The Origin of the Volcano

Chief Raga Naigabu · Endorsed in supplied archive

In the beginning, Mount Yasur slept beneath the sea. It was not anger that woke it, but grief. A grandmother had lost her grandson to the water, and her weeping fell so hot upon the ocean floor that the sea itself began to boil.

Cultural context

Mount Yasur on Tanna is one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes and is sacred to the local people. Kava (in Bislama, 'kava' or 'nakamal grog') ceremonies here begin with libation to ancestral spirits. The name Nowai is used here respectfully as a lineage name. Telling this story at night and facing the mountain are customary protocols observed on Tanna.

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