Tanemahuta: God of the Forests and Men

Tanemahuta is one of the many children of Ranginui and Papatuanuku. When the gods were discussing how best to allow light into the world, Tumatuenga, the god of war suggested killing Papa and Rangi, but it was Tanemahuta who said they should not be killed, but separated. The gods agreed. One by one they all tried to separate Papa and Rangi, but they all failed. Finally it was the turn of Tanemahuta. He placed his head and shoulders firmly against his mother Papatuanuku, and his feet against his father, Ranginui, and he pushed with all the strength of the great Kauri tree. Light rushed into the world as Tane succeeded in separating Papatuanuku and Ranginui.