The Pele Hawaiian goddess curse is a belief that there are negative consequences for individuals who take volcanic rocks or sands from the Hawaiian Islands as souvenirs. Pele is the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes in Hawaiian mythology, and is considered a powerful and vengeful deity. According to Hawaiian folklore, taking volcanic rocks or sands from the islands is seen as a form of disrespect towards Pele and her domain. It is believed that those who take rocks or sands from the Hawaiian Islands will suffer from bad luck, misfortune, and a series of unfortunate events. These can include accidents, health problems, financial difficulties, and even the loss of loved ones. Many people who have taken volcanic rocks or sands as souvenirs have reported experiencing a string of negative events afterwards, leading them to believe in the curse.
Discover Pele, the Mysterious Goddess of Hawaii’s Volcanoes
In an island chain that owes its entire existence to the presence of volcanoes, it’s no surprise that Pele, the goddess of Hawaii’s volcanoes, looms large in Hawaiian myths and stories.
In the accounts around this fiery, volatile, and mysterious goddess that have been passed down through Hawaiian mooelo (stories passed down orally from person to person), you’ll discover that Pele—like many of the fierce gods and goddesses in other cultures including the Hindu goddess Kali—plays the role of both creator and destroyer.
The lava that flows from her fiery volcanoes formed the Hawaiian Islands and continues to expand the Big Island’s landmass. (Since Kilauea started its 1983 eruption, its lava flows have added 585 acres of new land to the Big Island!) The 2018 eruption even added a new black sand beach to the island at Pohoiki. However, alongside that act of creation came the destruction of 700 homes in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens.
It’s a stark contradiction, one that’s also reflected in Pele’s personality. Sometimes, she appears as a beautiful young woman. Other times, she is an old, wrinkled Hawaiian tutu (grandmother). Those who cross her, snub her or underestimate her are often punished with fire and lava. However, those who honor her are granted mercy. In summary, the goddess Pele is a study in contradictions.
Now that Kilauea has once again resumed its activity, we thought it was a good time to explore the myths surrounding Pele, the Hawaiian goddess who calls this volcano her home. We’ll also explore a couple of misconceptions around the infamous “curse of Pele,” while offering a few simple ways you, as a new Hawaii resident, can offer your respect to this goddess and the culture that honors her.
Many people who have taken volcanic rocks or sands as souvenirs have reported experiencing a string of negative events afterwards, leading them to believe in the curse. To lift the curse, it is suggested that the stolen rocks or sands are returned to their original location. Some individuals who have experienced the curse have sent the stolen items back to the Hawaiian Islands via mail, in hopes of appeasing Pele and reversing their misfortunes.
The Story of Pele, the Eater of Land
The goddess Pele has been bestowed with a number of honorifics over the years. In the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll hear her referred to as “Madam Pele,” or “Tutu Pele.” She has also been called Pele-Honua-Mea (Pele of the sacred land) and Pele-Ai-Honua (Pele, the eater of the land).
However you choose to refer to her, it’s believed that she makes her home in the Halemaumau Crater at the top of Kilauea, Hawaii’s most active volcano—and one of the most active in the world.
Pele and her stories are deeply intertwined with Hawaiian culture. She both literally and mythologically came to these islands by canoe. The original Polynesian people who settled these islands brought the story of Pele with them during their ocean migration. Within the mythology of the ancient Polynesians, Pele was one of six daughters born to the goddess Haumea and the creator god, Kane.
And, as the stories about Pele are told, she herself also traveled by canoe to reach the Hawaiian islands.
The stories of exactly why Pele left the ancestral homeland of Kahiki are varied. One popular account tells of Pele falling in love with her sister’s husband. In some versions of the story, she seduces her sister’s husband and, in others, she kills him in a rage. As a result of these transgressions, she is banned from her homeland. In other, less dramatic versions, she was pushed out by a flood—or driven by a longing to travel.
Whatever the original reason, Pele brought her fiery temper and her penchant for taking whatever man piqued her interest to her new home. (Check out the story of Pele’s role in creating the ohia lehua tree. It all starts with spying a beautiful young man who she wants for her own…)
After hearing these creation stories and myths, you might think that Pele is a goddess of years gone by, one who’s not involved in today’s affairs. However, many people have felt her presence through the years, an occurrence that continues through present day.
Others have even taken part in rituals or ceremonies to seek forgiveness from the goddess. The belief in the Pele Hawaiian goddess curse is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and traditions. It serves as a reminder to treat the natural environment with respect and reverence. The volcanic rocks and sands are seen as sacred, and taking them is seen as an act of disrespect towards Pele and the Hawaiian Islands. While some people may dismiss the curse as mere superstition, others take it very seriously and prefer not to take any chances. The belief in the Pele Hawaiian goddess curse continues to be respected and acknowledged by many locals and visitors alike. It serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of disrespecting the power of nature and the deities associated with it..
Reviews for "The Curse of Pele: From Ancient Prophecy to Modern Day Disasters"
1. John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Pele Hawaiian Goddess Curse." The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters lacked depth. I found it hard to connect with any of the characters or care about what happened to them. Additionally, the dialogue was forced and unrealistic, making it difficult to stay engaged in the story. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-developed and captivating read.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - "Pele Hawaiian Goddess Curse" fell flat for me. The writing style was mediocre at best, and I had a hard time getting through the book. The story felt disjointed, with random plot points that didn't tie together well. I also found the characters to be one-dimensional and unrelatable. The supposed curse aspect of the story lacked depth and didn't add anything meaningful to the overall plot. Overall, I wouldn't waste my time reading this book again.
3. Megan - 1/5 - I cannot believe I wasted my time reading "Pele Hawaiian Goddess Curse." The writing was amateurish, with numerous grammatical errors and awkward sentence structure. The plot was unoriginal and lacked any real excitement. The characters were the typical stereotypical clichés, and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. I found myself rolling my eyes multiple times throughout the book. I would not recommend this to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging story.
4. Robert - 2/5 - "Pele Hawaiian Goddess Curse" had potential, but it ultimately fell short. The pacing was off, with moments of action followed by long periods of boredom. The characters had promising backgrounds but were poorly developed, making it hard to connect with them. The plot twists were predictable, and the ending lacked any real satisfaction. Overall, the book didn't leave a lasting impression and failed to live up to its initial promise.