Symbolism
What do the whales symbolize?
The Maori ancestors.
What is the common practice to do after the baby is born?
Hold a ceremony to bury the baby's birth cord.
Why are whales so important in Maori culture?
They are believed to be Maori ancestors.
What trait does Kahu show while riding the whale?
Courage.
What conflict does Kahu face at her concert?
Koro doesn't attend.
What does the beaching of the whales symbolize?
The Maori people loosing the connection with the sea.
What was the name of the original Whale Rider?
Paikea.
Why do Maori people believe that only men can be chiefs?
They believe that men are stronger than women.
What trait does Koro show while interacting with Kahu?
Stubbornness.
What conflict do the citizens of Whangara face when trying to save the whales?
They keep trying to beach themselves so that they die.
What does the carved stone symbolize?
Worthiness of becoming the next chief.
Why is Koro upset when Kahu and her sister are female?
There is nobody fit to become the next chief (chiefs are always male in Maori culture.)
What did Koro believe when the whales were dying?
He believed that it was a sign that the Maori were loosing connection to their culture.
What trait does Kahu show while helping the whales?
Compassion.
What conflict does Koro face when trying to find the next chief?
Both of his descendants are female.
What does the sacred swirl marking symbolize?
The Whale Rider and the "monsters" (whales).
What is a common greeting that Maori people do to each other?
They press their foreheads together and close their eyes.
What was the prophecy according to Rawiri that was suppose to save the Maori culture?
Someone who was more technologically advanced than most people who would use their knowledge and remember their roots.
What trait does Nanny Flowers show while talking to Koro?
Sarcasm.
What conflict does Kahu face when trying to help the men?
They refuse to let her help because she is female.
What do the spears symbolize?
Paikea's power over the land and sea.
What is one of the affects that has been caused by the Maori culture being lost?
Humans cannot speak to whales anymore.
How did many of the animals in Whangara come to be? (According to Maori beliefs)
Paikea threw spears onto the land and into the sea.
What trait does Kahu show while trying to impress Koro?
Determination.
What conflict dose Rawiri face when in Papua New Guinea?
Clara is not accepting of his race.