and the moon rose high in the sky, the earth friend spoke of Ena and Marama and the wonders of their moon land home. Ena was satisfied, but she had never lost her love for her old earth home. Even now, when the moon is clear of clouds,

2:33:37you may see her grazing earthwood, the tall palm tree above her head, and the calabash at her feet. That is what you see if you look hard at the moon when it is at the fall. End of story 15 Recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 16 of Marieland Fairy Tales by Eda Tows. This is a Librevox recording, or Librevox recordings are in the public domain. Story 16, the wooden head. In his tower on a high hill who are at the wicked magician, kept a monstrous wooden head. The head was served by thousands of invisible genie, who sailed forth at its commands to work its evil will.

2:34:37Who had rats as power grew, he had only to cry. Strangers pass! To draw a shout so loud and terrible from the wooden head that all travellers within sound of it dropped dead. The forest was strewn with the bones of those who had perished. The hill became a noted danger spot, a menace to the country. Far and wide, Pura Rata was hated and his power dreaded. Parties of brave warriors left their homes to creep up the hill and surprised the old magician and so put an end to the terror. But the invisible genie in the forest saw them and warned their master. Then the great shout rang forth and the warriors fell dead. The people of the sped, at last they begged help from Hakaow, a powerful sorcerer who used his art for good. Read us of this terror they urged.

2:35:38Hakaow considered. I will dream over it, he said. Tomorrow I will tell you whether it will be well for me to go. He called his genie round him, utter spells, slept and dreamed. In his dream, he saw his genie driving Pura Rata's genie before them. It is well, he said when he woke. I shall destroy Pura Rata's power. Taking with him a brave and trusted friend, he set off for Pura Rata's health. The people in the villages they passed came out to bring them food and cheer them on their dangerous way. Some said, you go to death. Pura Rata is too strong. Stay here. I tempt not this rash deed. But the two would not be stayed. At the edge of Pura Rata's country,

2:36:38the heart of Hakaow's friend began to fail him. But Hakaow cheered him on. Later they came upon a pile of human bones. We are now within the sound of the shout, he said, ah, we're not courting death. Hakaow waved his hand. In a moment his friend saw what had before been hidden from him. Thousands of good genie surrounding them. Our guards said Hakaow, his friend was from that moment fearless. On a hill that faced Pura Rata's tower, Hakaow called up his genie. Half he sent to show themselves before the tower. The remainder stayed invisibly by him. As soon as the good genie showed themselves before the tower, the evil genie rushed out to them.

2:37:38For a time, Hakaow's genie thought, then acting on instructions, they pretended fright and fled downhill. Pura Rata's genie pursued them far across the valley, leaving the tower underfunded. As soon as they were gone, Hakaow sent the waiting genie to capture the tower. They seized the tower, tied up the wicked Pura Rata and beat him till his magic floorway. As the evil genie returned one by one from their fruitless pursuit through the valley, they too were seized and beaten to their magic floorway. Let us go up to the tower, said Hakaow to his friend. In the tower, Pura Rata lay fast bound. He ground his teeth with rage at the sight of his successful enemy.

2:38:38Strangers calm! He called in poking the aid of the wooden head to avenge his fall. No shout followed. A low, wailing cry was the only sound the wooden head had power to make. ''Kill me!'' said Pura Rata. ''My magic has gone. I will be gone too!'' ''No!'' said Hakaow. ''No! No! No! No!'' They do not kill. Your evil deeds are forever stopped. He unbounded Pura Rata, leaving him alive but powerless. So there he was peace in that country and men journeyed unafraid. End of story 16. Recording by Maria Brook, New Zealand.

2:39:38Story 17 of Moryland Fairytales by Edith House. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. Story 17. The fountain of fish. The sea king's waves rolled up between the banks of a great river. Stole a short king's son and carried him away to the deep stocean. The sea king shielded his servants. He would not own to the short king that wrong had been done, or that the lost boy laid round in his dark caves. But the sea birds told the short king all the truth. The short king resolved to punish the seaking and his servants for the evil they had done. ''I cannot punish them in their own waters,'' he said. ''I must bring them to my country.'' He sent an invitation to the seaking. ''Is it me with all your people?'' he said.

2:40:43The seaking sent back word. ''In the long evenings of summer, I will come.'' The short king prepared for their reception. Calling Titipa his magician, he told of the plan for punishing the seaking and his servants. ''I will bring you a magic net,'' said Titipa. He travelled to the fairies fishing-place for it. He reached the beach at night. The fairies were hauling out their magic net ready for their fishing. Walking in amongst them, Titipa by one device after another kept their attention so fixed on himself that he delayed the spreading of the net all night. Morning broke while he still tripped them. Terrified at the daylight, the fairies fled, leaving the magic net behind. Joyfully, Titipa took it home.

2:41:46''The short goblin shall help us,'' said Titipa. He found the short goblin and bespoke his aid. ''Please to help the short goblin gathered up great stones from the river and driftwood from the forests.'' The king's men built the stones into ovens and piled the driftwood ready for huge fires. At last, all was ready. They waited for the seaking. The long evenings of summer came. The cry went up from the watchers on the shore. ''The seaking and his servants.'' The ocean was filled with fish. Up through the mouth of the river they came, a mighty fountain leaping, falling, flashing, pouring one upon the other in their millions, so closely packed that a man could cross from bank to bank upon their back. ''So far back,'' the fountain stretched,

2:42:48in could not be seen. ''Cast the net,'' called the short king. Titipa cast the magic net. A thousand fish were caught and flung in heaps on the shore, there to be prepared for the waiting ovens. Again the net was cast, again and yet again. Each time it came in laden with its struggling spoil. The fires were lit, the ovens heated, the fish caught. The short king's people held high feast. The seaking had escaped. Seeing it once the trap that had been laid, he swam back to the sea. He sent commands to his strongest waves to save the fish. Six of the biggest waves rolled up the river and poured over the banks, gathering as they went, all the fish that were left alive. The short king and his people fled far inland

2:43:49when they saw the waters coming. The six great waves rolled back to the sea. ''We have done what we could, but many thousands of your servants have been killed,'' they said. ''It was true,'' the seaking had indeed been punished. The short people had obtained their vengeance and a feast. Each year since then, when the long evenings of summer come, the seaking's foolish servants swam up the river to view the place where their friends were slain so long ago. Each year the shore goblin piles up his wooden stones. Each year the shoremen cast the net and hold high feast. Each year the six strong waves are sent to save the foolish fish. End of story 17 Recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand

2:44:53Story 18 of Mauryland Fairytales by Edith House This is a Libra Vox recording. All Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. Story 18 Rata Rata was a young man who had never seen his father. Throughout his boyhood, he wondered why, but it was not until he had grown up that his mother told him. ''Yea's ago?'' she said. ''When you were about a baby, the wicked goblin Macyuku stole your father away. I have never seen him since. It was a heavy sorrow to me, but I could do nothing to save him, for I am but a woman while Macyuku is a goblin. ''I am a man now. I will find my father,'' said Rata. ''See, I am strong, and my heart is fearless. Tell me where Macyuku lives.''

2:45:54The mother smiled proudly at her eager son. ''Yes?'' she said. ''You are strong, and your heart is fearless. But Macyuku is a goblin. He would take you too. I cannot let you go.'' ''I must go,'' Rata replied. ''I can never rest until I find my father. Tell me where the goblin lives.'' He urged his mother daily until it last she told him where Macyuku lived. At once Rata set off to find the place. As he drew near, he met a bound man who asked where he was going. ''I seek Macyuku,'' answered Rata. ''He lives beneath the ground on which we stand,'' said the man. ''Once every month, when the new moon shines, he comes above the earth. Come then.'' ''I shall remember.'' ''Why are you tired?''

2:46:55''I am kept here to warn Macyuku when the new moon shines. He is cruel. He works much evil in the land. If you have come to punish him for wickedness to you or yours, I will help you.'' ''My thanks,'' said Rata. ''With the new moon, I return. You shall help me then to punish him.'' ''What is your name?'' He asked, thinking that perhaps his father stood before him. The man gave his name, but it was not that of Rata's father. Rata went home again to wait. When the time of the new moon was nearly come, he went again to the place where the goblin moved. The man awaited him. ''I have made a plan for you,'' said. He pointed out two fountains of clear water bubbling from the ground. ''These are my two fountains,'' said. In this, he looks at himself.

2:47:56In that, he washes himself. He comes first to this one to see how long his hair has grown. You must not come near him then, for he would see you in the water. Wait till he goes to the other. There, while he washes himself, you can spring upon him from behind. ''I will follow your plan,'' said Rata. ''Heard me till the goblin comes.'' The man hid him in a bush, looked at the new moon rising in the sky and called Matuku up. The ground rumbled and shook, a big hole opened close to the fountains, and the huge goblin sprang through it into the daylight. He capered about and stretched his limbs. ''I wonder how much my hair has grown this month,'' he said. He went to the first fountain to look at himself. Rata kept very still.

2:48:56Matuku crossed to the second fountain. Dipping his head in, he began to wash himself. With a sudden spring Rata was upon his bent back, catching the long hair in his hands he cried, ''Tell me where my father is, or I will kill you.'' Matuku gave in at once, for his whole strength lay in his hair, which Rata had grasped. ''Let me go, do not kill me, I will tell you anything you wish.'' Wined the powerless goblin. ''Give me back my father.'' ''I cannot give him back to you, I gave him to the moonlight goblin's many years ago.'' ''I shall go to look for him.'' Said Rata, ''but I cannot leave you here to work more mischief among men. I will not kill you, but you must take some other form. You have the power to change yourself.

2:49:56What will you be?'' The goblin thought while the hands on his hair grew tighter. ''I bitten,'' he said at last, and as a bittern he flew screaming into the bush, his power as a goblin was over. Rata set the man free and they both went to their homes. ''Where is the moonlight land?'' Rata asked his mother. ''I are across the sea, and you have no canoe. I will make a canoe. But you have no strong axe to fell the tree.'' ''I will beg a strong axe from my great-grandfather,'' said Rata. He went to his great-grandfather, told him why he wished to make a canoe, and obtained a beautiful greenstone axe, polished and hard. Rata went to the bush to find a suitable tree for his canoe.

2:50:56On his way he passed the heron and a seasnake fighting on the shore. ''Help me!'' the heron called Rata, but because it was considered unlucky to interfere with a seasnake, Rata would not help the heron. He found the finest tree in the bush and set to work to cut it down. All day his exclut, at last with a tremendous crash, the great tree fell. There he left it to life till his return in the morning. On his way home he saw the heron and a seasnake still fighting. Next morning he returned to the bush to begin the labour of following his tree. The fight was still going on, as before the heron called ''Help me!'' But Rata would not go. ''You will never succeed in your undertaking unless you help me!'' called the heron. Rata went on unheeding.

2:52:00He looked for his tree. To his amazement end his may, it stood again in its old place, upright and unmarked. He looked, he robbed his eyes and he looked again. There was no mistake. It was the same tree. Standing as it had stood the day before he felled it. ''I will cut it down again,'' he said. He worked all day. By night the great tree fell once more. As he returned the following morning to the bush, the fight between the heron and the seasnake was nearly over, where the heron's strength was almost gone. ''Help me!'' She cried faintly for the last time. The snake was just about to kill her. Taking pity at last, Rata rushed in with his axe and cut off the seasnakes head. The grateful heron slowly followed him to the bush.

2:53:01The tree was again raised to its old place, growing there as if his axe had never touched it. He cut it down once more, the heron watching him. ''I will wait to see what happens,'' he said. He hid between the trees to watch. As soon as he was out of sight, troops of bushberries came from their hiding places. Birds flew in from all directions, insects crept and ran and flew, until the tree was ringed about by creatures of the bush. ''Sing the magic song!'' said a bushberry, and they all sang. Fly together, chips and shaving sticky, fast together, hold you fast together, stand up right again, old tree!' Slowly the tree raised itself and stood in its place. Every chip, big or little, was carried to its place by birds and insects.

2:54:04In a few moments, the tree was whole again. Ratha stepped from his hiding place and seized a fairy. ''Why have you done this?'' he asked. ''Why did you fell one of Karnai's trees, without first obtaining Karnai's permission?'' cried the fairy. ''Ah!'' said Ratha. ''Oh, for God!'' I'm ashamed that I did not ask Tarnai before filling his tree. ''My anxiety must be my plea!'' he told them why he wanted the canoe. ''That is a good reason!'' said the fairies. ''But you should have consulted Karnai first. However, you shall have our help. Go to your home. We will make the canoe for you. When morning breaks, it shall be finished. Ratha went home happy. When he had gone, the fairies sang a song that fell the tree and cut the branches off.

2:55:07Commanded by the heron, the birds and insects, pet and board and drilled, until they had hollowed out the truck and smoothed the sides. When Ratha returned in the morning, our mighty canoe lay where the tree had lain. Delighted at his good fortune, he expressed his thanks. Then went back to the village crying, ''Who will go in my canoe to fight the moonlight goblins?'' ''Where is your canoe?'' asked his friends. ''We have never heard of it!'' ''Common see!'' said Ratha. He led them into the bush. When they saw how large and strong made it was, 140 men offered themselves as warriors. But when they tried to move the canoe, they found it so heavy that they could not push it down to the water. Again, the bush fairies came to the rescue.

2:56:07They sent a message to the sky fairies. The sky fairies sent a rain that swelled the river into a flood, pouring fast across the land, higher and higher the water rose, until it lifted the canoe and floated it down to the sea. Ratha and his warriors took their weapons, said their well to their friends and rode away. The flood went down and the land grew dry. In three days, the canoe reached the moonlight land. Ratha and his men sprang ashore. The sound of solemn chanting met them. ''I will see who sings. Wait here till I return,'' Ratha whispered. He walked silently till he came to a circle of trees. Within the circle of trees sat three circles of goblins. In the middle of the central space, lay Ratha's father.

2:57:11The goblins were practicing a magic song for raising the dead to life. Ratha listened till he knew it thoroughly, then returned for his men. Silently they crept round the circle of trees. At a signal from Ratha, they rushed in, taking the goblins so completely by surprise that they were able to destroy them all. Lifting Ratha's father, they carried him towards the canoe. The noise of the fighting, however, had reached a thousand other goblins in the land. They came down behind Ratha's little band and a fearful fight began. Though Ratha's men were brave, their number was too small to cope with such a multitude. In a very short time, they all lay dead upon the ground. Ratha alone was left to face the enemy.

2:58:11They closed in to kill him. Suddenly, the memory of the magic song came to him. He began to chant it. The goblins drew back into smake. They did not touch him while he sang the magic words. One by one, raised by the charm. His men sprang up alive and well, rushing again to the fight. He continued singing. His warriors fell but rose again, unheard. His army could never be destroyed. They have no chance of beating them, the goblins said. They turned and went away. Thankfully, Ratha and his men marched to their canoe and rode away. And joyfully, Ratha's mother welcomed her son and long lost husband safely home again. End of story 18. Recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand.

2:59:18Story 19 of Māori Land Fairy Tales by Edith Hous. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. Story 19, the island and the Taniwa. A fierce storm at sea caught a party of fishermen out in their boats. Rowing hard to shelter, they all reached their homes except two brothers called Manini and Hiki, who were fatherst from the land. Buffeted by the wind, blinded by the rain, tossed on the great waves, they were carried past every point of land they tried to reach. To hope to guide their canoe was useless. They must be content at last who drifted before the storm. Gradually, they were carried out to sea, till they passed the place where the sky hangs down to meet the tumbling waters.

3:00:19Presently, they saw land ahead. They guided the canoe to a sloping sandy beach. They sprang out and drew the canoe high on the shore. Further along the beach were rocks and hill. They hurried towards these hoping to find shelter from the storm. From the rocks, a cave led into the hill. Voices came from the cave. As they stood hesitating, an old woman came to the entrance, asking, Who are you? Two brothers who have been driven to your island by the storm answered Manini. May we take shelter in your cave? Yes, yes, come in. She said, she led the way into the cave. They followed her footsteps but could not see her, but the cave was dark. Who is here till morning?

3:01:19Said the woman's voice. Worn out with their fight against the storm. They laid themselves down and slept till morning. When they woke, daylight streamed into the cave. The old woman sat looking at them. Behind her stood her daughter, a maiden so beautiful that each brother at once resolved to win her for his wife. The old woman was friendly. She brought food and set it before them. To their astonishment, it was raw. Raw fish, raw potatoes, raw bird. Do you not know the use of fire, Manini asked? Remembering also the darkness of the caves the night before. Oh, yeah. What is that? The woman asked. The brothers searched the dry wood. They rubbed rotten pieces together till a tiny flame sprang out.

3:02:19They wrapped the pieces in dry grass, waving them in the air till the whole person to a stronger flame. Then they pushed the blazing bundle into a heap of sticks they had collected. There was soon a big fire. Curiously, and with some anxiety, the woman had watched every movement. They were plainly frightened. What do you do with it? The mother asked. Cook out food, answered Manini. She could not understand. Fire and cooked food were as unknown to these people as the building of houses. She peered into the fires. The smoke rose into her face and turned her sick. Oh, it's an evil thing. The brother showed her where to stand and tried to teach her the dangers and the uses of the flames. To cook their food, they heated stones in the fire.

3:03:21Raking them out when hot. They packed them into a small pit dug in the ground and laid the food on top, placing the layer of leaves under and over the food. Then they spread the earth over the top of the pit and left the food to cook. After a while, they turned the earth off and lifted out the food. Such an appetizing smell arose from it that the women could not resist it. They ate their share with relish. It is good, said the mother. We shall eat no more meals raw. She went round the hill to tell her neighbors. They came running back with her eager to see the strangers, the wonderful fire, and the oven in the ground that made food taste delicious. Manini and Hiki showed them all how to make fire and cook their food.

3:04:22They found themselves held in such reverence by these simple, untought people that they resolved to settle on the island. They built a house for themselves and taught the people to build others. When the house was finished, Manini said to the old woman, give me your beautiful daughter to be my wife. But Hiki had already said the same thing. The mother did not know which brother to favour. She did not think of asking the daughter for her opinion on the matter. If she had, the daughter would have chosen Manini. At last the old woman said to the brothers, you must run a race. The winner shall marry my daughter if he can afterwards kill the Tanifa. All the islanders gathered around. A course was set and the brother's raced. It was a close struggle, but in the end Manini won.

3:05:24The beautiful daughter laughed with joy. Where is the Tanifa? Manini asked. He lies over the highest ridge of the hills, said the old woman. From there he descends to slay and eat. If you kill him you kill our one great dread, the terror of our island. He is a monstrous dragon. So huge that when he walks he shakes the earth. I will kill him, said Manini. He thought deeply. Help me, he said to the islanders. I have a plan. The men came willingly. Under his direction they worked all night digging a deep pit that would hold 50 men. Next day they laid a screen of branches over the top. Hiki and the 50 men stepped in with their weapons and laboured the branches.

3:06:27To wait while Manini decoyed the Tanifa to the pit. Manini set off alone to rouse the Tanifa and led him down to death. Over the farthest hills he went till he came to the highest ridge. There in his den the Tanifa lay asleep. Manini raised a shout and woke the monster. With a roar of rage he rushed from his den. Snarling and snorting he pursued Manini over the hills and down the valleys towards the pit. Manini had to fly like the wind, for in spite of his weight that shook the ground the monster ran swiftly. Manini reached the pit, slipping under the screen of branches just in time to escape the claws of the pit. Then began a terrible fight. The Tanifa tore at the screen. His great claws reaching through almost to the men's faces.

3:07:28Cut them off, cried Manini. The men swung their axes and cut off the monster's claws. Roaring with pain and rage the Tanifa tore a hole with his teeth and came at them with his mouth wide open. The 50 attacked the huge head. After a stubborn battle he lay at last helpless and dying over the edge of the pit. Then they sprang out and finished killing him. During the fight the terrified islanders had shut themselves up for safety. Now they came out of their hiding places, shouting for joy that the dreaded Tanifa was dead and loudly praising the courage of Manini. Hey, shall be our king! They said, so Manini married the beautiful daughter and was made king of the island. Hikki said,

3:08:30I also wish to be a king and marry a beautiful wife. I shall take the canoe and seek another island. He sailed away and found another island where he also married a beautiful wife and was made king. End of story 19 Recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 20 of Marieland Fairytales by Edith Howes. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. Story 20, the most beautiful maiden in the world. Once there were seven brothers. They were all tall and strong and handsome. But Ruru, the youngest, was the handsomeest of the seven. For this he was hated by his brothers.

3:09:31They forced him to act as a slave to them, giving him the roughest work to do and the oldest clothes to wear. They even beat him. Indeed, they treated him so cruelly that his life was most unhappy. His mother's heart ached for him, but his father was too old to notice. The brothers heard of a maiden who lived across the sea. Her name is Bororonga. She is the most beautiful maiden in the world. The people said. I will go and ask her to be my wife, said the eldest brother. So lie, said the next. She may prefer me, said the third. Let us all go and see who can win the beautiful maiden, said the fourth. They gathered together their finest clothes and a number of handsome presents. These they packed away in their big canoe, with the sleeping places below the deck.

3:10:33Is not Ruru to void with you? Ask their mother. Certainly he must come to cook and carry for us. He need not think he will see Bororonga, however. She will not look at a man who has no fine clothes. The eldest brother said this loudly, or he loved to tease Bororonga. They set off. In a few days they reached the land across the sea. The people met them and welcomed them and prepared a feast in their honour. The six brothers went to the feast, leaving Bororonga behind to carry all their things. All their things from the boat to their lodgings. After the feast there was a dance. As they were dancing, each brother asked his partner, which is Ruruonga, and each partner wishing to be thought beautiful whispered,

3:11:33I am Ruruonga. Tell nobody. Each brother, delighted to think he was dancing with the real Ruruonga, asked, will you be my wife and come with me across the sea to live? And each partner answered, yes. So they were all married quietly during the next few days, and not one of the brothers found out that he had been deceived. But what about Ruruonga? On the first night of their stay, after carrying their belongings, he had to lay fires, buy food, bring in water. Stepping out of the house with a calabash in his hand, he asked a child, where shall I find water? The child pointed, by Ruruonga's house there is a spring, she said. Ruruonga's house thought Ruruonga. She is sure to be aware of the dance.

3:12:35It cannot matter if I peep in to see her home. But Ruruonga was not at the dance. She said quietly in her house. When Ruru peeped in, she saw him. She liked him, though he had no handsome feather cloak. Come in, she said, and smiled. Ruruonga came shyly in. Never had he dreamt of anyone so lovely as this maiden with the great dark eyes and sunny smile. She talked and made him welcome and drew him on to tell her all his life. So she learnt of the harsh treatment he received. When it was time for him to go, she said, come back tomorrow night. Another dance will be given for your brothers, but I shall not go.

3:13:38Next night he came again and the next. While the elder brothers danced with the false Rurongas, Ruru and the real Ruronga sat talking in her house. They loved each other and were married, and Ruruonga promised to cross the sea with Ruruonga. But I must hide you, he said. For if my brothers see you, they will try to take you from me. When the six elder brothers, with their six wives, came laughing and chattering to the boat the next day, they had no idea that the most beautiful maiden in the world was hidden in Ruru's cabin, nor did they find it out through all the voyage. As soon as the boat touched the shore, the elder brothers sprang to land to lead their wives to their mother's home.

3:14:39Mother, the elder said as he drew near, Ruronga is my wife. Welcome the most beautiful maiden in the world. It's not true, cried the next brother. I have Ruronga. Then there was confusion for every brother maintained that he had the real Ruronga shouting loudly and working himself into a rage while each false Ruronga looked under her eyelids at the others. The mother called for silence. There are not six prorongas, she said. Besides, not one of your wives is handsome enough to be called the most beautiful maiden in the world. That is true, sent Ruru's voice. He had quietly followed his brothers to the house. Mother, none of these is Ruronga.

3:15:39She lives in my cabin in the boat. Come and see. The elder brothers roared with laughter. Ruru marrying Ruronga, they shouted. Absurd. The wives were ill at ease. It might really be Ruronga. Let us go to the boat, said the mother. On the way, their friends gathered and accompanied them. By the time they reached the boat, all the village stood out to see Ruronga. Look in my cabin mother, said Ruru. His mother stooped. It is true, she cried. It is Ruronga. She took her hand and led her out. At once everybody saw that this was the most beautiful maiden in the world. Ruronga, Ruronga, they shouted.

3:16:39Welcome, welcome. Ruru has won the great prize. Let us make a feast. The brothers were enraged at the trip that had been played on them. You lied, they said to their wives. They were ready to beat them, but their mother said, leave them alone. You well deserved what you got for your cruelty to Ruru. The people made a great feast. The happy Ruru and Ruronga danced and were admired by everybody. Ruru's friends gave him fine clothes, and in them he looked far handsome than ever. The cruel elder brothers and their deceiving wives were punished by being left out of the feast. Never again were they allowed to make a servant of their brother, nor treat him harshly, for by marrying Ruronga he had become a great man.

3:17:41Now everybody looked up to him and treated him respectfully. And all his life he lived happily with Ruronga, the most beautiful maiden in the world. End of story 20. Recording by Maria Brook, New Zealand. Story 21 of Mauryland Fairy Tales. This is the Libra Vox recording, or Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. Story 21, The Giants in the Cave. In a huge bone-lit-of-cave lived a cruel giant. With him lived his pack of two-headed dogs to help him in his hunting. He and his dogs were a scourge to the country. The Giants had a monstrous nose, so big that he could smell things that were miles away.

3:18:41When hungry, he poked his nose out of the cave and sniffed the air. I smell men. He would say, and off he would go with his two-headed dogs to the hunt. Many a party of travellers passing through the country were never seen again. Once he found a party of men who had a woman with them. He ate the men, but the woman he saved. She will make a good servant, he said. He took the weeping, terrified woman to his cave. She cleaned my cave, like my fire, and cooked my meals. He said, never try to escape or I shall tie you up. It was a terrible life. Shut away from friends, her only companions, the horrible giant and his blood-pursedy dogs.

3:19:43Poor Kaya felt that she preferred death to life. Once, while the giant slipped, she stole away. But the dogs bark so loudly that they were per giant. He rushed out, caught her, and brought her back. Now I shall tie you up, he said. He tied a long cord to her wrist, fastening the other end to his own wrist. When you are out of my sight, I shall constantly jerk my end. He said, if you have gone, I shall know at once. Kaya was worse off than ever. Every day she looked towards the east, thinking with a great longing of the home faces there. One day as she sadly watched the river running past the mouth of the cave, a great idea came to her. It's the river that passes my home, she thought.

3:20:44How quickly it would take me there if I could make a raft. She looked about her along the riverbank, Guru Rho-Poor. I will cut a few sticks each day while the giant sleeps, she said. Tied together with slacks, they will make a raft. I will try once more to escape. Each day after his dinner, the giant went to sleep. Then Kaya was able to walk a little way outside the cave, though prevented by the cord from going far. Now she began to make use of this time, cutting two Rho-Poor sticks, tying them firmly together with slacks and hiding them in the rushes. Slowly the raft grew bigger, until it was strong enough to bear her. Now she waited for a day on which it would be safe to go. A day when the dogs should be away and the giant should be in a heavy sleep.

3:21:46After waiting many days, these two things happened at once. Creeping quietly from the cave, she slipped the cord from her wrist and tied it to a bunch of rushes. If the giant wakes and pulls, the rushes will be first been and then hold, she thought. So he will think, I am still here, that will give me time. She pushed the raft into the river and stepped onto it. With a long stick, she pushed it off the bank and guided it down the swift stream towards her home. In the cave, the giant slept heavily and long. Waking it last, he tugged at the cord. The rushes bent and then held as quiet expected. The giant thought, she is there. After some time however, he said, she stays long by the river.

3:22:46He tugged again but still the rushes held. He pulled harder. The rushes came up by the routes and were dragged in on the edge of the stream. Go, go, go, go. He shouted, horse with rage at the trick. No kaya answered. He strode to the opening, with his long nose, he sniffed the ground. She had not gone that way. He sniffed the air. But she had not gone that way. He sniffed the river. Oh, she has gone that way. He roared. I will catch her. With one gulp, he drank the whole river, drawing it from end to end. But kaya was not on the river. With a roar of rage, the giant went back to his cave, there to lie and soak for several days. The river was a big drink, even for a giant.

3:23:47So much cold water at once did not altogether agree with him. The giant swallowed the river. Kaya had stepped off her raft onto the bank. She ran to her home safe and sound. The joy of her parents and friends over her return can hardly be described. They had long given her up as dead. She told them about the dreadful giant and how she escaped from him. So that was cleverly done, said her friends. Tell us where to find the cave. We must kill this giant. Travel northwest to find him, replied Kaya. The northwest wind is his snoring as he lies asleep. Light a big fire in the doorway of his cave, so that he will not be able to rush out on you. He will try to spring out through a large hole in the roof. There you can wait for him. When next, the northwest wind blew hard, a strong party of men crept softly to the cave.

3:24:50The two headed dogs lay asleep beside the giant. As good, the men whispered. They piled a great heap of brushwood in the doorway and set it a light. The smoke and flames rushed into the cave and the crackling awoke the giant. He tried to spring out through the hole in the roof, but there the men were waiting with their spears. As he came up, they killed him. The dogs were stifled by the smoke in the cave. So at length, there was peace and safety in that land. End of story 21. Recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 22 of Maureenland Fairytales by Edith Hous. This is a Libra Vox recording. All Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. Story 22, Tamma and his brother.

3:25:53Richly laid in fruit trees hung over a garden wall. Two boys passing. I'd them with breedy looks. We could easily reach them from our stilts from up Tamma. At night, when the owners are asleep, added his brother. At night, they came on their tall stilts to the wall. They were able to reach the fruit. They feasted to their hearts content. So sweet was the stolen treat. That they returned the next night and the next. But the owners had missed the fruit and lay in wait for the young robbers. Hidden in the branches, they sprang to the ground and gave chase as soon as the brothers appeared beneath the tree. Tamma dashed away on his stilts, but his brother was caught at once and carried into the house. Then the people taking a shortcut intercepted Tamma.

3:26:55The only road left open to him led directly to the sea. He turned into this road. The people followed him and caught him as he reached the sea. They stood in a semicircle round him on the landward side. Trot down his stilts, tumbled him into the sea, they shouted. A tumble into the sea was the very thing Tamma did not desire. So he cunningly laughed as if well pleased at the idea. This set the people thinking. He washes the fallen to the sea. He has some plan of escape that way. They immediately changed their ax blows to the landward side. In a minute the stilts gave way. Tamma fell to the ground, but he was ready. With his spring he was up again and running for his life. They chased him again, but in the darkness he evaded them. Heading in the bush he heard them searching for him all that night and all the next day.

3:27:56At last they grudited of the hunt and gave it up. Tamma crept out and made his way home. His brother was not there, nor could he find him anywhere. The people must have caught him. I must go to his help," said Tamma. As soon as it grew dark he went to the house. I'm noise of singing and dancing came from within. The door was shut. He could not see in. He pulled himself up the wall till he reached the roof. Pulling out a little bundle of thatch he looked into the house. His brother's face met him close against the roof. It lit up with joy at the sight of him. Tamma! We sped the poor boy. What have they done to you? Ask Tamma. They tied me in this basket and hung me to the roof. And here they left me. Not a mouthful of food or water have they given me all day.

3:28:58I fear they mean to start me to death. Help me, Tamma. I came to help you, said Tamma. But I must think of a plan. I dare not make the whole bigger, or they would see it. He thought in silence for a few moments. They are dancing below you? Yes. How do they dance? Badly, we do it much better. Tell them so. Do you act them? Tell them we dance much better at our home. They will take you down and tell you to prove your words. Dance then till you are hot and must, us or air. When they open the door, dance near it till you see a chance to rush out. Be sure to flung the door shut behind you. I will do the rest. I will carry out your plan, his brother said. Hi, you people there below. He called from his basket.

3:29:58Why do you not dance gracefully? I never saw such rich and dancing. The dancing stopped. The people gazed up in amazement at his boldness. Such antics he went on. Such twists and turns, like wooden people. I wonder you are not ashamed. He laughed and jeered unceasingly. Keep quiet up there, cried the people. We do it far better at home, he went on. You should see our dancers. The angry people rushed at the basket and pulled it down. Dance and prove your boasts, they cried. Setting him free in the middle of the floor, they sat around the sides of the room ready to jeer at him. In a few minutes, instead of flouting him, they were staring hard with envious eyes, for he danced beautifully. Indeed, they had never seen such a grace of movement before.

3:30:59Round and round, he went backwards and forwards, till everybody could see how hot and tired he was. Eh, he cried. Oh, alright, cannot dance. They opened the door. Now he began to dance in rings, making each circle wider than the one before. As the last one brought him to the door, he sprang outside and flung the door shut behind him. Thomas was waiting with a heavy beam. He threw it across the door. Lashed that in to the post, he said. Between them, they secured each end. As the door opened outwards, the people were prisoners until some passing neighbour drew the beam from its fastening. Leaving the tricked people to beat and hammer on the door, the brothers quietly went home. Though victorious in the end, it is said that for many months they kept well out of the way of those people.

3:31:59Certain it is that they never again stole fruit from the garden wall. End of story 22, recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 23 of Marieland Fairy Tales by Edith Howes. This is a Libra Vox recording. All Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. Story 23, Tomah and his wife. Tomah grew into a man with an ugly face but a kind heart. It is a great blessing to have a kind heart for them people forget the ugliness of the face in loving the goodness of the heart. Through his kindly ways, Tomah was able to win one of the most beautiful wives in the country. His wife loved him, his children adored him. Though so ugly, he was perfectly happy.

3:32:59But an old companion called Tutte, who had years before rode away to another land, came back to visit Tomah. He was handsome, but he had a bad heart. So bad that he carried off Tomah's wife in his canoe and took her away to his own country. Tomah was hunting in the bush, out of hearing of his wife's cries for help. When he returned, the children ran, solving to tell him of Tutte's treachery. Rage and brief beaked together in the husband's heart. I will go to punish Tutte and bring back your mother, he said. The children held his arms. Tutte left a message for you, they said. The words were these. Tomah cannot follow me for I have some a magic spell. Forced by my power, everything on sea and land shall hinder him.

3:34:00All brambles, thorns and nettles of the bush shall hold him back. All storms and monsters of the sea shall rise against him. Don't go or we will lose father and mother both. No magic power shall hinder me, no dangers can drive me back, said Tomah. But he said more the children cried. His words were in an ugly face lies no power against me, this is my safety. Tomah's heart sank low, but at last he said, I will journey first to Fairyland to seek for beauty, then I will bring your mother home. Placing the children in a sister's care, he started on his journey. The road to Fairyland was long and dangerous. But he travelled fearlessly, half way he met a Snow White Heron.

3:35:00I go to Fairyland, said Tomah, is the way clear? You will never reach that country, said the Heron. The way leads through a long dark passage guarded by two evil spirits. They will not let you pass. Yet you have passed them, question Tomah. And while I flew over their heads. Blend me your body that I may also fly above their heads. He told the Heron to theirs treachery. Rouse to pity the bird agreed to help. He lay down in the bush and slept. Tomah made himself small, crept into the white bird body and flew off with it. Coming to the dark passage, he passed safely over the heads of the evil spirits. Passed the passage were mountains. High over these he flew till he came to a beautiful lake lying in their midst.

3:36:01Here was Fairyland. He dropped to the shore of the lake. The fairies gathered round him asking, what brings Tomah here? They knew him even in the Heron's body. He told them of his loss. I come for beauty that I may regain my wife. He said, draw fine patterns on me that I may be as beautiful as you, he begged. Certainly, they said, he stepped out of the Heron's body and they drew fine spiral patterns on his skin. He viewed himself in the clear waters of the lake and saw that he was handsome. It is good. You have my thanks, he said. He did after his long journey, he dived into the lake to swim. When he stepped out, he found to his dismay that all the lines had been washed off his skin. Oh, why did you wash?

3:37:02The fairies cried. But I need patterns that will not come off in the water. Tomah said, we cannot make them, said the fairies, for those you must go to the next fairyland. Entering the Heron's body again, Tomah flew on. More mountains are another lake, he had found the next fairyland. He told his tale to these fairies. They promised to make patterns that would not wash off. But you must be ready to bear great pain, they said. These patterns are pricked in. I will bear any pain to win back my wife, said Tomah. He lay on the ground while the fairies tattooed his body. The pain was dreadful. Tomah all but fainted but he would not cry out. He has a brave heart, said the fairies.

3:38:02When the beautiful spirals were finished, he bathed in the lake, but found no water would wash off these patterns. The fairies were so pleased with him that they taught him a charm to use against two days magic. He flew back to where the Heron's soul slept in the bush, returned the white body so kindly lent, and set off to find two days country. Now two days magic began to show its power. All brambles, thorns and nettles of the bush gathered in Tomah's path, tearing at him with their hindering hands. His hands and face and loudly chanted spell forced them to draw aside and let him pass. Thick forest rose and barred his way. The charm cleared a path for him. He even mountains fell away before its power. His heart grew light with thankfulness and joy.

3:39:02He reached a little village by the sea. Here he told his story and begged for help. The kindly people lent him a canoe and men to cross the sea to two days land. Tomah took with him in the boat ashes from the village fires and a heap of boards. When well out to sea, two days magic power sent fierce sharks and monsters of the deep. They gathered round the boat to devour its crew. Throwing out the ashes he had brought, Tomah darkened on the water around them. The ashes gone one by one the boards were flung into the sea. These the monsters seized with their great teeth. While they fought and struggled over them, thinking they were good to eat, Tomah and his men escaped. Now two tears storms rose up. The great waves almost dashed the boat to pieces.

3:40:04But Tomah sank his charm until the storm waves died into the sea. So at last he came safely to two tears land. Looking from two tears doorway, his wife saw Tomah rolling up the harbor. She rushed to meet him. Husband and wife could scarcely speak for joy. The people standing on the shore stared at Tomah with amazement in their faces. Two tears told us he was ugly. They said, he is now handsome. Come, tell two there he is here. They found two there and told him but two there refused to believe them. It's impossible, he said. If Tomah tried to come, all the brambles, storms and nettles of the bush would hinder him. If he passed those, the forests and mountains would stop him. If he passed those, the storms and monsters of the sea would stop him.

3:41:06It is impossible for him to pass my guards. He sat in his home refusing even to look out towards the harbor. After some time however, he missed Tomah's wife. He called her but she did not answer. He looked for her but she was not to be found. At last he rushed down to the beach to see if Tomah had really come. He was too late. Tomah and his wife were far across the sea. End of story 23, recording by Maria Brook, New Zealand. Chapter 24 of Marieland Fairy Tales by Edith Hous This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. Story 24, Sea Goblins Rua, the King, went hunting.

3:42:07His son Toka went swimming with other boys. But when Rua returned from his hunting, the young prince was not with his companions. He sweared far out with us but him never came back to shore. The boy said. We fear the Sea Goblins have taken him. For darkness has fallen. The King's grief was terrible. For Toka was his only son. His people wailed aloud when they saw the sorrow in his face. He spoke no word. But running to a rock that overhung the sea, he leapt into the water. His people cried. Come back! But the waves closed over his head. A live or dead, his son should be found if he searched the whole foundation of the sea. The King had one magic gift. The power to breathe beneath the water. He could not drown.

3:43:08He would never rise to the surface again till he had found his son. At the bottom of the sea, it was so dark that many times he stumbled. But in spite of difficulties and dangers, he went bravely on all night. Through the deep hollows and over the wave beaten hills. With the morning he came out to a strange land. Before him stretched a wide, bright plane lit up by some beams. In the middle of the watery plane stood a great carved house. Oh, the Goblins' house thought rua. It was the Goblins' house. Drawing near, rua saw with wonder the beauty of the carving on the front of it. He raised his eyes to the ornament over the doorway, and his heart stood still with horror. It was talker, his beautiful son.

3:44:09Turned to wood by the heartless Goblins, and set up as an ornament for their house. For this they had stolen him from his companions. The king rushed into the house, but no one was there. Coming out he met an old woman. Where are the Goblins? he asked her. Oh, far away in the deepest caves of ocean, she replied. But who are you that you dare to come to the Goblins' house? I am rua the king. They have killed my son and set him over their doorway. Point out the track that I may follow them and be avenged on them for his death. The old woman's eyes shone with joy. At last one has come to destroy these wicked beings. She said, stay here. I will tell you of a plan and do all in my power to help you.

3:45:12I too come from your land. The Goblins killed my husband. But me they kept as doorkeeper for their house. I whipped over your beautiful boy when they brought him down. But I am old and frail. I cannot save my people from the cruel hands. Help me to save them. Tell me the plan, said Rua. Listen then, she said. These Goblins cannot bear the light of day. Sunlight falling on them, kills them instantly. All the daylight hours they spend in the darkest ocean caves. When night comes, they return to this house to eat and sleep. I keep the door to wake them with the first lightning of dawn

3:46:13that they may leave the house before the sunlight enters. The plan, tell me the plan, big Rua. I come to it, said the woman. In the roof are many crevices through which the daylight streams. You, being strong, can climb upon the roof and fill the crevices so as to shut out all the light. While they sleep, we shall also block the door and windows and every crack around them. Then, when morning comes, the house will be dark. The Goblins will think it is still night and will sleep on. When the sun is up, we shall open the door and the sunlight will kill them. The plan is good, said Rua, but us begin at once.

3:47:17They gathered weed. Climbing to the roof of the house, Rua filled the crevices till no beam of light could enter from the chinks. Then round the walls he went till every crack was filled. That is well done, said the old woman. Hide now. The sun is sinking fast. My cruel masters will soon be home. Rua hid. In silence, they waited for the return of the Goblins. The sun sank and night fell. Chattering, pushing, quarreling, the ugly Goblins came home in droves. They fed and quarreled and lay down to sleep. Only Rua and the woman were left outside. Soon all was still. Rua crept softly to where the woman sat.

3:48:18Together they blocked the door and windows to no ray of light could enter. Then patiently they waited for the dawn. The night seemed as if it would never end. But at last the first faint streaks of daylight came. The watchers smiled well pleased. Brighter and brighter grew the light, but still the Goblins slipped, poor in the house hung heavy darkness. One of the Goblins woke. The night is long. Is it not morning yet? He cried. Sleep on, sleep on. Called the old woman. The Goblins slept again. Act intervals, they stirred and called. But every time the woman called. Sleep on. When the sun was high in the sky and the sunshine beat upon the roof,

3:49:20the woman said. Let in the light. She flung open the door while Rua tore away the coverings from the cracks and windows. The sunlight streamed into the house and fell on the Goblins. Mad with fear they tried to rush outside but they fell dead over the doorway as the light struck on them. Not one was left alive. That is well done, said the woman. The world is rid of a cruel pest. I will burn the house, said Rua. No evil things shall live in it again. First I will lift down my son. He shall be carried home. With sorrowful tenderness, he lifted down the little wooden statue laying it gently on the ground.

3:50:20He took down several pieces of the marvelous carving also to show his friends. Then he fired the house. As he stood beside the woman watching the burning of the house, someone moved behind him. Turning, he looked. Toka no longer a wooden statue rose to his feet a living boy. The magic spell cast on him by the Goblins had died with the burning of the house. With a cry of gladness, he sprang into his father's arms. The king held in close with spring. My son, my son, the old woman nodded and smiled at their joy. Let us go home, she said. Then they remembered her and thanked her for her help. They returned to the shore, carrying the carvings with them. Grua's friends made a great feast,

3:51:22rejoicing in the safety of their king and prince. To this day, the carvings that the people make with tools of stone are patented on the pieces brought by a ruler from the Goblins house. End of story 24 Recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 25 of Marieland Fairy Tales by Eritel House. This is a Libra Vox recording, or Libra Vox recordings are in the public domain. Story 25, the great bird of the hills. A man named Poe was caught in a storm and driven in his canoe far out to sea. He was alone. His single strength was not great enough to force the canoe back to land. The storm continued for several days, driving him further every hour from his home.

3:52:22Half dead was cold and hunger, and terror at his helpless drifting. He was flung up at last on a little island. Here he was found by some of the inhabitants who took him to the king. The king treated him generously, providing him for many months with food and clothing, and giving him a home in his great house. But Poe longed always for his old home and his wife. His thoughts of them kept him most unhappy. Why are you sad? The king asked at length. I think of my wife and wish for her night and day, replied the man. It's that is so you shall return to her. Ah, I have long to do so, but you have no boats strong enough to cross that great stretch of sea, nor could I ask your men to risk the dangers of the voyage.

3:53:23True replied the king. But I have a bird which will carry you across. A bird? He is never shown to strangers. Therefore you have not seen him. Said the king. Promise to step off his back, the moment he shakes himself, and I will lend him to you for your journey home. But if he should shake himself above the sea, he will not do that. Then I will promise gladly the king gave a loud call. From the distance the great bird of the hills flew towards them. So large he was, that a man could sit on his back and be no burden. He will bear you across the sea and safely pass the fierce goblin of your mountains. Said the king.

3:54:24You must pass the goblin at the time of sunset. Once, past him, the bird will shake his wings. You must at once descend from his back, that he may return to me while the goblin is still dazzled by the sun. Poe promised to do exactly as the king commanded. Two baskets of food were brought to him at the king's orders. Taking grateful farewell of the kindly monarch, he seated himself on the great bird's back and was born high into the air above the sea. The strange voyage lasted for several days. Each night they rested on rocks, whose heads stood out above the sea. Poe's baskets of food stood him in good stead, the bird fished from the rocks. And in the last they came inside of Poe's own land.

3:55:25At the edge of the land stood the mountain where the goblin lived. The great bird hovered in the air, waiting for the time of sunset. When it came, the sun raised, shone full in the eyes of the seaward gazing goblin, dazzling him. Then, the great bird flew swiftly past, carrying Poe to safety. Poe had heard the stroke of the mighty wings, but his eyes were blinded. Once safely passed, the great bird shook himself, desiring to return, while still the sun shone in the goblin's eyes. But Poe eager to reach his home, forgot his promise to the king, took no thought of the bird's danger. A little further, he said, bear me, a little further. The bird flew on, then shook himself again. Foo the yet, said the selfish Poe. He forced the bird to carry him to his home.

3:56:26Carried to his very door, Poe stepped down to the joyful welcome that awaited him. The great bird turned and flew with lightning swiftness for his home, hoping yet to be in time to pass the mountain safely. Alas, he was too late. The sun had sunk, the goblin could see again. He threw a net over the great bird, dragged him to his mountain, killed him, and ate him. Away in his island, the king waited for the great bird to come back. Weeks passed. Something must have happened, said the king. A message came from the wind, the great bird of the hills, instead, the goblin of the mountains killed him. Grief and anger filled the heart of the king.

3:57:26Who will bring this murderous goblin here that I may punish him, he cried? The bravest of his warriors rose. I will bring the goblin or die in the attempt, he said. The king called up a sea monster, the warrior stood on its back and was carried across the sea to the land of Poe. When we reached the land, I shall step ashore, said the warrior to the monster. Wait for my return. As the land drew near, he chanted spells to protect himself against the goblin's power. When he sprang to land, and climbed the mountainside, it was night. A red light, shone from the open doorway of the goblin's house. The warrior looked in. The goblin's friends made merry with him in his house. They are alike. I shall I know which is the goblin I have come to seek.

3:58:28The warrior wondered silently. He remembered suddenly that he had once heard of the strange overlapping teeth of the goblin of the mountains. When he opened his mouth to talk, I shall know him, he thought. He entered boldly. Surprise, the goblins tried their magic powers on him, but his spells had made him proof against them. He talked and made them talk, but he could not discover the overlapping teeth. I must make them laugh, he thought. He told them funny stories till they all laughed and the overlapping teeth gleamed out. It is done! Said the warrior to himself. He sang a soft tone charm that sent them instantly to sleep. Standing over the goblin of the mountains, he sang a second charm to make his sleep so deep that no movement would wagon him.

3:59:28Then he searched for a big basket, packed the helpless goblin in it and carried him down the mountain to the sea. The sea monster awaited him. Stepping on its back with his sleeping burden, the warrior gave command to return. The goblin did not waken till the sea was crossed and the basket opened before the king. There he was, put to death for his cruel deeds. The brave warrior was rewarded by the king as his courage deserved. But never again would the great bird fly over the hills at his master's call. End of story 25 Recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 26 of Mowleyland Fairytales by Edith Howes. This is a Libravox recording.

4:00:29All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. Story 26, The Floating Island. Two boys played together. They spun tops and bold hoops through the dart and loomed how to swing far out over the river on a long bent pole, dropping and diving into the water below and swimming to the shore. The father of one of them made a new kite for each shaped like a bird without spread wings and with a long tail hanging where the birds' tail would be. In flying them, the tails became entangled. The boys pulled too hurriedly at the strings and both kites fell broken to the ground. Your fault! You pulled too fast, said Ornall. I was straight numb, said Rima, stooping to disentangle the tails. Ornall kicked them ill temperedly.

4:01:30If my father could not make better kites than those, he would not make any, he said. Rima, spring up, a flame at the ingratitude. Your father never does make any, he cried. He never makes anything or does anything. He's out today fishing in my father's boat, using my father's lines, because he has nothing of his own. He's a good for nothing. Afraid of the anger he had provoked, Ornall slunk away to brood upon the insult. When his father returned at night, Ornall repeated Rima's words. He called you a good for nothing, he said. Ornall's father was not only a good for nothing, he was also violent tempered. The sneer roused in him a fury of rage against the man who had lent him his things so kindly,

4:02:30and been a good friend to him always. He rushed out into the night and strode along the riverbank, wondering how to be revengeed on the people who had angered him. Ornall wished I could be rid of them, he said aloud. I will help you, said a voice. He turned. A river faring stood beside him, one of that dark tribe who come only to those whose thoughts are evil. You wish to be rid of someone? He asked. The man pointed to Rima's home, standing with three others on a pointed land that stretched into the river. Those people have insulted me, he said. I wish to be rid of them. I will teach you a magic song that will carry off that strip of land and send it floating down the river to the sea, said the fairy.

4:03:32I will gladly learn it, said the man. The fairy sang the song, and the man repeated it until he knew it. Stand on the hill behind the land you wish to move, and sing the song until the land goes floating down the river, said the fairy. He disappeared into the river. The man stood on the hill, singing the magic song, until the land broke loose and moved into the current of the river. Louder and louder he sang. The land, becoming a floating island, passed down the tide and out into the open sea. Good, he said. I am revanged. He went home well pleased. The people on the floating island, woke in the morning to find themselves moving on the tossing sea, drifting past the woods and mountains of their home,

4:04:35far from all their friends. The children went, the mothers pale with fear wailed mournfully, the fathers gravely faced the situation. Some enemy has worked to spell, said, ëPrimas Fatherí, but we have our homes, our lines, our nets and gardens. We shall not starve. Maybe we shall soon drift upon the shore. In the meantime, we can fish from our floating island and be happy. Rima ran to bring the lines. Soon everybody was in good spirits. Even enjoying their unheard of trip on a floating island. They fished, played games, flew kites, watched the wonders of the sea and sky, told the old stories of their country. The mothers cooked, when it rained, they caught water enough to last till the next shell. Day after day they bloated on, for three long weeks.

4:05:39Up the east coast they went, along the north and down the west. In all this time, no storm had risen, no harm had come to them. One morning, our black cloud spread upwards from the wide horizon. From the cloud came the wild west wind. The sea was lashed to phoning waves, the floating island fled heavily before the storm. Again the children would have wept with fear, but the fathers said, the wind drives us towards the shore, we moved to safety. The children looked ahead, they were driving fast upon a new land, wilder and more beautiful than they had passed. Mountain peaks stood high against the sky, down their wooded sides dashed silvery cascade, falling to the sea. Nearer they drew, till the island grounded on the shelving beach.

4:06:42Rima sprang to the new land, waving gay hands to urge the others on. They followed, and would have entered the bush, but Rima's father said, wait, there may be hidden enemies, I will look. Taking his weapons, he crept into the bush. Presently he returned with the welcome news that no sign of habitation were to be found. This is a new country, he said, and a good one. Here is water, and here are wild birds and berries, and the roots we eat. Living near the sea we shall not want fish, it is indeed a good land. Rearing a shelter of branches for the night, they carried to it the things they valued from their houses, for fear the islands should float away. Next day they took their strong stone axes, built trees, and began to build new houses. They soon settled down in a new country, growing up, marrying, building fresh homes,

4:07:46until their families spread throughout all the land. They have lived there ever since. As for the island, it rested several days where it had grounded, then slowly glided off and floated out to sea again. Where it voyaged, the people never knew. Perhaps it is floating yet? End of story 26, recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 27 of Marieland Fairytales by Edith Howes This is a Librevox recording, all Librevox recordings are in the public domain. Story 27, The Princess and the Giant Far up amongst the highest mountains in the land, lived the giant. So huge that he could step from one mountain top to another, and so cruel that he would eat a dozen people at a time.

4:08:50When he woke from weak long sleeps and stepped down to the plains for food, the people of the country lived in daily terror. He found the princess wandering by herself, but she was so beautiful that instead of eating her, he took her to his mountain top to be a companion to him. He placed a magic girdle round her waist, tying the other end to his wrist. No weapon can cut your girdle, only one thing can break it. He said in his great voice. You cannot escape, henceforth you belong to me. The poor princess was heartbroken, cries and struggles, longings for her lost home and friends, fear of the giant, filled her days. In her home there was great sorrow, king and queen, and people mourned her as one dead. Word was sent to the prince of the next country, he who was soon to have married her.

4:09:55He came with all his weapons of war, prepared to climb the mountains and brave the giant's power. It is hopeless undertaking, said the old king. No one has ever returned from the giant's land. You go to certain death. I must make an attempt to rescue my princess, said the prince. He climbed the mountains valiantly. At the top he found the giant asleep, the princess sitting beside him. Springing to her, he took her in his arms and tried to drag her away. The magic girdle held her. He cannot set me free, she saw. Only one thing can break this magic girdle, and that thing's name I do not know. Perhaps its name is strength, said the prince. He tried to wrench the girdle apart, but with all his strength he could not break it.

4:10:56Perhaps it is my axe, he said. My wonderful axe that has done such mighty deeds. He tried to cut it with his axe, but it would not be cut. He tried every weapon in turn, and not one had power to cut the girdle. The giant still slept on. You cannot save me, said the princess. Go away before the giant wakes. I will not leave you, said the prince. I stay with you till death. He sat beside her, and for all her pleading would not leave her to her fate. Then the princess whipped sorely, for sorrow that her lover must surely die. As she whipped, her tears fell on the magic girdle. Strand by strand the girdle broke and fell apart. Tears of love were the magic power that alone could break the girdle.

4:11:57With staring eyes and beating hearts, the lovers watched till the last strand parted and gave way. Solving with joy, the princess sprang up free to hurry with her lover down the mountainside into the safety of her home. When the giant woke and found the princess gone, he stepped and ward and shook the mountain tops. But the east wind sprang up in his strength through the giant on the mountainside and held him there from following the princess. Let us be married at once that I may take the princess to my country, far from the giant's reach, said the prince. The old king, full of joy at his daughter's safe return, would have consented, but the priest said, let no marriage take place until the prince has rid us of this monster. How is it possible? Ask the prince. Is it not true that no weapon of man has power to harm him?

4:13:04Fire is the one force that has power over him, replied the priest. You who are brave, who have not grown up in fear of him, may do the deed our warriors would not dare. Watch till he sleeps. Pile fire would round him. Burn him where he lies. Then you shall marry the princess. The prince climbed the mountain once again, hid and watched until the giant slept. He piled firewood round the monstrous form and set it blazing. The giant helpless in the flames was burned to death. When the prince returned, the people made fists in his honour. They danced and sang for joy that their tyrant of the mountain tops was dead. The prince and princess were married and lived happily together. Up among the mountains, a strange thing happened.

4:14:07Where the giant had lain, a great hole was burnt in the shape of his body as he lay on his side with his knees drawn up. The mountains set down floods of melted snow and rain and mists that fell like rain to fill the gaping hole. Soon where the giant had slept lay a deep blue lake touched here and there by the shadows of the mountains. But the giant's heart was not burned. Fire had no power over that. When the hole became a lake, the heart sank to the bottom and there it lies to this day. When the wild storms rage among the mountains and the foaming torrents dashed down their rocky paths as the giant love to see them in his fierce lifetime, the great heart lying at the bottom of the water heaves and beats and heaves again.

4:15:07And the blue lake rises and falls in time to the heart's throbs. End of story 27. Recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand. Story 28 of Marieland Fairy Tales. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. Story 28. Hinemore's Swim. Hinemore was the daughter of a king who lived on the shores of a great lake in Mauis Island. She was so beautiful that all the surrounding princes wished to marry her, but she loved Tuta Nekai who was not a prince at all. Tuta Nekai lived on an island in the lake. He loved Hinemore with all his heart, but because he was a nobody, the king would not hear of their marriage.

4:16:07Indeed, he was so angry at the idea that Hinemore felt it was unsafe for Tuta Nekai to come near her home. She sent a messenger to tell him so. By the messenger, they arranged that some night she should cross a lake in her canoe and be married to Tuta Nekai in his own island. Every night said Tuta Nekai. I will sound my horn from the hill on the island. You will know by that sound that I am waiting for you. See your first chance to come away unseen. So it was all arranged. Every night, Tuta Nekai sounded his horn till midnight to cheer and guide Hinemore if she should be on the lake. His friend Tiki stood with him, playing on his flute to swell the sound of Tuta Nekai's music. But Hinemore was not on the lake. Her father, the stern old king, could hear the music quite as well as she could.

4:17:12He suspected that it was a signal and that she meant to cross the lake to Tuta Nekai. So he gave orders that every canoe on the lake side should be securely tied at night and the paddles hidden. Though Hinemore went every night to the lake side, he could never find a canoe that she could use. In the meantime, Tuta Nekai waited and watched, sending his besieged music across the lake. At last Hinemore felt she could wait no longer. I will swim across, she said. During the day she hid six large hollow gourds. She strung them together with blacks, free on each side so that they should act as a rough for her body when she was tired. At night, she slipped into the lake with her raft of gourds. The sky was dark and starless. The island was so far away that she could not see it. No sound broke the stillness of the lake till Tuta Nekai's music suddenly floated across the water.

4:18:25Then Hinemore took courage and swam bravely up towards it. Evenly, strongly and quietly, she swam for a long time. When she weiried, she floated resting on her raft of gourds. So, swimming, floating, she had voids halfway. When suddenly she felt that her strength was gone. I shall never reach the island, she said aloud. I can go no further, but twenty-fifth will find you here and kill me. Yeah, me not. It was the voice of the Tenifa that great monster lived in the deep waters of the lake. Yeah, me not. In your people. Once so brave, she awoke safely. Yeah, our rocks rest fearlessly.

4:19:28A cluster of rocks rose above the water, pushed up with by the monster's kindly strength. Thankfully, Hinemore lay on them to rest. When her strength returned, she went on her dark way, fearless and calm once more. It grew late. On the island, Tuta Nekai said to Tikki. Hinemore can not be coming tonight. They went home, not knowing that they were leaving Hinemore to swim in the great lonely lake, known music to guide and cheer her. Though her heart sank, she swam bravely on, hoping that she should find the landing place. Presently, through the darkness, the island showed. Then, she heard the tiny ripples breaking on the shore. She came to the landing place. Close beside it was a hot spring. She plunged into it, easing her aching shoulders and warming her chilled body in its healing waters.

4:20:36How shall I find Tuta Nekai? She thought. When she wondered what to do, a man came to the lake for water. Hinemore saw him, for the moon had now risen. She knew it might once, for Tuta Nekai's servant. She thought of a plan to bring Tuta Nekai to the spring. Speaking in a gruff voice like a man, she said, give me water to drink. The servant, though startled at hearing a strange voice from the spring, stooped and handed down his calabash of water. Hinemore took it, drank the water, and smashed the calabash against the rocks. Why did you do that? Asked the servant and the smay. Hinemore gave no answer. He went back to the house and told his master that a man hidden in the spring had smashed the calabash. Take another, said his master. Again the servant came, and again Hinemore begged the drink and smashed the calabash.

4:21:42Several times it happened. The servant dared not refuse a drink to a stranger. At last, Tuta Nekai, waiting in the house of his water, flew into a rage at the loss of his calabashes. He ran to the spring. Come forth, the man who broke my calabashes, he shouted. It is I, Tuta Nekai. It is Hinemore, she said softly. How joyfully he took her home. They were married and a great feast was made. Everybody came to gaze on the lovely princess who had braided terrors of the dark lake for the love of Tuta Nekai. Everybody praised her beauty and her courage. News of her brave deed was carried to her father, winning his forgiveness for her flight. Tuta Nekai made his princess happy. He showed himself so noble and so strong that he might as well have been a prince.

4:22:46To this day, the descendants of the Tuta proud to tell the tale of Hinemore's swim. In the story 28, recording by Maria Brooke, New Zealand, end of Marieland Fairytales by Edith Hous.