Is Moana Based On A True Story? Is Disney Moana A True Story?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Feb 20, 2023
Is Moana Based On A True Story?
Despite the extensive use of research, the character of Moana in the Disney film is not based on a real person. However, the character Maui, a demigod who plays a prominent role in the movie, is a significant figure in Polynesian legends. According to these legends, Maui used his magical fish hook to create the islands, lassoed the sun, and taught people how to make fire. Nevertheless, the Disney film's depiction of Maui differs from the traditional Polynesian image of him as an athletic teenager. Some people have found this portrayal culturally inappropriate.
The film also omits certain key elements of Polynesian mythology, such as the powerful goddess who is usually associated with Maui. Additionally, the portrayal of the Kakamora, a group of people from the Solomon Islands, has been called into question as they are depicted in the movie as coconuts with arms and legs.
On the other hand, certain aspects of the film have historical connections, such as "The Long Pause," a period of roughly 2,000 years where Polynesians stopped traveling and venturing before they began voyaging again. This event has been attributed to various theories, such as a decline in fish population. The film accurately depicts other aspects of Polynesian life, such as traditional island homes and tattoos, which are an important part of Polynesian culture.
Overall, while 'Moana' draws on Polynesian culture and some historical facts, it is a fictional story with fictional characters, and there are discrepancies between the film and the traditional depictions of certain characters and elements of Polynesian mythology.
Is Disney Moana A True Story?
Disney's animated films have become a mainstay in households worldwide, captivating multiple generations with their beloved characters brought to life by the imaginative minds of Disney's creative teams. Disney movies are enjoyed by people of all ages, and their ability to transform historical eras into engaging, colorful, and meaningful stories that teach children valuable life lessons is highly appreciated. The Disney Princesses are particularly popular, as many of their stories are loosely inspired by real individuals, such as Pocahontas and Mulan. This has led to speculation about whether Moana, the latest addition to the Disney Princess lineup, is also based on a real person.
The Real Story Of Moana And Maui
I've previously stated and will reiterate that the colonization of the Pacific Islands is one of the greatest human adventures of all time. Utilizing Stone Age technology, individuals constructed voyaging canoes capable of traveling great distances, then sailed against winds and currents to locate small land masses in the midst of the world's largest ocean. After discovering them, they voyaged back and forth to settle them, all of which occurred 500 to 1,000 years ago.
Scholars have studied and theorized about the origins and migrations of Polynesians since Captain Cook arrived in the Hawaiian Islands and realized that the inhabitants spoke a cognate language to those of the South Pacific islands. The Hōkūleʻa voyaging canoe has proven the effectiveness of traditional Oceanic navigation since 1976, when it embarked on its historic maiden voyage to rediscover the lost heritage of this ocean-sailing tradition. Most current research now seeks to understand the timing of the various colonizations, and the general scholarship on migrations seems to be well-established.
However, there is a significant mystery, known as "The Long Pause," which leaves a significant gap in the voyaging timeline. Western Polynesia, the islands closest to Australia and New Guinea, were colonized about 3,500 years ago. In contrast, the islands of Central and Eastern Polynesia were not settled until 1,500 to 500 years ago. This implies that after arriving in Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, Polynesians took a break, not voyaging again for nearly 2,000 years.
Then, when they did start voyaging again, they did so at a breakneck pace. Archaeological evidence suggests that within a century or so of venturing forth, Polynesians discovered and settled almost every inhabitable island in the central and eastern Pacific.
The reason for The Long Pause or why the Polynesians started voyaging again remains unknown, and various theories have been proposed. These include a favorable wind caused by a sustained period of El Niño, visible supernovas luring the stargazing islanders to travel, or ciguatera poisoning caused by algae blooms.
The latest Disney movie, Moana, takes place in what appears to be Samoa, even though most American viewers will see it as Hawaii. Moana, which means "ocean" and is pronounced "moh-AH-nah," not "MWAH-nah," is chosen by the sea itself to return the stolen heart of Te Fiti, who turns out to be an island deity (Tahiti, in its various linguistic forms, including Tafiti, is a pan-Polynesian word for any faraway place). The heart of Te Fiti is a greenstone amulet (New Zealand Maori) stolen by the demigod Maui. An environmental catastrophe spreading across the island makes the mission urgent. And despite admonitions from her father against anyone going beyond the protective reef, Moana steals a canoe and sets off on her quest.
However, as expected whenever Disney delves into cross-cultural milieus, the film has its good, bad, and ugly aspects. Moana's journey to learn to sail and navigate beyond the reef of her home island sets the stage for her discovery of true wayfinding. It also echoes Armstrong Sperry's classic book Call It Courage and Tom Hanks's Castaway. But the film also has a different angle with a powerful revelation: Moana's people had stopped voyaging long ago and had placed a taboo on going beyond the reef, another Polynesian term. With the success of Moana's mission and her learning of the art of wayfinding, her people begin to voyage again.
Is Moana Based On A Book?
No, Moana is not based on a book. It is an original story created by Disney, although it was inspired by the myths and legends of the Polynesian people. The screenplay was written by Jared Bush, and the film was directed by Ron Clements and John Musker. Moana was released in 2016 and became a critical and commercial success.
Is Moana Based On A True Story: FAQs
No, the character of Moana in the Disney film is not based on a real person.
Yes, Maui is a significant figure in Polynesian legends, who used his magical fish hook to create the islands, lassoed the sun, and taught people how to make fire.
The traditional Polynesian image of Maui is an athletic teenager, while the Disney film's depiction of Maui differs from that.
Yes, many of the Disney Princesses' stories are loosely inspired by real individuals, such as Pocahontas and Mulan.
The story of Moana takes place in what appears to be Samoa, even though most American viewers will see it as Hawaii.