Basic Information

Type/Species: Taniwha
Origin: Maori (Māori) Mythology, Whanganui, New Zealand

About Tutaeporoporo

Tutaeporoporo was a water-serpent that inhabited the river of Whanganui. The creature was favored by the chief Tuariki, but, for some reason, turned deadly. The creature began eating people by the boat loads. [1]

It was then that Aokehu appeared to save all those who lived near Whanganui. He managed to float down the river in a hollow log toward the dragon's lair. The creature came to swallow him. [2]

However, Aokehu had a different plan. He killed the creature from withing utilizing sharks' teeth. The creature drifted ashore and Aokehu was freed. Today, Tutaeporoporo is depicted on Wanganui City's coat of arms. [2]

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Physical Description

Following the common description of a Taniwha, Tutaeporoporo was a huge lizard that dwelled within a river. [1]

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Footnotes

  1. Felt from the Heart. Link defunct: <http://www.geocities.com/churtonschool/>
  2. Dragon Races. Link Defunct: <http://sommerland.org/races2.htm>

For more information on footnotes and references, please see the bibliography.

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