Tagaloa Creates the Samoan Islands
In the beginning, only Tagaloa existed in the heavens above the endless waters. He looked down and decided to create a place to rest. He formed a great rock called Manu'atele, then divided it into pieces that became the stepping stones of the Pacific. The largest pieces became the islands of Savai'i and Upolu, while smaller ones scattered to form Tonga, Fiji, and other islands. Tagaloa then created the land, the forests, and the people, establishing the fa'a Samoa (Samoan way) of chieftainship, social order, and spiritual devotion. He sent his son to rule the earth, and from this lineage came