Hine-nui-te-pō is a significant figure in Māori mythology, known as the goddess of death and the night. She is often depicted as a powerful and nurturing figure who guides souls to the afterlife. Her name translates to "the great woman of the night," symbolizing her connection to darkness and the mysteries of death.
In the stories, Hine-nui-te-pō is the daughter of Rangi (the sky) and Papa (the earth). When she learned that her father, Tāne, had created humans, she became the guardian of their souls. This role highlights her importance in the cycle of life and death, emphasizing the respect and reverence the Māori have for her.