The quest for the three baskets of knowledge
The struggle for power began when Io sent Rehua and Ruatau to make preliminary
inquires amongst the children of Ranginui and Papatuanuku. The purpose of this
was to find somebody who was worthy of obtaining the three baskets of knowledge.
These two chose Tanenuiarangi and Tupai, then Rehua and Ruatau returned to Io.
Ruatau then returned with Aitupawa to confirm the choice, visiting
various homes of the Kaitiaki to make their purpose known. Whirotetipua
volunteered stating he would obtain the wananga by climbing up the sides of the
overworlds, but Aitupawa abruptly informed him that the highest overworld could
not be obtained that way. Tanenuiarangi proposed to ascend by means of
whirlwinds, by the way of Aratiatia and the Toihuarewa of Tawhirimatea. This met
with the approval of Ruatau and Aitupawa and they reindorsed Tanenuiarangi.
Whirotetipua was once again insulted, as another younger brother had been chosen
over him. For Whirotetipua is the sixth child of Ranginui and Papatuanuku and
felt that it was wrong that not only himself but his older brothers had also
been overlooked.
Meanwhile Tanenuiarangi was giving the matter
considerable thought regarding the appropriate preparations required to receive
the esoteric knowledge. He journeyed to Rangitamuku the eleventh of the twelve
overworlds where the sacred house, Wharekura, had been built by Ruaitepukenga, a
being, not unlike the Kaitiaki, with an extraordinary amount of knowledge. After
studying the design he returned to Papatuanuku and constructed a similar house
as a Whare Wananga (a house to contain the sacred knowledge). He named it
Wharekura after its prototype. Once this was completed, the Kotuku rerenga tahi
appeared and recognising it as a tohu, Tanenuiarangi began his ascent into the
overworlds accompanied by Tupai, Tawhirimatea, Tukapua and others. They were
carried upwards by the Whanau-Puhi (Children of the Wind), while Whirotetipua
made his laborious ascent by the Taepatanga and endeavoured to defeat them in a
long series of battles know collectively as Paerangi.
When Tanenuiarangi
reached Rangiparauri, the tenth overworld, Whirotetipua was still in
Rangitamuku, the eleventh overworld. Whirotetipua launched his first assault,
sending the Whanau-Akaaka to attack the party. They were defeated by the
Whanau-Puhi. When Whirotetipua reached Rangiparauri, the party of Tanenuiarangi
were still ahead and Whirotetipua knowing that he could not catch up sent the
Tini-o-Poto. This group made a determined attack but were swept away by the
great gales called the Tini-o-Parauri.
Tanenuiarangi upon reaching
Rangi-Naonao-Ariki, (the third overworld), was taken charge of by Kautu and
Tapuhikura. The others that had travelled thus far with Tanenuiarangi returned
to Papatuanuku knowing that the tapu of these vast heights would be too much to
endure. After going through the Pure rite, he moved up into Tiritiri-o-Matangi.
Passing through here he entered Te Pu Motomoto o Tawhirirangi (the Guard House
to Tikitiki-o-nga Rangi - the first overworld). After going through more Pure
rites, he was ready to enter into Rangiatea. It was here that he received the
Three Baskets of Knowledge, that are named as follows:
| Ko te kete tuatahi | Ko te kete tuauri | Ko te kete uruuru matua |
| Ko te kete tuarua | Ko te kete tuatea | Ko te kete uruuru rangi |
| Ko te kete tuatoru | Ko te kete aronui | Ko te kete uruuru tau |
The first basket contained karakia pertaining to the conduct to all
things connected with Ranginui and Papatuanuku, and also the departments of
things connected with their children.
The second basket contained the
balance to the first basket.
The third basket contained all actions
pertaining to the knowledge of arts by means of which would benefit humankind.
Tanenuiarangi along with the three baskets of knowledge received two
stones - their names being Rehutai and Hukatai. These two stones would be the
true ethos of Whare Wananga for all time.
When Tanenuiarangi entered
back onto this world the sky flushed with glowing crimson as a tohu of his
victory. Entering Wharekura, Whirotetipua put in an appearance demanding that
the trophies should be given into his keeping. Urutengangana advised him to
leave Tanenuiarangi alone as he had acquired the Kauwaerunga.
And so the
knowledge that humankind needed to survive came into this world. The next time
you see the whakawherowhero reflect on what it means.
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