indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Gender Masculine & Feminine
Usage Maori, Mythology, Popular Culture, Literature
Meaning & History
In Maori legend, Paikea is the name assumed by Kahutia-te-rangi because he was assisted by humpback whales (paikea) to survive an attempt on his life by his half-brother Ruatapu.
New Zealand writer Witi Ihimaera based his novel Whale Rider on this myth which was turned into a movie in 2002. Note: While the Paikea of the legend is a boy, the protagonist (of the same name) of Ihimaera's novel and the movie is a girl.
New Zealand writer Witi Ihimaera based his novel Whale Rider on this myth which was turned into a movie in 2002. Note: While the Paikea of the legend is a boy, the protagonist (of the same name) of Ihimaera's novel and the movie is a girl.