Video Activity: The Legends of Māui

Exploring the Story of a Pacific Hero

Do Now: Watch & Reflect

Watch the video "The Magical Maori Myths of Maui" (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2p4_5Y0-fA). As you watch, think about the character of Māui and the nature of the stories told about him.

Critical Thinking Questions

1. The video describes Māui as a "trickster hero". What characteristics does he show that make him a "trickster"? What makes him a "hero"?

2. Choose one of the stories about Māui (e.g., slowing the sun, fishing up the North Island). What lesson or value do you think this story was meant to teach?

3. (Extension) Many of Māui's feats involve changing the natural world. How does this reflect a Te Ao Māori view of the relationship between humans and the environment? How is it different from or similar to a modern scientific view?

🎯 Rerekētanga / Differentiation

For Support: Draw a cartoon strip of one of Māui's adventures.

For Extension: Compare the story of Māui with a "trickster hero" from another culture (e.g., Loki from Norse mythology, Anansi from West African stories).

📋 Ngā Hononga ki te Marautanga / NZC Links

English (L4): "Show an increasing understanding of how texts are shaped for different purposes and audiences."

Social Studies (L4): "Understand how people pass on and sustain culture and heritage for different reasons and that this has consequences for people."

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