Māori Gods: Papatuanuku and Ranginui
The Earth Mother and Sky Father Year 5 Social Sciences Exploring Māori Mythology
What is Māori Mythology?
Stories passed down through generations Explains how the world was created Teaches important values and beliefs Connects Māori people to their ancestors
Meet Papatuanuku - The Earth Mother
Papatuanuku means 'Earth Mother' She is the land beneath our feet Provides food, water, and shelter Mother of all living things
Meet Ranginui - The Sky Father
Ranginui means 'Sky Father' He is the sky above us Brings rain, wind, and weather Father who watches over everyone
Before and After the Separation
{"left":"World was in complete darkness\nNo room for anything to grow\nAll the atua (gods) were trapped\nNothing could move or breathe freely","right":"Light filled the world\nPlants and trees could grow tall\nAnimals had space to live\nHumans could see and explore"}
The Children - The Atua (Gods)
Tane Mahuta - god of forests and birds Tangaroa - god of the sea and fish Tawhirimatea - god of wind and storms Tumatauenga - god of war and humans
Connect with Nature Activity
Think of something from nature that you love Draw or write about how it connects to Papatuanuku or Ranginui Share with a partner Discuss how we can care for our Earth Mother
Why Are These Stories Important Today?
How do these stories teach us about caring for the environment? What can we learn about respecting nature? How do Māori values help us today?
What We've Learned
Papatuanuku is our Earth Mother who provides for us Ranginui is our Sky Father who protects us The separation created light and space for life We must care for our environment like family Māori stories teach us important values
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