Amai-te-rangi

In the mythology of Mangaia in the Cook Islands, Amai-te-rangi is a sky demon. One day the people of this world are surprised to see a large basket (some say a 'vast fishhook') being lowered from the sky. Some, curious, climb into the basket and are quickly lifted up out of sight, never to return. Amai-te-rangi has taken a liking to human flesh, and has invented the basket and its ropes as a way to satisfy his hunger. He has also heard of the prowess of Ngaru and is determined to catch him (Gill 1876:234).

References

• W.W. Gill, Myths and Songs from the South Pacific (H.S. King: London, 1876).