The ideas and language that originated from the historically spoken customs of Samoa should be treated with respect and importance. There is a popular saying in Samoan rhetoric which goes “some will let loose, others will judge.” [“E mau e fa’alele mau e mātau”.]
A river runs through the village of Falefa in Anoamaa on the island of Upolu, and it has a long-established history dating back to ancient times. In the Samoan language, there exists the term “Matuupalapala” [given in appreciation], which signifies that there is no good deed without a reward, especially if it is a benevolent act carried out with love to save someone’s life. Therefore, the term “Matuupalapala” exists.
The original story mentioned a trip to the villages of Faletagaloa, located in Safune, Savaii, and Falefa in Upolu, which was motivated by their mention in the legend. Across numerous generations, the responsibility of preserving oral traditions has been entrusted to the village elders.
The river which presently runs through Falefa has its origins linked to Leutele, the esteemed paramount chief of Falefa. The Tuimanu’a had bestowed it as a gift to Leutele, as per historical accounts. Moeono Kolio, one of the notable elders of Falefa, affirmed that the legend of the river has been in existence for a very long time. According to the tale, the Tuimanu’a’s two sons travelled from the east to look for a boat for their father, and they rested in Falefa where Leutele’s prophetic powers alerted them to potential danger on their journey. It is plausible that the Tuimanu’a had instructed his sons to halt at Falefa. The visitors also consulted Taulealeausumai Taulauniu of Safune for his opinion on the legend, who confirmed that two missions had been dispatched in search of boats, one of which was sent by the Tuimanu’a. He further validated the notion that the river of Falefa was gifted by the Tuimanu’a as a token of gratitude for saving his sons’ lives.
The Legend: You need not seek the waters that travel
During ancient times in Samoa, the prominent nobles or paramount chiefs could be easily distinguished by their demeanour and lifestyle. They were always accompanied by courageous warriors who protected them from any harm or threat while travelling on land. Similarly, their boats were also easily identifiable on the waters, and the people showed them respect and deference.
Even in present times, the laws of our nobility in Samoa acknowledge the existence of royal lineage, which has been honoured and served throughout history. According to the legend, the Tuimanu’a who ruled Manu’a dispatched his two sons to the west to procure a boat from Funefeai, renowned for his exceptional watercraft named Ta i le Tai [To steer into the Tide] and Ta i le Vai [To steer into the river].
The two boys arrived at the eastern coast of Upolu and stumbled upon Falefa village, where they encountered Leutele, a noble chief renowned for his extraordinary abilities in forewarning or premonition. The Tuimanu’a had specifically instructed his sons to seek out Leutelelei’ite during their journey.
It is highly probable that the noble chief was already aware of the intended mission of the Tuimanu’a.
Leutele, the noble chief of Falefa, cautioned the Tuimanu’a’s sons, advising them not to search for the boats at sea, as they were guarded by ferocious sea monsters, which were believed to be the spirits of Funefe’ai. Instead, Leutele instructed them to request a boat from the river, which would guarantee their safety. Leutele’s counsel was given with affection and concern for their well-being.
Funefe’ai was known to be a formidable warrior, who possessed two fleets of boats. The first fleet, known as “Ta i le Tai,” was primarily used to bring in the catch of fish for the consumption of Funefe’ai and his people. The second fleet, called “Ta i le Vai,” served as warships for Funefe’ai during his land conquests and was also referred to as “Pualele.”
“Winds are formed on the bows of ships”
After reaching Savaii, the Tuimanu’a’s sons met with Funefe’ai and made their request to him. They specifically asked for a boat from the river, as per Leutele‘s advice. However, the fierce warrior, Funefe’ai, attempted to persuade the boys to take one of the boats at sea instead, claiming that they were fast and well-built. This was likely a ploy to cause harm to the boys.
Despite Funefe’ai’s attempts to persuade them, the Tuimanu’a’s sons remained steadfast in their decision to follow Leutele’s advice. They did not fall for his trick and were able to obtain a boat from the river. This frustrated Funefe’ai’s evil intentions. He ultimately provided them with the requested boat. The young men were overjoyed that they had succeeded in their mission and began their journey back to the Tuimanu’a, who was anxiously awaiting their return, unsure if they had encountered good fortune or danger.
Upon the arrival of the young men, the Tuimanu’a and his people were overjoyed and relieved that they had returned safely. The Tuimanu’a listened attentively as they recounted how Leutele’s kind warning had saved them from the evil intentions of Funefe’ai. The young men were grateful and asked how they could repay Leutele’s kindness.
The Tuimanu’a pondered for a long time, considering what would be the most appropriate and lasting gift to offer the noble chief of Falefa. He wanted to show his gratitude in a meaningful way that would endure.
The Tuimanu’a and his people were overjoyed to see the young men return safely. They recounted how Leutele’s warning had saved them from the evil intentions of Funefe’ai. The Tuimanu’a thought long and hard about how to repay Leutele’s kindness and decided to offer him a gift that would last forever. The most sacred part of the Tuimanu’a’s land was the bathing pool in Fitiuta, which was forbidden to all except the Tuimanu’a himself.
The most sacred part of the Tuimanu’a’s land was the bathing pool in Fitiuta, which was forbidden to all except the Tuimanu’a himself. Even his most honoured guests were not allowed to use it, and it was said that the tuitoga Fakapouli had lost his life when he trespassed the taboo of the forbidden pool. The Tuimanu’a instructed his sons to fill their gourds with water from the sacred pool to be taken as a token of gratitude to Leutele.
The young men went to Vaiiliili, also known as Fogavaiuta, the residence of Leutele in Falefa, and poured the sacred water just outside his residence, saying it was a gift from the Tuimanu’a to thank him for saving their lives. The spirits that guarded the sacred water carried it to the core of the earth. The river that flows through the village of Falefa is said to have originated from this event, and the expression “You need not seek the water that has journeyed” is still used today.
Leutele’s supernatural powers were well-known and spread to many other islands in the Pacific. The Tuitoga had even sent messengers to seek his assistance in finding his lost brother Lautivania. When the Tongans reached Falefa and crossed the river, Leutele sensed strangers from afar and was able to tell them where Lautivania had died, confirming the powers of the noble Leutelei’ite.
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Fa’afetai lava,
Samoa Newshub Team
