Petroglyphs and Legends of Rapa Nui

Abstract

<p>Societal tensions are expressed in legends and myths. On Rapa Nui, we find many legends that focus on warfare and vengeance; even the offshore islets are said to have taken their position after quarreling with one another (Metraux 1971:389). Poignant (1967:69) notes that anxieties and fears reflected the facts of life on this stress-ridden island, and that myths are also linked with the land. "Named locations" often were described in detail in order to establish territorial claims.</p>