Stories and legends

Traditional stories or legends occupy an important place in Pacific culture. As oral cultures, genealogies and histories had to be passed down through storying. Their purpose is to give meaning to human existence, the world, and its resources by recounting their origins. Pacific Islanders have passed on their beliefs down through the generations by such oral tradition. Pacific Island legends vary from one country to another based on the various islands’ environment and social structure, although similarities can be seen.