Maui

Shapeshifter, Demigod of the Wind and Sea, Hero of Men (And Women)

Maui as a Saviour of Nature

Though Maui is initially introduced as a mischevious, arrogant demigod who stole the heart of Te Fiti, we soon learn he isn't really the antagonist of this story at all. Maui's stealing of the heart was done out of good intentions, he exclaims to Moana that he stole the heart as a gift to the mortals so they would have the power to create life. Then as he breaks into the singing of "You're Welcome" we learn all the things Maui has done in the name of nature and helping the Islanders of Motunui. Maui lists off all the aspects of nature he changed in order to bring about wellness to the people from the tides, the grass, the ground to even lassoing the sun. His intentions were always to help both the people and nature live in harmony and benefit each other. His character adds another element of nature protection in spiritual significance. Through his mislead actions which resulted in the curse of darkness spreading through the islands Maui was outcast and seen as a villain more so than the hero he tried to be. Maui's mission with Moana to restore Te Fiti's heart is an act of redemption, and even though he is a god himself, he still bows to Te Fiti, knowing she is creator of all life.

Maui's Polynesian Significance

Maui is a traditionally Polynesian demigod who's greatest triumphs involve nature. The tattoos on his skin tell the stories of his accomplishments. As he sings in "You're Welcome" he used nature as a way to helps the islanders live a better life. And even in the storyline of Moana in which he steals Te Fiti's heart, he was well intended. By his traditional Polynesian use of nature, Maui instills a sense of faith in nature for the islanders of Motunui because they now see nature as something manipulated by gods and being much bigger than themselves, in this way Maui is a character responsible for a strong faith in nature we see throughout the film.

"You're Welcome" Lyrics

When the nights got cold, who stole
This guy!
What can I say except "You're welcome"you were waddling yay high?
For the tides, the sun, the sky?
Hey, it's OK, it's OK. You're welcome
I'm just an ordinary demi-guy!
Hey, what has two thumbs and pulled up the sky
When you fire from down below?
You're looking at him, yo!
Oh, also I lassoed the sun
—you're welcome—
To stretch your days and bring you fun
Also, I harnessed the breeze
—You're welcome—
To fill your sails and shake your trees
So what can I say except "You're welcome
For the islands I pulled from the sea?
There's no need to pray, it's OK,
You're welcome
I guess it's just my way of being me
You're welcome, you're welcome
Well, come to think of it
Kid, honestly I can go on and on
I can explain every natural phenomenon
The tide, the grass, the ground
Oh, that was Maui just messing around
I killed an eel, I buried its guts
Sprouted a tree, now you've got coconuts
What's the lesson? Whatisthetake-away?
Don't mess with Maui when he's on the break-away
And the tapestry here in my skin
Is a map of the victories I win

Moana. Directed by Ron Clements et al., Walt Disney Animation Studios, 2016.

TCP Book and Media Reviews Editor. Review of Moana, directed by Ron Clements. Project Muse, 2018.

Williamson, Robert. Religious and Cosmic Beliefs of Central Polynesia. Cambridge University Press, 1933