Episode 11 Māui and the Myths Behind Moana

In this episode, we set sail across the Pacific to meet Māui — the legendary trickster hero of Polynesian mythology. You might know him from Disney’s Moana, but there’s a lot more to his story than a catchy tune and a magical fishhook. From fishing up islands to lassoing the sun, stealing fire, and even challenging death itself, Māui’s adventures are epic, wild, and sometimes tragic. We’ll explore the real myths behind the movie, compare versions across Polynesian cultures, and reveal a theory that links Moana’s pig Pua to a deeper origin story.

Join us as we uncover what Disney got right, what it left out, and why Māui’s legacy is so powerful in Polynesian cultures.

Follow us, subscribe, and leave a review if you enjoyed this journey through legend and lore!

You can also email us at: [e-mail]

Hosted by:

Stephanie & Pieter-Louis

Sources:

https://www.tiktok.com/@popculturebrain/video/7441267273274297642?lang=en

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FH_QpXGRmv0

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%81ui

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YZBq7J_vM0