--- title: The Sons of Kii — Hawaiian Historical Legends · full text with trees description: The Sons of Kii, «Hawaiian Historical Legends» by W. D. Westervelt: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: Sometime during the fifth or sixth century of the Christian era—according to estimates based on Hawaiian genealogies—two brothers, Ulu and Nanaulu --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66357/7/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/) / [Hawaiian Historical Legends](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66357/) / The Sons of Kii # The Sons of Kii The Sons of Kii of «Hawaiian Historical Legends» by W. D. Westervelt: the whole text, 206 sentences and 4384 words. The small number after every sentence leads to its own page with its syntax tree and pragmatics, parsed by Mova itself. **1** [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66357/7/page/2/) Sometime during the fifth or sixth century of the Christian era—according to estimates based on Hawaiian genealogies—two brothers, Ulu and Nanaulu, came to the Hawaiian Islands and established a dynasty of high chiefs.[1](1/ "tree and pragmatics") Their father was Kii, a king in the Southern Pacific Islands.[2](2/ "tree and pragmatics") Tahiti, the chief island of the Society group, furnishes the only ancient king of that name.[3](3/ "tree and pragmatics") We have the additional fact that in Hawaiian legends the place to which Hawaiian Vikings frequently sailed for centuries was usually Kahiki or Tahiti, the old home of the family of ruling chiefs.[4](4/ "tree and pragmatics") It has been suggested that Ulu remained in the southern islands and that Nanaulu alone found his way to Hawaii; but the frequent use of the name Ulu in the genealogies of the chiefs of the two large islands, Hawaii and Maui, would support the position taken in the story that follows—that the brothers, sailing together, found Hawaii.[5](5/ "tree and pragmatics") Two strong young men, about six feet in stature, were hastening together along a mountain spur leading down to the harbour of Papeete.[6](6/ "tree and pragmatics") They had met but a short time before, one coming around the base of the turreted crags of an extinct volcano known as “La Diademe”—The Diadem, or crown of Tahiti.[7](7/ "tree and pragmatics") The other had left his house in the hills from which the beautiful river of the Vai-ta-piha valley takes its source.[8](8/ "tree and pragmatics") They had given each other the universal Polynesian greeting—“Love to you,” with the reply, “Love indeed.”[9](9/ "tree and pragmatics") Soon they came to the seashore where a long boat, the waa of Ulu, had been built.[10](10/ "tree and pragmatics") Large crowds of natives were watching the workmen as the stone adzes rang for the last time on the boarded-up sides of the boat.[11](11/ "tree and pragmatics") As the two young chiefs drew near they saw a small company of solemn, dignified men, evidently of high rank, emerge from the door of a large grass house and march slowly to the side of the long boat.[12](12/ "tree and pragmatics") A trumpet shell was sounded.[13](13/ "tree and pragmatics") The people fell with their faces toward the ground.[14](14/ "tree and pragmatics") Another blast, and there could be seen a number of gigantic slaves coming from the door of a stone temple not far away.[15](15/ "tree and pragmatics") Each slave was leading a prisoner.[16](16/ "tree and pragmatics") In a few minutes they surrounded the boat.[17](17/ "tree and pragmatics") Two prisoners were held at the prow of the boat, two at the stern, four along the boat sides and others in a line extending to the beach.[18](18/ "tree and pragmatics") A priest stepped forth from the little company of leaders.[19](19/ "tree and pragmatics") In a strong and yet monotonous tone he began a chant of praise of Kii and his sons.[20](20/ "tree and pragmatics") He sang of the boat building and the protecting care of the gods.[21](21/ "tree and pragmatics") He chanted the charms which would control the action of the gods of the seas over which the boats might sail.[22](22/ "tree and pragmatics") He invoked the gods of the home land to make friendly the gods of any new country to which the sailors might go.[23](23/ "tree and pragmatics") He pleaded for the acceptance of the human sacrifice about to be made to the gods.[24](24/ "tree and pragmatics") Executioners with sharp-edged clubs of heavy hardwood then struck down the prisoners as the boat was rushed to the sea.[25](25/ "tree and pragmatics") Human sacrifices at the launchings of the canoes of chiefs were not at all unusual, but the two young chiefs from the mountains had never before known such wholesale slaughter.[26](26/ "tree and pragmatics") The importance of the plans of the high chiefs was made evident by this large human sacrifice.[27](27/ "tree and pragmatics") The new boat of the king’s son, Ulu, was evidently destined for some very important expedition.[28](28/ "tree and pragmatics") “E Taunoa,” cried a chief to the two latest arrivals, calling one of them by the name of his district.[29](29/ "tree and pragmatics") “Make haste or you will be too late to hear the voice of the king.”[30](30/ "tree and pragmatics") “How is it, Taunoa,” said another, “that you, a chief of Nanaulu, should be present at the call of Kii in the interest of Ulu?”[31](31/ "tree and pragmatics") Taunoa replied: “We shall soon see Nanaulu with a cloud of boats.[32](32/ "tree and pragmatics") I was sent to announce his coming to his father, the king.[33](33/ "tree and pragmatics") His heart is with his brother Ulu in the observance of the plans of Kii.[34](34/ "tree and pragmatics") I found this young chief of Vai-ta-piha on his way hither, and made him my companion.[35](35/ "tree and pragmatics") Take me at once to Kii, the king.”[36](36/ "tree and pragmatics") Okela, the chief who had called to Taunoa, at once preceded the crowd thronging hastily behind, giving Taunoa the post of honour after Okela.[37](37/ "tree and pragmatics") As they approached the dignified high chiefs they all prostrated themselves to the ground except Okela and Taunoa.[38](38/ "tree and pragmatics") Taunoa drew from under his cloak a feathery frond of the cocoanut, and raising it above his head, asked for an interview with the king.[39](39/ "tree and pragmatics") The trumpeter with his large pu or conch shell sounded the call of the coming of the king.[40](40/ "tree and pragmatics") Trumpet shells responded from the temple and from the king’s residence.[41](41/ "tree and pragmatics") A terrific beating of drums followed, the people fell upon their faces; even the high chiefs prostrated themselves.[42](42/ "tree and pragmatics") Only the messenger from Nanaulu remained partially upright.[43](43/ "tree and pragmatics") From the king’s house came the royal retinue.[44](44/ "tree and pragmatics") King Kii was borne on the shoulders of a stalwart slave, supported by two other slaves, while ranks of trusted chiefs walked by his side.[45](45/ "tree and pragmatics") Following the king, riding in the same way upon the shoulders of slaves, was Ulu, the king’s son, surrounded also by his chosen chiefs.[46](46/ "tree and pragmatics") To the king Taunoa at once presented his tuft of the cocoanut and was ordered to give his message.[47](47/ "tree and pragmatics") “O King,” he said, “Nanaulu, the high chief, your son, has heard of the boat of Ulu and your purpose of sending Ulu upon a mysterious mission.[48](48/ "tree and pragmatics") Nanaulu, the elder brother, was the kahu (caretaker) of Ulu in the days past.[49](49/ "tree and pragmatics") He desires to still stand by his brother’s side and care for him in the place of Kii, the royal father.[50](50/ "tree and pragmatics") He has searched the forests of the sharp-peaked mountain and has fashioned a boat, the Mano-nui (great shark), and soon expects to come to Papeete with a royal fleet to do honour to the king, his father.”[51](51/ "tree and pragmatics") The king had turned his eyes for a moment toward Ulu and had caught the joy flashing from his eyes when he heard of his brother’s speedy coming, then, looking down upon Taunoa, who had prostrated himself as soon as his message was delivered, simply said:[52](52/ "tree and pragmatics") “Your message gives joy,” and then was borne into the midst of the group of high chiefs.[53](53/ "tree and pragmatics") The king’s herald then made proclamation:[54](54/ "tree and pragmatics") “Where are you, O chiefs?[55](55/ "tree and pragmatics") Where are you, O nobles of Tahiti?[56](56/ "tree and pragmatics") Where are you, O servant people?[57](57/ "tree and pragmatics") For the message is to all, from the highest to the lowest.[58](58/ "tree and pragmatics") Listen, O men of Tahiti, to the will of Kii, your king.[59](59/ "tree and pragmatics") “It is his wish that Ulu, his son, should sail toward the west and should find the land of our fathers, He will have many companions, but these will be selected from only the most worthy.[60](60/ "tree and pragmatics") His prophets and priests, his teachers, have already been chosen.[61](61/ "tree and pragmatics") But now choice must be made of chiefs and warriors and common people.[62](62/ "tree and pragmatics") Two days will be given you for rest.[63](63/ "tree and pragmatics") On the third day the king and his high chiefs will be judges of wrestling contests.[64](64/ "tree and pragmatics") On the fourth day will be struggles in the surf; or, if the sea gods are not propitious the chiefs will contest on the hillsides and in the games of physical strength.[65](65/ "tree and pragmatics") On the fifth day there will be the exercise with the spears and clubs.[66](66/ "tree and pragmatics") The skill and strength of the Tahitians will be manifest during these days.”[67](67/ "tree and pragmatics") Then followed such a scene of unbridled revelry as could occur only in a land given up to physical pleasures and passions.[68](68/ "tree and pragmatics") Feasting and the heiva dance and drinking kava occupied the time of the common people.[69](69/ "tree and pragmatics") The chiefs gave themselves up to gambling and rioting until the night was wearied with their excesses and the new day sent the revellers to needed rest wherever any tree or grass house afforded even a little shade.[70](70/ "tree and pragmatics") As the afternoon of the first day began to cast its long shadows, a large fleet of hundreds of canoes filled the entrance to Papeete Bay.[71](71/ "tree and pragmatics") They were preceded by a very large war canoe with a prow shaped into a rude resemblance of a shark’s head, with shark’s teeth fastened in the open jaws.[72](72/ "tree and pragmatics") The body of the boat was of polished wood, well oiled.[73](73/ "tree and pragmatics") The multitude of canoes following were painted and stained with as many brilliant dyes as possible.[74](74/ "tree and pragmatics") Not a torn or weather-beaten sail hung by the masts.[75](75/ "tree and pragmatics") Sails of dyed kapa cloth and woven matting, new and beautifully painted, had been made ready long before, that Nanaulu’s homecoming might have no blot upon its impressive appearance.[76](76/ "tree and pragmatics") As the large boat came near the shore the oarsmen leaped into the surf; chosen men from the other canoes joined them.[77](77/ "tree and pragmatics") Passing strong cords of cocoanut fibre under the keel, they lifted the boat, with several chiefs resting upon a small deck which partially covered the canoe.[78](78/ "tree and pragmatics") Then they bore the great burden up the beach toward the grass house of Kii.[79](79/ "tree and pragmatics") Standing by the mast of the canoe was Nanaulu, a chief of splendid physical appearance, about thirty years of age, before whom all the people prostrated themselves as he was carried by.[80](80/ "tree and pragmatics") Midway between the beach and the king’s house a young chief rushed down to meet Nanaulu.[81](81/ "tree and pragmatics") As he came near the canoe he leaped over the heads of the bearers, landing on the deck by the side of Nanaulu and catching the mast gracefully, steadied himself for a moment and then, throwing his arms around Nanaulu, began the loud Polynesian wailing, with which in sorrow or in joy alike they were accustomed to greet one another.[82](82/ "tree and pragmatics") This was Ulu, the younger brother, not over twenty-five years old, and his warm-hearted greeting of his elder brother, who during his boyhood had been his steadfast friend and caretaker, showed the deep love which bound them together.[83](83/ "tree and pragmatics") Ulu was of higher chief rank than his elder brother.[84](84/ "tree and pragmatics") Sons of Kii, they were nevertheless sons of different queens of unequal rank; therefore Nanaulu owed allegiance to his brother.[85](85/ "tree and pragmatics") After the wailing was over the boat was carried to the king’s house, while the two brothers discussed plans.[86](86/ "tree and pragmatics") Nanaulu requested that his own retainers might be given an opportunity to contest in the games and athletic exercises of the coming days.[87](87/ "tree and pragmatics") To this his brother readily acceded.[88](88/ "tree and pragmatics") Early in the morning of the next day the contests were opened by the chiefs of the various districts of Tahiti, who called their best wrestlers together and chose the champions to contest with other champions from other districts.[89](89/ "tree and pragmatics") After the king had taken his place the ceremonies of the day were introduced by the royal ceremonial dance.[90](90/ "tree and pragmatics") Over a hundred chiefs, throwing aside their cloaks and putting on tall helmets making the average stature about eight feet and, taking slender, thin paddles, ranged themselves before the king in lines, and then passed through a series of gymnastic exercises, gracefully moving the paddles in exact harmony, at the same time changing their positions, passing in and out between one another, sometimes forming squares, circles and semi-circles.[91](91/ "tree and pragmatics") The music for the rhythmic motion was furnished by rude drums, upon which musicians beat time.[92](92/ "tree and pragmatics") The dance ended by two chiefs taking war clubs and, while in motion, keeping time with the drums, twirling the clubs and striking rapidly at each other, circling the clubs over each other’s heads and yet avoiding all injury to one another.[93](93/ "tree and pragmatics") One of the chiefs stepped to the centre of the open arena and began to chant:[94](94/ "tree and pragmatics") “I am the wrestler From the groves of Papeete, By the sea waters.[95](95/ "tree and pragmatics") Where are you, Opale, The great man! the strong man\![96](96/ "tree and pragmatics") Living by the rough waves Of Makavia?[97](97/ "tree and pragmatics") Come and fight with Makima.”[98](98/ "tree and pragmatics") The champion wrestler from Matavia Bay very slowly walked into the arena, trying to appear utterly oblivious of his antagonist.[99](99/ "tree and pragmatics") He looked into the sky, glanced along the sand, then shouted:[100](100/ "tree and pragmatics") “Where are you, Makima, The boastful little man, The weak in limb and arm?[101](101/ "tree and pragmatics") Where are you, Makima, Who dares to fight with Opale?”[102](102/ "tree and pragmatics") It was the custom of the Polynesians to throw out a taunt in a half-shouting, defiant tone.[103](103/ "tree and pragmatics") Each combatant approached the other, trying to make the audience think that he considered his antagonist so far beneath his notice that he only needed to move his arm and the match would be over.[104](104/ "tree and pragmatics") Thus in lordly dignity they ignored each other until, standing side by side, each made a sudden movement as if expecting to find the other off his guard.[105](105/ "tree and pragmatics") In a moment there was a confused mass of squirming limbs and arms and writhing bodies.[106](106/ "tree and pragmatics") A cloud of sand obscured the struggle.[107](107/ "tree and pragmatics") For a time there was no motion, and people saw the champions bending around each other with strained muscles, neither having any advantage, but each apparently exerting all his strength to make the other give way in response to brute strength.[108](108/ "tree and pragmatics") Each endeavoured to learn the trick by which his antagonist would change the order of battle.[109](109/ "tree and pragmatics") The least loosening of muscles on the part of one was interpreted in a moment by the other, and neither one hastened to carry out a move which might place him at the other’s mercy.[110](110/ "tree and pragmatics") It was a splendid exhibition of statuesque athletics.[111](111/ "tree and pragmatics") Doing his very best to prevent betrayal by any loosened grasp in any direction, Opale suddenly swept one foot with terrific force against his antagonist’s leg, at the same time pulling him to one side; but the half second’s unconscious loosening of the muscles preparatory to Opale’s action gave Makima notice, and even as Opale’s foot struck him, he raised the unbalanced chief and whirled him over his head, at the same time by a whirlwind motion preserving his own equilibrium.[112](112/ "tree and pragmatics") Opale lay for a moment unconscious, while Makima received the applause of the multitude.[113](113/ "tree and pragmatics") **1** [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66357/7/page/2/) - ← previous: [Legendary Home of the 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