On January 17th 1779, the HMS Resolution, under the command of Captain James
Cook, and the HMS Discovery under the command of Captain Charles Clerke
anchored for the first time in a shallow bay on the west of Hawaii, which the natives
called Kealakekua Bay. Immediately, the ships were surrounded by a huge crowd of
Indians, either swimming around them or circling them in canoes. Cook describes the
situation in his journal: “I have no where in this Sea seen such a number of people
assembled at one place, besides those in the Canoes all the Shore of the bay was
covered with people and hundreds were swimming about the Ships like shoals of
fish”. Due to a lack of understanding the native’s language, Cook and his crew had
no chance of realizing that all those people had gathered not only to greet strangers
from across the ocean, but to celebrate the arrival of their god Lono, who was
believed to have sailed across the ocean in search of his wife “in time immemorial”
and was due to return. In his last journal-entry Cook writes:
“… to enrich our voyage with a discovery which, though the last, seemed, in
every respect, to be the most important that had hitherto been made by
Europeans throughout the extent of the Pacific Ocean”
[...]
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Captain James Cook
- Who is "Lono" and why was Cook perceived as him?
- Cook and Kalaniopu
- The relationship between the explorers and the natives
- Life as gods
- Rising doubts
- The return - growing tensions
- The Dying God – The Death of Captain Cook: death of Lono
- The transformation
- The actual death
- Possible opinions on the reasons for Captain Cook's death
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the dramatic events surrounding Captain James Cook's arrival in Hawaii and his subsequent death, focusing on the complex interplay between cultural misunderstanding and the perception of Cook as the Hawaiian god Lono. It examines the initial reception of Cook as a divine figure, the factors contributing to the shift in the natives' perception, and the eventual tragic consequences.
- The cultural misunderstandings between Captain Cook's crew and the Hawaiian people.
- The role of religious beliefs and rituals in shaping the interactions between the two groups.
- The evolving relationship between Cook and the Hawaiians, from initial reverence to ultimate conflict.
- The political dynamics within Hawaiian society and their influence on the events.
- The analysis of Captain Cook's personality and actions in the context of the events.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter sets the scene by describing the arrival of Captain James Cook and his crew in Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii in 1779. It highlights the immediate and overwhelming reaction of the Hawaiians, who mistook Cook for their returning god Lono. The chapter emphasizes the initial joyous reception and the stark contrast with Cook's later fate, thereby establishing the central paradox of the narrative: the rapid transition from divine status to violent death.
Captain James Cook: This section introduces Captain James Cook, providing biographical context. It then delves into the nature of the Hawaiian god Lono, exploring his significance in Hawaiian culture and the reasons why Cook was perceived as his reincarnation. The chapter also lays the groundwork for understanding the cultural chasm between the two groups.
The relationship between the explorers and the natives: This chapter explores the evolving dynamic between Cook's crew and the Hawaiians. It examines the initial period of peaceful coexistence, characterized by gift-giving and religious ceremonies where Cook was treated as a god. It then details the gradual erosion of trust, the emergence of conflicts, and the increasing tensions that ultimately led to the tragic climax.
The Dying God – The Death of Captain Cook: death of Lono: This chapter details the circumstances surrounding Cook's death. It describes the shift in the Hawaiians' perception of Cook and the factors that contributed to the violence. This section aims to analyze the transition from worship to aggression, illuminating the underlying reasons for this drastic shift in attitude.
Keywords
Captain James Cook, Hawaii, Lono, cultural misunderstanding, religious beliefs, colonialism, Makahiki season, intercultural communication, anthropology, ethnography, Hawaiian mythology, colonial encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions: Captain James Cook and the Hawaiians
What is this document about?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the events surrounding Captain James Cook's voyage to Hawaii in 1779, focusing on his reception as the god Lono, the evolving relationship between Cook's crew and the Hawaiians, and the circumstances leading to Cook's death. It analyzes the cultural misunderstandings, religious beliefs, and political dynamics involved.
What are the main themes explored in this document?
The key themes include cultural misunderstandings between the British explorers and the Hawaiians, the role of religious beliefs and rituals in shaping their interactions, the evolving relationship between Cook and the Hawaiians, the political context within Hawaiian society, and an analysis of Cook's actions and personality in the context of the events. The document also examines colonialism and intercultural communication.
What is the structure of this document?
The document is structured as a preview, including a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It offers a structured overview suitable for academic study.
What is the significance of Captain James Cook's perception as the god Lono?
The initial perception of Cook as Lono, the Hawaiian god of fertility and abundance, is central to the narrative. This perception dramatically influenced the Hawaiians’ initial welcoming reception of Cook and his crew. The document explores why Cook was perceived as Lono and how this initial reverence eventually shifted to conflict.
How did the relationship between Cook and the Hawaiians evolve?
The relationship evolved from initial reverence and peaceful coexistence, marked by gift-giving and ceremonies, to increasing tension and ultimately, violence. The document examines the factors that contributed to this shift, including cultural misunderstandings, resource depletion, and political dynamics within Hawaiian society.
What are the reasons behind Captain Cook's death, as presented in the document?
The document explores multiple perspectives on the reasons for Cook's death, emphasizing the complex interplay of cultural misunderstanding, escalating tensions, and the shift in the Hawaiians’ perception of Cook from god to perceived threat.
What chapters are included, and what do they cover?
The document outlines chapters covering an introduction to Cook's arrival and initial reception, a biography of Captain Cook and the Hawaiian god Lono, an in-depth exploration of the evolving relationship between the explorers and natives, and a detailed account of the events surrounding Cook's death.
What keywords are associated with this document?
Keywords include Captain James Cook, Hawaii, Lono, cultural misunderstanding, religious beliefs, colonialism, Makahiki season, intercultural communication, anthropology, ethnography, Hawaiian mythology, and colonial encounter.
What is the intended audience for this document?
This document is intended for academic use, supporting analysis of themes related to Captain Cook's voyage to Hawaii and his death. The structured format is ideal for scholarly research.
Where can I find more information on this topic?
Further research can be conducted using the provided keywords, exploring academic journals and books focused on Hawaiian history, anthropology, and colonial encounters.
- Quote paper
- Lars-Benja Braasch (Author), 2005, Life and death of Captain James Cook as the Hawaiian god „Lono“, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/124335
