Last Update: 1 December 2003
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Polynesia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Pacific Rim
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Tani-wha is the name for dragons in the Polynesian areas (Hawaii, Pacific Rim Islands, etc). It's a generic label for very large lizards that could inhabit water, sand, and caves. They were classified as dragons for lack of a unified definition of "dragon".



Illiana, the Golden Dragon, has the following:
  • Aguna
  • Degei
  • Hatuibwari
  • Honoyeta
  • Ndengei
  • Ratu-Mai-Mbula
  • Moko
  • Tongue Monster
  • Whiro

The following tidbits come from "A princess from Sunda: some aspects of Nyai Ror Kidul" by Robert Wessing.

  • Nyai roro Kidul is portrayed as a naga
  • Nagas in Malaysia are related to water and springs
  • Semelai people believe nagas enforce order
  • The Manobos peopel of the Philippines put Dagau, the earth goddess, with a python
  • In Java, Nyi Pohaci, the rice spirit, comes from a serpent's ear, and may appear as a snake and may be called Nagagini
  • In West Java, the Oray naga, with 'dragon scales', "are a sign of future wealth and prosperity if found lying close to the rice basket"
From Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees by Ernst and Johanna Lehner: In the Soloman Islands "The first dragontree grew from the grave of the sea monster Pao Tangalu".

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