How Birds Became Visible

retold by Anuhea
Adapted from "How Birds Became Visible" from Tales Of The Menehune by Wetervelt

In ancient times birds couldn't be seen. People could here the sounds of the birds, but couldn't see them. Except for one person, Maui.

A visitor from another Island came and decided to challenge Maui to a boasting contest. As the contest went on an audience came. Māui thought I must win, and said I’ll prove to you, we have something here you never dreamed of! Māui secretly called the birds. They perched on every tree and bush, filling the air with their songs.

Spirits the crowd whispered, and at last with Māui’s powers he turned all the birds visible. You've won, cried the visitor, and ever since that day birds were visible.