The Legend of the Brave Maori — A Tale of Protecting the Island

On a picturesque island in New Zealand, where green hills merge with the ocean, lived two children — Aroua and Hemi. They loved running on the beaches, catching crabs, and listening to stories from the elders. One evening, the elder told them a legend: "The sea monster, known as Tangiva, once guarded our waters. But now it has awakened and threatens our island. Only courage and wisdom can restore peace."

The next morning, the children noticed that the sea had become restless: the waves were crashing against the shore more forcefully than usual, and the fishermen returned empty-handed. "Maybe Tangiva has indeed returned?" Aroua wondered. Hemi nodded: "We have to do something."

They went to the sacred cave where, according to legend, the Maori warrior Toha lived, chosen by the spirits to protect the island. When they entered, a tall man with facial tattoos and a battle taiaha appeared before them. "Why have you come here, children?" he asked. Aroua bravely replied: "We want to help protect the island from Tangiva."

Toha pondered, then said: "Tangiva is a powerful being. To tame it, you must undergo three trials and find its weakness. Are you ready for this?" The children agreed, and Toha led them to the coastline where the trials began.

The first trial awaited them in a lagoon surrounded by rocks. "Here, in the water, lies the stone of strength that needs to be retrieved," Toha said. But the water was full of seaweed and sharp corals. Aroua suggested making a long hook from branches. Using their ingenuity, the children managed to lift the stone to the surface.

The second trial was on a cliff where huge kakapo birds nested. At the very top was hidden the feather of wisdom, which, according to Toha, would help understand Tangiva's language. The ascent was difficult: the wind was strong enough to knock them down, and the birds tried to protect their nests. "We must move slowly and not scare them," Hemi suggested. They carefully reached the summit and took the feather.

The third trial awaited them on the water. Toha gave them a boat and said: "You must find the mirror of the ocean — a place where the water is so calm it reflects the sky. There lies the last artifact that will allow you to tame Tangiva." They rowed for a long time until they found this place. On the water's surface, they noticed a sparkling shell amulet and retrieved it.

Having gathered all three artifacts, the children returned to Toha. "Now we are ready to face Tangiva," he said. They went out into the open sea, and soon a huge head of the monster rose from the water. Its eyes sparkled, and its voice sounded like the roar of waves. "Who dares disturb me?" Tangiva asked.

Toha stepped forward: "We have come to restore balance to the ocean." He extended the feather, which allowed him to communicate with the monster. "You guard these waters, but your anger threatens the island." Tangiva pondered and said: "I awakened because people forgot to respect the sea. They pollute it and fish without measure."

Aroua replied: "We will teach our people to treat the ocean with care. But please, give us a chance." The monster agreed and touched the shell amulet, which glowed brightly. Tangiva submerged into the water, and the sea became calm.

"You have saved the island," Toha said to the children. "Now you are not just residents but also protectors of our land." He gave them an amulet that symbolized the power of friendship, courage, and respect for nature.

When the children returned to the village, the sea was calm again, and the fishermen returned with full nets. Aroua and Hemi told everyone that only respect for the ocean and its creatures can preserve their home. Since then, the spirit of Tangiva became their ally, and the legend of the brave children lived in the hearts of their people.