Tu

The War God

Tu-matauenga, whose name means 'Tu of the Angry Face,' is the god of war and all human activities that require conflict and struggle. Unlike war gods in some other traditions, Tu represents not just battle but all forms of human striving against nature, including hunting, fishing, and agriculture.

Advocate for Action

When the children of Rangi and Papa debated how to escape their prison between earth and sky, it was Tu who first proposed a violent solution: to kill their parents. When the more peaceful suggestion of separation prevailed, Tu was the one who supported Tane's efforts and fought against Tawhirimatea's winds when the storm god attacked.

The Angry Brother

After Tawhirimatea's assault, when the other gods fled or hid, only Tu stood firm. Furious at his brothers' cowardice, Tu turned on them in revenge. He trapped Tangaroa's fish children, Rongo's cultivated plants, Haumia's wild plants, and Tane's birds, making them all food for humanity. This is why humans eat fish, birds, and plants - because Tu conquered them.

Ku in Hawaii

In Hawaiian tradition, Ku is one of the four major gods, associated with war, politics, and male activities. Different forms of Ku governed different aspects of life: Ku-ka'ili-moku was the war god of King Kamehameha I, Ku-ula was the god of fishermen, and Ku-ka-o'o was the god of farmers. Temples dedicated to Ku required human sacrifice.

Patron of Warriors

Warriors dedicated themselves to Tu before battle, performing rituals and making offerings. The first enemy killed in battle was offered to Tu. His worship was particularly important in Maori society, where the warrior class held great prestige and warfare was a common feature of life.