Tinirau

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Proper noun

Tinirau

1. (Polynesian mythology) A guardian of fish.

   Synonyms: Kinilau (Hawaii), Tigilau (Samoa), Tinilau (Samoa), Sinilau

   • 1887, E. Tregear, Art. LXV—Polynesian Folk-lore: Hina's Voyage to the Sacred Isle, James Hector (editor), Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute, Volume 19 [Vol. 2 of 2nd Series], New Zealand Institute, page 495,

     Tinirau came back and found the blushing girl, who became his cherished wife. Ina now discovered that it was the might of Tinirau that inspired her with a manu, or strange spirit, and then provided for her safety in voyaging to his home in the Sacred Isle.

   • 1888, Alexander A. Fraser, Raromi, Or, The Maori Chief's Heir, The Religious Tract Society, page 126,

     When Tinirau was well, Kae begged to be allowed to return home quickly on the back of Tinirau’s pet whale, Tutunui.

   • 2020, Witi Ihimaera, Navigating the Stars: Māori Creation Myths, Penguin Random House (NZ Vintage), unnumbered page,

     The point to stress is that there, at that time of her pregnancy, Hina-uri's dormant powers as the sister of god brothers began to interact with Motu Tapu and Tinirau’s energies. The first time we are shown her in exercise of her potential was when she and Tinirau began to run out of food. Tinirau suggested that they go to the main settlement for kai, but Hina-uri did not want to risk the tapu of the expectant mother.

Further reading

• Tinirau and Kae on Wikipedia.Wikipedia