One of the most
dramatic goddesses of the Hawaiian mythology, Pele lives in Hawaiian hearts and
minds as the supreme personification of volcanic majesty and power. Within the
Hawaiian cosmos all natural forces are regarded as life forces, related to
humanity by common descent from the same ultimate creative spirits. Possessing
the power to create new land, Pele also has a volcanic personality. She is by
nature impetuous and lusty, jealous, unpredictable, and capable of sudden fury
and great violence. She can also be gentle, loving, and as serene as her
forests of ferns and flowering trees. Born in the awe experienced by an ancient
people, she still makes her presence felt by those who visit her domain today.
Page 146, Voyagers
Link to on-line publication of Ancient Hawai'i
