Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of fire. She traveled by canoe from near Tahiti to Hawaii. She migrated down the islands, trying to start her fires, but her sister Namaka. Pele's body was destroyed in a battle with Namaka near Hana, Maui. She now lives in the Halemaumau crater on Kilauea. Her body is the lava and steam that comes from the volcano. She can change form, appearing as a white dog, old woman, or beautiful young woman. The stories about her are incredible. I suggest you read Pele by Herb Kane or Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes by Westervelt, both are available from the Hawaii Natural History Association.

-Steve Mattox, University of North Dakota

more about Pele:

•  http://www.geology.washington.edu/~geoclub/pelepg.html

•  The Goddess Pele