Tumu-nui is the name of several figures in Tahitan mythology.

In the creation myth of the Society Islands, Ta'aroa creates Tumu-nui and his wife Paparaharaha as foundations for the Earth.[1] Ta'aroa commanded them to approach one another, but they both refused as each had a fixed place in the earth.[2]

This is also the name of the uncle of the hero Rata. He was king of Tahiti. When he was lost at sea, his nephew Rata became king.

References

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  1. ^ Monberg, Torben (1956). "Ta'aroa in the creation myths of the Society Islands". Journal of the Polynesian Society. 65 (3): 253–281. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  2. ^ Te Rangi Hiroa (1964). Vikings of the Sunrise. Whitcombe and Tombs Limited. pp. 72–75 – via NZETC.