Whakamīere - Reo Māori Stories

A classic fable about the everlasting battle between beauty and brains.   Translation by Taurapa

Two travelers come across an axe in a wood, but there is disagreement about whose it should be.   Translation by Taurapa

War breaks out between the birds and beasts. The lion is in charge, though, and know's exactly what every animal's job is.

A clumsy ass makes a fortunate mistake in stumbling while crossing the river.   Translation by Taurapa

The country mouse hosts the city mouse at his abode, but our city friend is not so impressed with the whole affair. He suggests that the country mouse come to his home that evening to show him how good life is, and what the country mouse is missing out on.   Translation by Taurapa

While hunting, a hawk is caught in a trap laid my the farmer to caught crows in his cornfield. Things go south very quickly though!   Translation by Taurapa

As Toratī and her companions continue through the forest, they are confronted by a deep growl coming from deep in the bushes. What or who could it be?   Translation by Taurapa

A blind sheep arranges with the owl to undergo surgery to fix his ailment. He has a few questions before the surgery goes through though.   Translation by Taurapa

Probably the most famous of Aesop's fables - The Boy Who Cried Wolf needs no introduction.   Translation by Taurapa

A herdsman's young cow goes missing, and a reward offered to Jupiter for help in finding the thief. The herdsman may not have thought this offer all the way through though!   Translation by Taurapa

A wolf comes across a fox which has accidentally stumbled, and fallen into a well. Can he help him out, or is it too much?   Translation by Taurapa

After a ship goes down near Greece with an ape aboard, a cunning dolphin comes to the rescue.   Translation by Taurapa

A sneaky wolf conjures up a plan to snatch a sheep from the shepherd's flock. But has he thought everything through?   Translation by Taurapa

A beggar is scrounging scraps behind the manor of a Lord, and is observed quietly by a servant who shares a very similar reality to the dog.   Translation by Taurapa

A short kōrero about the first time people met the camel.   Translation by Taurapa

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, what happened next?   Translation by Taurapa

Punua finds himself in a precarious situation, surrounded by rainwater that is quickly rising. Pū finds a note in a bottle and asks Kiritopa Rōpene for help. Translation by Taurapa

Upon being made a god, Hercules snubs Plutus - but why? Jupiter demands an answer of him.   Translation by Taurapa

A shepherd catches the travel bug and wants to be a merchant no matter the cost. But things don't turn out as expected.   Translation by Taurapa

A couple of lizards are pondering life and see something scary right before their eyes which may change their perspective on things.   Translation by Taurapa

While carrying a whole load of delicious treats and morsels, the ass decides to snack on a prickly thistle instead - why's that?   Translation by Taurapa

Anxious of the newly sown flax, a swallow tries her best to warn her bird friends of the impending danger - that nets and traps will be made from the flax!   Translation by Taurapa

A cruel man catches a fox and torments it for ravaging his crops and orchards.   Translation by Taurapa

A fox comes across a pack of dogs who have happened upon a lion's skin. He warns them though of the dangers.   Translation by Taurapa

As morning sunlight breaks through the trees, a strange groan echoes through the forest — a sound that leads Toratī to one of the most unusual discoveries yet.   Translation by Taurapa

A thirsty dog is wary of drinking from the river, lest he be snapped up by a crocodile. Then suddenly a crocodile appears to greet him!   Translation by Taurapa

An old woman with bad eyesight calls on the doctor to help cure her ailment. He is sneaky though and takes advantage of her bad eyes.   Translation by Taurapa

A mother lark is wary of leaving her young ones in a field of nearly-ripe wheat lest it be reaped before they have fledged. She tells them to keep their ears open to the goings on, and to report back to her.   Translation by Taurapa

The fate of an archer, while out hunting a dove, is quickly changed by a hidden danger.   Translation by Taurapa

After being captured, and having its wings clipped, a pūkeko is placed in a yard with gamecocks. He quickly learns about their fierce nature.   Translation by Taurapa

A boy falls asleep after a long day of play, and nearly falls down a well.   Translation by Taurapa

After spying a young fox cub as food for her young, the eagle is confronted by mother fox. Things quickly go south after the eagle disregards the mother's wishes.   Translation by Taurapa

Minding their own business, the ass and cock are paid a visit by the lion. Things seem fine at first, but quickly change.   Translation by Taurapa

A naïve young thrush makes friends with a swallow. His mother though brings him back to reality.   Translation by Taurapa

We continue on our journey to te Tāone Kānapanapa, and Toratī learns more about her companion, and why he wants brains so badly.   Translation by Taurapa

A sneaky boy plays a trick on a thief that he won't soon forget, but is he justified in doing so?   Translation by Taurapa

After pleading for a new garment from her mother, the moon is given a few reasons why that is likely not possible.   Translation by Taurapa

We all know how beautiful the peacock's feathers can be, but is this really the be alll and end all?   Translation by Taurapa

The great orator Demades tries to command the attention of his audience. He resorts, however, to something he is not particularly fond of.   Translation by Taurapa

The hen is told of the danger she is in by the swallow. Will she listen to him?   Translation by Taurapa

A weary goatherd travelling with his goats in a winter storm is caught out in the elements. His decisions thereafter, however, are not to the benefit of his goats.   Translation by Taurapa

A fox is bitten by a swarm of mosquitoes but opts not to shoo them away - what's his reasoning?   Translation by Taurapa

We've all been convinced of something at some point which later turned out to be a little more fanciful than was promised. This nanakia has had a lot of practice in the art of deception.   Translation by Taurapa

Toratī and Tautau continue on their journey to te Tāone Kānapanapa and make a new friend along the way - someone who has been stuck in place for a very long time.   Translation by Taurapa

The wolf learns a lesson in double standards and the realities of life.   Translation by Taurapa

A fox and ass stumble upon a hungry lion and the fox, as sly as always, concocts a plan to escape.   Translation by Taurapa

The wolf accuses the fox of having stolen some meat, but whose side will the ape judge take when both sides are just as dishonest as the other?   Translation by Taurapa

A wolf is left for dead by some dogs, and is his dying breaths, he asks for help from the sheep. Is he hypocritical in his asking for help though?   Translation by Taurapa

The lion, devious as always, tries his luck and capturing a horse for dinner. What's his cunning plan, and how does it work out for him?   Translation by Taurapa

A young man is asked as to why he struggles with deciding whether or not to get up and out of bed.   Translation by Taurapa