Kanaloa and Classical Western Mythology

From the Bishop Museum and The Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu (Hawaii) With Graduate Credit through the College of Extended Studies at San Diego State University: 

 No epoch of time can claim a copyright on mythological stories.

 Nathaniel Hawthorne sensed that myths are the common property of the world and of all time when he stated in the preface of A Wonder Book that myths “are legitimate subjects for every age to clothe with its own garniture of manners and sentiments.” The myths of the Classical World and Hawaiian Civilizations cut across cultural and temporal boundaries and offer fruitful territory for a comparative study of mythologies in two cultures which, although geographically separated, exhibit remarkable similarities. In exploring the comparative similarities between Classical and Hawaiian mythologies it might be argued on the one hand that the Hawaiian myths seem to be all tractable to Asia; but on the other hand, cultural similarities/dissimilarities suggest other sources, especially when the European world, with Magellan’s circumnavigation of the globe and Cook’s organizing mapping of the Hawaiian islands, came into close contact with the Oceanic cultures. The recording of local myths, legends and customs by the explorers, missionaries and other travelers has provided a rich resource for comparative exploration. Institute Program Topics Classical and Hawaiian Pantheon: Zeus/Jupiter and Kane/Lono; Ares/Mars and Ku; Hades/Pluto and Kanaloa; Poseidon/Neptune and Kuula; Hera/Juno and Haumea; Artemis/Diana and Hina; Demeter/Ceres and Laka; Persephone/Proserpina and Pele. Aspects of Traditional Classical and Hawaiian Culture and Religion: spiritual power, taboos, shrines and temples, magical and religious importance of water, stones, plants and dance. The Oedipus Story: In examining the resemblance of the Oedipus story in Sophocles’ tragedy, Oedipus Tyrannus, we will survey and explore the common elements of the tale (prophecy, parricide, marriage, tragic consequences) as reflected in the Classical and Oceanic (Hawaiian) tales. Tales of Odysseus and Polynesian Navigators: Odysseus’ travel-adventures and curiosity for unknown lands across the sea are legendary, matched only by the Polynesian (and Hawaiian) navigators who sailed their small vessels across open ocean with supreme confidence in reaching their destination. The tales of the adventures of Odysseus and the Polynesian Navigators highlight the daring, skill and adventurous spirit of these ancient travelers (explorers). Stars and Calendars of Hawaii, Greece and Rome: The Hawaiians had an extensive knowledge of the heavenly bodies and their apparent movements. Countless mythological stories such as Maui snaring the sun (cf. Phaethon driving Apollo’s chariot) provide remarkable comparative tales for examination. Like the Greek astronomer named Meton (5th century BC), Hawaiian astronomers had worked out a lunar/solar calendaric cycle of 19 years with 235 months.

REF: http://www.escribe.com/culture/latin/m48.html