Ku
Ku is a warrior spirit; Lord of War as well as a spirit of the abundance of the sea. The essence of male generative power; he is a spirit of testosterone. In Hawaiian cosmology, Ku is the essence of masculinity, as Hina epitomizes feminine energy. Ku is among the four major Hawaiian deities alongside Kane, Kanaloa and Lono but was mainly venerated, at least in his warrior form, by the elite. Formal ceremonies were reserved for the nobility and priesthood and were performed under severe taboos. The practice of human sacrifice seems to have been introduced to Hawaii largely by Ku’s priesthood. King Kamehameha worshipped Ku as Lord of War in his eventually successful efforts to unite the Hawaiian Islands under his rule.
Ku has many paths and aspects ranging from brutal and bloodthirsty to nurturing and kind. He is the patron of war, fishing, forests and certain types of agriculture and sorcery.
Ku’s name means “to strike” or “to stand.” He is a versatile, many faceted spirit with concerns other than war. He was also the patron of Hawaii’s master canoe builders and woodworkers, considered a sacred occupation. Ku dwells in deep places: the depths of the forest and the sea.
ALSO KNOWN AS:
Tu
ORIGIN:
Polynesia
Manifestations:
Ku can manifest in any form he likes; he is a master shape-shifter. However, common forms include man, caterpillar and cucumber
ICONOGRAPHY:
Fierce carved wood tiki statues
BOTANICALS:
Breadfruit; coconut; cucumber; ‘Ohi’a lehua tree (Metrosideros collina; M. macropus): images of Ku were traditionally carved from this wood
COLOUR:
Red
Direction:
East
Sacred animal:
Pig; eel
Bird:
Hawk
PLANET:
The rising sun
Time:
The first, second and third days of each month
SEE ALSO:
- Akua
- Haumea
- Hina
- Kanaloa
- Kane
- Kihawahine
- Kukauakahi
- Ku’ulakai
- Lono
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.
