The Turtle and the Shark - Samoan legend

Our tamariki also listened and learned of the Samoan legend of the Turtle and the Shark.

The love story of the Turtle and Shark

Long ago there once lived a woman named Fonuea who was deeply in love with her husband whose name has been long forgotten.

They loved each other so much but the husband has been called by King Malietoa-Faiga and was not to return, which sadden Fonuea.

So Fonuea went with him but they didn’t make it to the island.

They came across the island of Tutuila where they were met by High Chief Letuli, who welcomed them.  There they remained living in eachother’s love.  But for Fonuea that love soon turned into guilt, where she felt for their families in Savaii but knew only sadness would be in store for them. 

So both Fonuea and her husband decided they cannot live without eachother and they jumped off a cliff to be together forever. The Gods smiled in their favour and so they  turned Fonuea into a Turtle and the husband into a shark.

Fonuea and the husband lived on in the sea eternally.