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Pele (deity)

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Pele is a famous goddess in Hawaiian culture.

Halema'uma'u Crater at Night
Halema'uma'u Crater at Night

She is the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Many people believe she made the Hawaiian Islands. She is also called the goddess of hula. This is because her sister, Hiʻiaka, was the first person to dance hula.

Peleshair USGS
Peleshair USGS

Many dances show her strong and intense personality.

Some stories say Pele was born from a spirit named Haumea. She has many siblings. These siblings are gods of wind, rain, and the ocean. Pele is known for her great power. She can be very passionate or very jealous. Some legends say she traveled from Tahiti in a canoe.

Many people believe Pele lives in a crater called Halemaʻumaʻu. This pit is at the top of Kīlauea. Kīlauea is a very active volcano.

Kapiolani defying Pele
Kapiolani defying Pele

People say Pele can change her shape. She might look like a beautiful young woman. She might look like an old woman. She might even look like a white dog. These stories are still very important today.

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🖼️ Images & Media (3)
File:Halema'uma'u Crater at Night.jpg
Halema'uma'u Crater at Night.jpg
File:Kapiolani defying Pele.jpg
Kapiolani defying Pele.jpg
File:Peleshair USGS.jpg
Peleshair USGS.jpg
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