The Girl Who Gave Breadfruit

From "The Girl Who Gave Breadfruit" in Hawaiian Legends by Mary Kawena Pukui.

Retold here by Chelsea

INTRODUCTION:

The flickering sparks of the fire were so bright in the hot Hawaiian sun. We have all heard of the adventures of Pele, the goddess of fire, battling her rivals Kamapua`a, and the snow goddess. But have you heard of Pele in the form of an old women begging for food? And have you ever heard about a home on the island of Hawai`i that was totally surrounded by lava, but not even one drop of it damaged the home at all? It seems so unbelievably strange that the lava flowed right around the hale of the younger girl. But because this young girl was so kind and generous to Pele, her life was spared.

Even today, on the island of Hawai`i, there is a location where a house still stands by lava, surrounded. Well, this legend explains it all.

The home belonged to a young girl that had befriended Pele. But on one hot, barren day, Pele appeared in the form of an old woman. Many homes were destroyed by the eruption as Pele’s fury exploded, in the form of active volcanoes.

This story will help you to better understand how powerful and temperamental Pele is. The real lesson is that you need to show aloha and kindness to everyone. Never leave someone alone in time of need, help out. Always treat others the way you want to be treated.

So when you have spare time, read my audio and find out what actually happened to Pele. It is a spine-thrilling story that will make you jump right out of your seat.