The Māori creation story begins with nothingness, Te Kore. Then it takes us on a fascinating journey through Te Pō – the cramped space, and Te Ao Mārama – the emergence of light, as we explore the ancient beginnings of the Maori people.

It is said that in the beginning, there was nothing. From the nothingness Ranginui, the Sky Father, and Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother, emerged. But they were locked in a tight embrace, their love so strong that no light could penetrate the space between them. Their children, the gods, were born and lived in this tight and dark place. But they craved the light and wanted to separate their parents. The separation of the parents by the children resulted in the movement from darkness to the world of light, Te Ao- Mārama.

Among these children were Tāne, Tangaroa, and Tūmatauenga. They worked together to bring about the separation of their parents.

Finally, it was Tāne who lay on his back with his legs facing up. With total focus and strength, he pushed and pushed, lifting Ranginui high into the sky and pressing Papatūānuku down to form the earth. This separation allowed light to flood the world, and thus a new era dawned. Rangi and Papa wept for each other rather than being angry with the gods. Even now, it is said that the tears of Ranginui are falling when it rains. And they represent his sorrow over the separation.

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Birth of The First Man

But the world was still incomplete. Tāne decided to populate the earth with beings who could appreciate its beauty, and thus, he created the first human. Gathering the sacred red earth of Kurawaka, Tāne carefully molded the form of a man. He named this figure Tiki.

Tāne breathed life into Tiki, and the first human opened his eyes to the world. Tiki wandered the earth, marveling at its beauty, but felt profoundly lonely. Understanding Tiki's need for companionship, Tāne created the first woman, Marikoriko, from the same sacred earth. Tiki and Marikoriko became the ancestors of all the human race.

Their first child was Hine-kau-ataata, and through her, humanity's lineage continued. The descendants of Tiki and Marikoriko spread across the land, each generation carrying the divine spark of their creation. They lived in harmony with the natural world, honoring the gods and the sacred earth from which they were formed.

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Another Version: Birth of The First Woman

Long ago, before humans roamed the land, the gods existed in the heavens and earth realms. Among them was Tāne Mahuta, the god of forests and birds. Tāne, whose domain was the towering trees and the creatures that lived within them, felt a longing in his heart. Though the beauty of nature surrounded him, something was missing—there was no one like him, no companion to share the world's wonders.

Tāne sought the wisdom of his fellow gods, and it was revealed to him that the answer lay in the very earth he nurtured. Determined, Tāne descended to the sacred land of Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother, and began to gather the soft red clay. With great care, he shaped the clay into the form of a woman. He molded her arms, legs, and face—delicately crafting every detail with love.

Once her form was complete, Tāne bent over her and gently breathed into her nostrils. The breath of life filled the clay figure, and in that moment, she stirred. Her chest rose and fell as she took her first breath, and her eyes opened to see the world for the first time. Tāne named her Hineahuone, meaning "woman of the earth."

Hineahuone stood, her feet rooted in the very soil from which she was formed, and she marveled at the world around her. Tāne and Hineahuone became companions, and the first of humankind was born from their union. Together, they brought forth the next generation—Hinetītama, their daughter, who would go on to play her vital role in Māori mythology as the goddess of death and the underworld.

Thus, humanity was born from the earth itself, with Tāne Mahuta as their father and Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother, as their eternal source of life and nourishment. From Hineahuone's clay body, the connection between humans and nature was forever sealed—a bond that endures in the hearts of the Māori people, who honor their origins and the sacredness of the natural world.

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In Māori Mythology, the story of creation is more than just a tale; it reminds us of the connection between humans and the earth. It teaches the importance of respecting the natural world and recognizing the divine essence within all living things. Through the story of Tiki and Marikoriko, the Māori people celebrate their origins and the bond they share with the land and the gods. It is a timeless story passed down through generations, reminding us of our place in life.

Comparisons between Maori creation myths and other ancient stories show they often share the same theme of light bringing about life and harmony. Te Ao Mārama is an integral part of Maori identity. It shapes their perspectives and actions. It preserves cultural knowledge and fosters a sense of belonging. Variations in different oral traditions and interpretations exist, but the core elements remain unchanged, as it's passed down through generations.

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