Tuna (Polynesian mythology)

In Polynesian mythology, Tuna is a powerful eel-god or spirit being. He is often associated with the origin of the coconut palm and sometimes with other plants that are essential to Polynesian life. Legends surrounding Tuna vary significantly across different Polynesian islands and cultures, but the core narrative typically involves a love affair, betrayal, and a sacrifice that leads to the creation of something beneficial to humanity.

The most common myth recounts a love affair between Tuna and a mortal woman. Her brothers or husband, realizing the true nature of Tuna as an evil spirit or powerful god, plot to kill him. They eventually succeed, often by trapping him in a pit. Before his death, Tuna instructs the woman to bury his severed head. From the burial site, the first coconut palm grows, the coconut representing Tuna's head, with the three "eyes" on the coconut shell symbolizing his face. In some variations, other plants, such as bananas or breadfruit, also originate from parts of Tuna's body.

Beyond the coconut creation myth, Tuna is also sometimes portrayed as a mischievous or malevolent entity. In some narratives, he is a powerful demon or a sea monster. He may engage in battles with other gods or culture heroes, representing a force of chaos or darkness. His character is multifaceted, depending on the specific island and the particular story being told. He is not uniformly seen as a benevolent figure.

The Tuna myth serves as an origin story explaining the importance of the coconut, a vital resource in Polynesian cultures. It also explores themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and the transformation of something destructive into something life-sustaining. The different interpretations of Tuna reflect the diverse beliefs and values within Polynesia.