Discover the legendary stories of the Fijians
Posted by Maris on 2nd Oct 2023
Degei is the originator of Fijian culture.
What better place to begin than with Degei, Fiji’s greatest snake god? Degei lived alone at first, with his hawk companion Turukawa. Turukawa went missing one day, and Degei went in search of her. Degei was disappointed to discover that Turukawa had rejected him after finding a mate. Degei returned the next day and was astounded to find Turukawa’s abandoned nest, which contained two eggs.
Degei saved the eggs and raised them in his home. The eggs hatched after many weeks, revealing two small human bodies. Degei reared the people and taught them how to survive for themselves with crops he provided throughout time. Kava (yuqona) is thought to be one of these crops.
Years passed, and humanity learned how to reintroduce new life into the earth. Degei then led his people across the oceans to Vuda, Fiji’s first colony. The God, however, did not stay and instead continued his journey north to the Nakavadra mountain range, where he chose to reside. To this day, the first bowl of yaqona (kava) is often served to the snake god as a symbol of respect and thanks.
Shark deity and ocean guardian
One of our greatest passions at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is ocean conservation. Fortunately, we aren’t the only ones who want to see this underwater paradise thrive. According to Fijian folklore, there is another protector of the reefs and ocean life named Dakuwaqa.
Dakuwaqa, the shark deity, not only watches over the ocean and everything in it. According to legend, he also protects fishermen from hazards at sea. He is said to be able to morph into anything, but his actual shape is that of a half-human, half-shark. His presence is still remembered today, with fishermen known to pour a glass of kava into the sea before embarking on fishing expeditions.