The Whale Rider

The whales have neared Easter Island. The ancient bull whale follows “the course computed to him in the massive banks of his memory” (19). The elderly females assist the younger mothers, and the young males keep guard at the front. The young males watch for the herd’s greatest threat, man. Whenever one is spotted, they send word to their leader, who uses his memory to find a nearby sanctuary. Below the waters lies a huge cathedral known as the “Navel of the Universe” (19). The ancient whale laments because man was not always considered dangerous. At one point, he loved a human. He recalls the day that “his master impetuously mounted him and became the whale rider” (19).

Three months after Rehua dies, Porourangi brings her and Kahu back to the village for the funeral. Despite Nanny Flowers’ insistence that Kahu be raised with them, Porourangi and Koro Apirana decide she is to stay with her mother’s side. Kahu is taken away a week later, yet Nanny Flowers remains composed. She whispers to the child that this island will always be the home she returns to because her birth cord is buried here.