by Disney Moana Inspired by Polynesian mythology, history and culture and widely praised for its efforts in cultural authenticity. The film tells the story of Moana (voiced by Aulij Cravallo), the daughter of chief Motunui Tui, who has the demigod Maui (voiced by Aulij Cravallo) stolen the heart of the goddess Te Fiti. Then, chosen by the ocean to bring it back to its story. of “The Rock” Dwayne Johnson), and got lost in the depths of the sea.
When directors Ron Clements and John Musk approached then-Creative Director John Lasseter with the idea of an animated feature film inspired by Polynesian mythology, the latter suggested they go on a research tour. rescue. During the five years of developing and producing the film, Clements and Musk traveled to Fiji, Tahiti and Samoa, and recruited experts from across the South Pacific to the Sea Story Trust to discuss cultural accuracy. filmization. Consult with representatives. Anthropologists, historians, culturologists, linguists, tattoo artists, elders, fishermen and others gather to advise on the tiniest details of the film. .
Although the original theme revolved around the story of the demigod Maui, the story was eventually reworked to tell the story of Moana. Moana is a strong-willed girl whose parents prevented her from getting out of the ocean until an epidemic ravaged her island, killing fish and plants. MoanaThe opening scene explains that Te Fiti, the mother island, gives life to creation and allows other islands to exist, and that her heart is a carved piece of pounamu (a form of pounamu in Chinese culture). Maori). Stones of cultural significance, considered to be tanga, or treasure) – After being stolen by Maui, her island begins to decline and emits a powerful wave of darkness. Maui now has her heart, but is attacked by the Fire Demon Teka, who throws both her magic hook and Te Fiti’s heart into the sea. Darkness brought destruction to Moana’s home and prompted her to embark on a journey across the ocean to save her people, a thousand years after her heart was stolen, against her father’s wishes. her mother.
Moana learns to find the way and references The Long Pause
The audience learns that Moana’s people have long since stopped sailing and have placed a taboo (itself a Tongan word) on the reefs outside the island, which is why Moana’s father, when she suggested staying out of its bounds, reacted angrily while fishing. This refers to what scholars call a “long pause” in Polynesian history. Three and a half centuries ago, Western Polynesia was invaded by people who used Stone Age technology to traverse thousands of miles across the water and somehow found small islands in the largest ocean in the world. Earth. These explorers then went back and forth to settle in their new homeland. However, while the western islands of Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga were quickly colonized, it took another 2,000 years for them to settle on the Central and Eastern Polynesian islands, including Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Easter Island. and Hawaii. Only 500 to 1,500 years ago.
No one knows why the Polynesians stopped sailing for such a long time, or why they decided to venture east after so many years. Migration scholars have theorized for a variety of causes, from toxic algal blooms that lead to ciguatera poisoning to favorable winds caused by persistent El Ninos (average sea temperatures). increasing average). Moanathe story of s. Generations have lived on land because the “darkness” made the seas too dangerous, and Moana inspired her people to rediscover the art of finding their way and to begin rediscovering.
Learning to navigate the seas is an important part of Moana’s character line, and this focus pays homage to the cultural significance of the traditional Polynesian sailing that Taumako teaches. Polynesian navigation involved a number of navigational instruments that predated those used by European explorers, but also relied primarily on observing the stars and other signs in the sky and sea, as well as oral knowledge. Rowing was an exact science, and its techniques, as well as the construction of canoes with tripods, were considered a clan secret.
The demigod Maui is made up of various Polynesian myths
Moana was taught by the Polynesian demigod Maui how to find her way. In the film, Maui recounts her victories and adventures through moving tattoos (interestingly, “tattoo” is a Samoan loanword) and the lyrics of “You’re Welcome.” Moana It’s the result of Disney combining aspects of different Polynesian cultures, and Dwayne Johnson’s character is no exception. Versions of Maui exist in various forms in most Pacific island cultures, MoanaAs a mythological figure, Disney has incorporated many stories of demigods with the help of creative license, such as the orphan Maui for sympathy.
In traditional Maori lore, Maui resembles Disney’s Maui, who derives most of his power from his magic hook. These stories tell how Maui pulled the islands of the Pacific Ocean with his hook to form Polynesia. Disney’s original design for Maui was somewhat controversial, as the final look was criticized by some for making Maui look fatter, which contributed to negative stereotypes about men. Polynesia. However, many others have no problem with this aspect of Maui’s depiction, claiming that the demigod looks powerful and legendary, as one would expect of a demigod.
The biggest change initiated by the Ocean Trust was his hair: the original design left Maui completely bald just like his voice actor. Trust member and culture writer Tahiti Hinano Murphy explains [via Vanity Fair] When he first saw the sketch, he told the animators “We have to have more hair on Maui’s head because it’s so important. Mana is in the hair, the demigod’s power. It looks like he’s naked. For us, that’s really important.” In many Melanesian and Polynesian cultures, mana is the spiritual life force, energy, or healing power contained in objects, places, and people. Mana is fundamental to the Polynesian worldview, so having Maui have voluminous curly hair is a key feature of respecting Polynesian culture.
Details make the difference
Two of the most important parts of Moana’s journey, learning to find her way and her relationship with Maui, are drawn from the history of the Polynesians and inspired by their mythology. However, there are many more details that can be added thanks to Ocean Trust Moanathe story of s. From the traditional fale (Samoan home), Chief Tui’s pe’a (traditional Samoan male tattoo), exquisitely detailed canoes based on ancient Fijian-style ships, and pits to cook food, to Moana. Clothing is made of materials and styles appropriate to the times and cultures, Moana Weave a rich tapestry with small but extremely precise details. It just shows what can be achieved when a creative studio makes an effort to consult with the right people.