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was atua of the kumara.

was ancestor of Fish and the Pounamu, which is classed with fish by the Maori. Tangaroa took to wife Te Anu-matao (=the chilly cold): from which union descended.

was atua presiding over peace and feasts.

was ancestor of the lizard, shark, and ill-favoured creatures: hence the proverb aitanga-a-Punga (=child of Punga) to denote an ugly fellow.

was the Maori war God.

Rangi-potiki's third wife was Papa (=Earth). Tangaroa was accused of having committed adultery with Papa, and Rangipotiki, armed with his spear, went to obtain satisfaction. He found Tangaroa seated by the door of his house, who, when he saw Rangi thus coming towards him, began the following karakia, at the same time striking his right shoulder with his left hand:—

Tangaroa, Tangaroa, Tangaroa, unravel; Unravel the tangle, Unravel, untwist.