Call it Courage

When morning comes, Mafatu can no longer see Hikueru behind him. Kivi flies away and Mafatu has only Uri as a companion on the vast expanse of ocean. The current carrying the canoe starts to pick up speed and the wind increases. As a storm gathers and tosses Mafatu’s canoe up and down on the waves, Mafatu cries out a prayer to Maui, the god of fisherman. Mafatu does all he can to keep his canoe from capsizing, but the wind and sea take his sail and mast, and a colossal wave crashes in on him, taking his paddle, spear, knife, drinking nuts, and clothing. The storm continues for hours, and Mafatu is defenseless against it. When the storm finally passes, daybreak comes but brings no relief. The sun burns Mafatu’s skin and increases his thirst. Mafatu has no control over the canoe’s direction, and the current carries him and Uri where it will.

Another night passes and in the morning, Mafatu is terrified that he will die from hunger and dehydration. A brave wag of Uri’s tale gives Mafatu the courage to face death with dignity, and in that moment, he sees Kivi fly overhead.