Who was Degei?
In Fijian mythology, Degei (pronounced Ndengei), enshrined as a serpent, is the supreme god of Fiji. He is the creator of the (Fijian) world, fruits, and of men and is specially connected to Rakiraki District, Fiji. Since then he has become the god of earthquakes, storms and seasons.
What is god in Fijian?
Fijian mythology refers to the set of beliefs practiced by the indigenous people of the island of Fiji. Its gods include Degei, a serpent who is the supreme god of Fiji. He is the creator of the (Fijian) world. He judges newly dead souls after they pass through one of two caves: Cibaciba or Drakulu.
Is Kaliya Naag in Fiji?
Kaliya is said to still reside on the Fijian Island of Vanua Levu, but he however does not give his “Darshan” to anyone.
Who ceded Fiji to Great Britain?
Cakobau
In the late 1850s, with Ma’afu and his confederation of chiefs gaining power — and disorder growing in western Fiji — Cakobau offered to cede the islands to Great Britain if Queen Victoria would pay the Americans.
What is ramnik deep?
This is the land referred to in our scriptures as “Ramneek Dweep” (attractive island). It was in this land that the cursed Kalia Naag was ordained to find its abode when Lord Shri Krishna ordered Kalia to get away from the Yamuna of Gokul.
Why was Cakobau a important person?
Eventually, the settlers lost patience. They demanded a government that would protect their property and recognise their rights. In 1865, they persuaded Cakobau and his fellow high chiefs to form a Confederacy of the Independent Chiefs of Fiji, with Cakobau as president.
Who were Layard and Goodenough?
In May 1873 Goodenough was appointed captain of H.M.S. Pearl and commodore of the Australian station. Before leaving England Goodenough, with Edgar L. Layard, the new consul in Fiji, was selected by the government to inquire into the question of annexing or establishing a British protectorate there.
Where does Degei live in the Fiji mythology?
Degei is believed to live in a cave in the Nakavadra mountain range, where he passes judgement on the souls of the dead. One Fiji myth tells that as part of his stewardship of the first people, Degei passed down two important crops to humans through his three sons.
What did Degei do with his human children?
When the eggs hatched, two tiny human beings came out, they were his children. Once the first humans were born, they were transferred to a vesi tree where Degei built a shelter for them, fed them and taught them the secrets of nature. But he kept his children separate.
Who is the serpent god in Fiji mythology?
In the mythology of Fiji Island, in one of the more popular creation stories, the Serpent God is not only an important God but the first and ever living god that created the first humans. His name is the Great Serpent Degei, the supreme God.
What was the first village that Degei established?
According to the legend, the first village that Degei landed on was Lautoka where he established the village of Viseisei.