Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages

Episode: Maui Slows the Sun
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Amanda Weldon
Adapted by: Daniel Hines
Produced by: Andrew Martin

Introduction to the Tale

In this enchanting episode, host Amanda Weldon presents Maui Slows the Sun, an adaptation of a traditional Polynesian myth crafted by Daniel Hines. This story transports listeners to the ancient Hawaiian islands, introducing them to the legendary demigod Maui and his quest to alter the natural order for the betterment of his people.

Maui: The Mighty Demigod

The story begins by painting a vivid picture of Maui’s extraordinary abilities:

"He was strong enough to pull up any fish. He could row a waka canoe into raging waves without losing speed. And he could even change his shape."
—Amanda Weldon [02:28]

Maui's affinity for the color cerulean reflects his deep connection with the ocean and sky, likely stemming from his divine heritage:

"Some say this is because Maui got his powers from the oceans and the islands themselves. It’s said that his father was a God of the islands."
—Amanda Weldon [02:28]

Despite his formidable powers, Maui's early life was fraught with hardship. Born weak and presumed dead, he was nurtured by the ocean spirit Tangaroa, who bestowed additional powers upon him:

"Tangaroa, the ocean spirit, found young Maui already half God and blessed him with even more power."
—Amanda Weldon [02:28]

The Sun's Swift Journey: A Problem Arises

As Maui matures, he observes a troubling phenomenon: the sun races across the sky, resulting in unbearably short days. This rapid movement forces the people to cook in darkness and disrupts their daily lives.

"Every day Maui kept having to cook his dinner in the dark. Or by the light of a flickering fire. And he was tired of it."
—Amanda Weldon [04:50]

Maui's frustration leads him to propose a bold solution to his brothers, emphasizing the need for longer daylight:

"No more will the sun leave us in the darkness," Maui declared, showcasing his determination.
—Amanda Weldon [05:35] [04:50]

Formulating the Plan: Slowing the Sun

Maui reveals his ambitious plan to intercept and slow the sun's journey. To accomplish this, he requires the community's help in gathering and crafting a robust rope:

"I have the power and the plan. But what we're going to need is rope. I need everyone to bring me all the rope they have and spin whatever flax you can into more."
—Amanda Weldon [06:15]

The community responds with enthusiasm, collecting various types of rope to ensure Maui has the materials needed for his mission:

"Everyone cheered again and everyone got to work. They trusted in Maui's magic and they believed that against all odds he could actually do what he claimed."
—Amanda Weldon [06:15]

Preparation and Journey to the Sun

With the rope magically reinforced to withstand the sun’s immense heat, Maui and his brothers set out toward the east to confront the sun:

"By the next evening, they were ready. Maui took his magic hook and his four brothers, and they set out to the east to slow the sun."
—Amanda Weldon [08:00]

Their journey is fraught with challenges as they navigate through darkness, avoiding the sun's direct path by moving stealthily under the cover of night.

Confrontation and Strategy

Upon reaching the sun's resting place— a colossal pit deep within the earth—Maui and his brothers prepare to ensnare it. Recognizing the sun’s formidable presence, Maui devises a strategic approach:

"Maui supervised while his brothers linked it all up... he said a special karakiya over them, which is sort of like a prayer or a ritual."
—Amanda Weldon [07:45]

To protect themselves from the sun's intense heat, they construct enchanted clay huts:

"Once they had a big pile of wet clay, Maui sent his four brothers around the pit... The still sleeping sun was so warm that the clay walls baked solid as soon as the brothers finished building them."
—Amanda Weldon [10:10]

This preparation ensures that while they confront the sun, they remain unharmed by its heat.

The Battle to Slow the Sun

As the sun awakens and attempts to rise, it encounters the web of enchanted ropes. The initial resistance from the sun leads to a struggle, but Maui's determination proves unwavering:

"Son," called Maui, "we're here to talk about your speed."
—Amanda Weldon [09:36]

Despite the sun's attempts to break free by increasing its heat, the magical ropes hold firm. Maui engages in a dialogue with the sun, asserting the necessity of slowing its pace:

"We need to have a talk about you slowing down. The people of Hawaii need more sun."
—Amanda Weldon [11:00]

After a fierce confrontation, the sun concedes to Maui's request, agreeing to traverse the sky at a reduced speed, thereby extending daylight hours.

Resolution: Harmony Restored

The successful slowing of the sun results in joyous celebration among the Hawaiian people, who now enjoy ample sunlight for their daily activities:

"The people were so happy, they praised the sun. And that made the sun happy too."
—Amanda Weldon [11:45]

The story concludes with a harmonious balance restored, benefiting both the inhabitants and the sun itself:

"So in the end, everyone won. But nobody won more than the people. They had plenty of time now to gather their fruit, do their chores, fish the seas, and spend time with their friends and family, happily ever after."
—Amanda Weldon [12:10]

Conclusion and Credits

Amanda Weldon wraps up the episode by crediting Daniel Hines for the adaptation and acknowledging Andrew Martin's role in editing and production:

"Today's story Maui Slows the Sun was an adaptation of a Polynesian myth written for you by Daniel Hynes. It was edited and produced for you by Andrew Martin and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon."
—Amanda Weldon [15:56]

Listeners are encouraged to support the podcast through reviews, merchandise purchases, and social media engagement, ensuring more captivating stories in future episodes.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Amanda Weldon [02:28]: "He was strong enough to pull up any fish. He could row a waka canoe into raging waves without losing speed. And he could even change his shape."

• Amanda Weldon [04:50]: "Every day Maui kept having to cook his dinner in the dark. Or by the light of a flickering fire. And he was tired of it."

• Amanda Weldon [05:35]: "No more will the sun leave us in the darkness."

• Amanda Weldon [06:15]: "I have the power and the plan. But what we're going to need is rope. I need everyone to bring me all the rope they have and spin whatever flax you can into more."

• Amanda Weldon [09:36]: "Son, we're here to talk about your speed."

• Amanda Weldon [11:00]: "We need to have a talk about you slowing down. The people of Hawaii need more sun."

• Amanda Weldon [12:10]: "So in the end, everyone won. But nobody won more than the people... happily ever after."

Final Thoughts

Maui Slows the Sun is a beautifully narrated story that not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about perseverance, community cooperation, and the importance of balance with nature. Amanda Weldon's engaging storytelling ensures that both children and parents are captivated, making it a perfect addition to family bedtime routines.