Annual Research Report of Promis
Online ISSN : 2758-6634
Print ISSN : 2758-6626
Papers
Samoa in Tongan Legends
The Potential of Legends in Oceania History
Ryoko YANO
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RESEARCH REPORT / TECHNICAL REPORT FREE ACCESS

2025 Volume 3 Issue 1 Pages 3-15

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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the potential of legends in Oceania history. Specifically, the study will organise and analyse the relationship between Tonga and Samoa as told in the legends of the three dynasties that existed in Tonga. It goes without saying that in the study of Oceania, which was an ‘unwritten society’ , people’ s ‘narratives’ have attracted much attention. In fields such as anthropology and international relations, the ‘narratives’ of Oceania’ s peoples have been the focus of attention and consideration. In the field of Oceania history, and particularly in the field of Pacific Island history in Japan, the issue of the ‘narratives’ of these peoples remains a challenge. This paper seeks to answer the question: what can Oceania historiography (particularly Pacific Island history) reveal by focusing on legends? In history, which is concerned with the historical facts of the past, myths and legends must be tested for their authenticity as historical sources. On the other hand, it will be shown that the treatment of legends can be revealing.
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