What makes this book particularly interesting is that it is in both Samoan and English and as such makes an excellent resource for those wishing to learn or improve their Samoan. The first part of the book contains the Samoan versions of the tales and the second part the English text, which also has a small glossary of Samoan terms that may be useful if you are not familiar with some aspects of Samoan culture.

The legends explain the creation of the Earth, the exploits of Samoan Gods and Demons, the origin of tattooing, coconuts, places, royalty and the feats of various Samoan mythological figures. Many aspects of Fa'a Samoa are addressed when book covers the customs of Samoa such as the roles of the high chiefs, the succession of titles and transference of land, the importance of fine mats at weddings and much more.

The stories are written as if they were being narrated by a story teller. While this may give them a rather stilted reading style, it does mean that they are perfect for oral story-telling. Memorise your favourite tale, personalise it a little bit and if you practise your delivery you will be in possession of a story to capture the attention of any audience.

This book is only one of two books we are aware of that are devoted to myths and legends from Samoa and because of this it is recommended as a purchase for anyone wishing to learn more about Samoa before the arrival of Europeans. Many of the legends are probably simply the stuff of myths, but it is also likely that many of them are based on incidents that did actually happen, although time and telling has distorted and embellished them.

Price: $20.00
Format: Paperback, 190pp.
ISBN: 0908597037
Publisher: The University of Hawaii Press
Pub. Date: December 1994