In Hawaiian mythology, Maui is a great trickster and culture hero who snared the sun and brought fire to mankind. Maui's father was Tama, the sky, and his mother was Taranga, who gave birth to Maui prematurely. When he was born, she wrapped him in cuttings from her hair and threw him into the surf. Maui was rescued by a jellyfish and eventually returned to his family.

It came to be that Maui grew annoyed with the shortness of day at that time and he persuaded his brothers that they should capture the sun in a net and force the sun to slow down. So they made a noose and Maui brought along the magic jawbone that he had received from his grandmother Muri-ranga-whenuam. They traveled to the desert where the sun rises and hid themselves. Maui made a large circle with a length of rope.

Maui told his brothers, "Keep yourselves well-hidden from the sun so that you do not frighten him. Wait patiently until he is well within the snare, whereupon I shall give a shout. Pull hard on the ends of the rope and I will rush to beat him soundly until dead. Do not let him move you to pity with his shrieks and screams."

The sun was caught as planned and Maui beat him until he began to move at a slower pace, thus setting the length of the day.

Do you know how Maui was able to capture fire for mankind? If you know or able to find out, please send in the rest of this myth! Mahalo! (Hawaiian for thank you)