Legends of Micronesia

by Eve Grey

Originally published in 1951 by the Department of Education of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, for use in local schools. Among several versions of some legends, preference was given to forms known to young people of the day. Since there are different languages and customs in Micronesia, the legends have been checked for local detail and spelling with experts in each location.

140 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Online description: ”Originally published in 1951 by the Department of Education of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, for use in local schools. Among several versions of some legends, preference was given to forms known to young people of the day. Since there are different languages and customs in Micronesia, the legends have been checked for local detail and spelling with experts in each location.”

According to Wikipedia, the area formerly called Micronesia has six sovereign nations as well as islands claimed by other nations. This book has legends from three of the sovereigns: Republic of Palau, The Federated States of Micronesia, and Republic of the Marshall Islands. There are also legends from other areas of the islands and the islands more generally as a whole.

It’s a nice mix of legends –there are themes that must be common across all cultures such as wicked stepmothers, gods and competitive brothers. There are also legends that explain geological oddities on the various islands, and which, according to the introduction could help inhabitants identify particular islands as they navigated the area. There are also legends that are unique to the seas, the islands and their animal life, especially the frigate bird.

I particularly liked the first legend – where the first map of the islands was a fishing net with shells inserted for the atolls.