The Birth of the Breadfruit Tree
In the lush, green valleys of Mahina, there once lived a humble family led by Rua-ta’ata and his wife, Rumau-ari’i.
Together, they cared for their four children and lived off the bounty of nature. But one fateful year, the land grew barren. Crops withered under the harsh sun, rivers dried to a trickle, and the animals that once roamed the lands vanished.
The family was left with empty hands and aching bellies, and the sound of their children crying from hunger pierced their hearts.
One evening, as the red hues of sunset painted the valley, Rua-ta’ata sat quietly outside their cave, gazing at the distant horizon. His mind churned with worry, and his heart grew heavy with despair. That night, he turned to his beloved Rumau-ari’i and spoke words that would change their lives forever.
“O Rumau-ari’i,” he began, his voice steady yet sorrowful, “when you awaken tomorrow and step outside, you will see a great tree. Its trunk and branches will be my body and legs, its leaves my hands, and its round fruit my head. The heart of the fruit will be my tongue. Take these fruits, cook them, and prepare them as food. Feed yourself and our children, and you will no longer suffer from hunger.”
Rumau-ari’i’s eyes filled with tears. “What do you mean, Rua-ta’ata? Why would you say such a thing?”
But Rua-ta’ata only smiled, his eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and love. “This is the only way,” he whispered.
Before dawn broke, Rua-ta’ata slipped away, leaving his family behind in the cave. Rumau-ari’i awoke with a start, his words still echoing in her mind. She looked around the dim cave, realizing he was gone. Gathering her strength, she stepped outside, only to gasp at the sight before her.
At the mouth of the cave stood a magnificent tree unlike any she had ever seen. Its sturdy trunk reached toward the heavens, its emerald leaves shimmered in the morning light, and its branches were heavy with round, golden fruits that exuded a sweet fragrance. Beneath the tree, several fruits had fallen to the ground, glistening with morning dew.
Rumau-ari’i fell to her knees, weeping. She understood the truth of Rua-ta’ata’s words and the ultimate sacrifice he had made for their family. With trembling hands, she picked up the fruits, her tears mingling with the soil. She carried them back into the cave, determined to honor her husband’s final wish.
Following his instructions, she cooked the fruits over a fire, their aroma filling the small cave. She soaked them in water, peeled away their skins, and beat them until they became soft and tender. With reverence, she fed the fruits to her children, who ate eagerly, their faces lighting up with newfound energy. For the first time in many weeks, they were no longer hungry.
As the days passed, Rumau-ari’i began to rely on the tree’s generous bounty. Its fruits became their salvation, and its presence a constant reminder of Rua-ta’ata’s love and sacrifice.
She named the valley Tua’uru, the Place of the Breadfruit Tree, in his honor.
The tree continued to thrive, spreading its seeds across the land. It became a symbol of life, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of family.
The people of Mahina soon learned of the tree’s origins, and its fruit became a cherished gift from the gods, a reminder that even in the face of despair, love and sacrifice could nourish the soul and sustain life.
And so, the legend of Rua-ta’ata and the birth of the breadfruit tree, the tumu uru, lived on, carried through generations as a tale of enduring love and the power of selflessness.
*** Photo credit: Tahiti Tourisme
