Tangaroa
From ENWiki
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Domains: Fish, Scalykind, Travel, Water
Favored Weapon: Net
Symbol: a fish
Tangaroa (pronounced “TAN-guh-ROW-uh”) is one of the great gods of the Fire Islands, the God of the Sea. After he joined his brothers Rongo, Tū, Haumia, and Tāne in the forcible separation of their parents, he was attacked by his brother Tāwhiri the God of Storms, and was forced to hide in the sea.
Tangaroa is the father of all fish, shellfish, reptiles, and turtles. During Tāwhiri’s onslaught, half of his children (the fish and shellfish) sought shelter in the sea, while the other half of his children (turtles and reptiles) sought shelter in the forests. Ever since, Tangaroa has held a grudge with Tāne the God of Forests, because he offers refuge to his runaway children.
The contention between Tangaroa and Tāne is symbolic of water and earth being separate, opposing realms. When people go out to sea to fish or travel, they become Tāne’s representatives traveling through the territory of his enemy, Tangaroa. For this reason, it is very important that offerings be made to Tangaroa before any such expedition, lest these travelers provoke Tangaroa’s wrath.
Tangaroa’s mask is blue, with white crescents on the cheeks and forehead that represent the waves of the sea, and black lines on the cheeks that represent fish. During ceremonies and rituals, his presence is represented by a special scepter made from a polished turtle, clam, or conch shell. He is worshipped by merfolk, aquatic elves, tritons, and other creatures who live peacefully within the ocean.
Tangaroa belongs to the Fire Islands Pantheon.
