Pele, Volcano Goddess of Hawai'i: A History

by H. Arlo Nimmo

Overview

When the first Europeans arrived in the Hawaiian Islands in 1778, the volcano goddess Pele was the central deity of a complex religion in the volcano districts of Hawai'i Island. While native Hawaiians were quickly converted to Christianity, Pele remained remarkably relevant as a deity. This book is a critical biography of the volcano goddess, as well as a history of her religion. Topics covered include the ongoing belief in Pele, her popular manifestations, her ceremonies, her new cultural roles and her current status in Hawai'i.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786463473
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	10/13/2011
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	249
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

The late H. Arlo Nimmo was a cultural anthropologist who wrote twelve books and dozens of articles. He was professor emeritus of anthropology at California State University East Bay and lived in San Francisco.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Preface
1. The Traditional Pele Literature
2. Pele and Hi‘iaka
3. The Traditional Pele Religion
4. Post-Contact Encounters with Pele
5. Post-Contact Ceremonies for Pele
6. Pele’s New and Ongoing Roles
7. The Pele Religion in Contemporary Hawai‘i
Appendix A: Siblings of Pele
Appendix B: Places in the Hawaiian Islands Visited by Pele
Appendix C: Epithets for Pele
Source Notes
Bibliography
Index