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The folklore of many nations around the world include stories of magical little people. Although most people easily recall the leprechauns of Ireland, in Hawaii the mischievous Menehune roam the deep forests at night.

Menehune are said to be about two feet high, although some are only six inches high and capable of fitting in the palm of someone's hand. The creatures are usually naked, but their long straight hair falls to their knees to keep them warm and discreet. Each menehune has a distinct personality and appearance; no two are identical. Furthermore, their spirits are always changing; one could be malicious and dangerous one day, and harmless the next. Nonetheless, they are cunning creatures, and therefore should be avoided, unless a special favor is absolutely needed of them.

The mythology of the Menehune is as ancient as the history of Polynesia. When the first Polynesians arrived in Hawaii, they found dams, fish-ponds, and even Heiaus (temples), all presumably built by the Menehune who were already inhabiting the caves in the islands. Some even say that the great god Maui himself, was one of the tiny creatures. menehune

One can request the expertise of the Menehune builders and craftsmen The menehune will be especially congenial if you can cite menhune lineage. In ancient times, Hawaiian men would sometimes marry menehune women, noted for their beauty. With your proper ancestory, the menehune act like benevolent godparents. Many projects, such as the preparation of a wedding feast, have been completed in a single night by the superstrong menehune, while all humans slept.

The little gods enjoy dancing, singing, and archery. To reverse the feelings in an angry person, the menehune sometimes use magic arrows to pierce the heart of angry people to ignite feelings of love instead. Menehune also enjoy cliff diving, so if you hear splashes in the night in Hawaii, it is possibly a Menehune diving into the ocean. If you search carefully and avoid being seen, you might catch a glimpse of the little gods.