Rūaumoko is a significant figure in Māori mythology, known as the god of earthquakes and volcanoes. He is often associated with the earth's movements and is believed to influence natural phenomena such as eruptions and tremors. Rūaumoko is the son of Papatūānuku, the earth mother, and Ranginui, the sky father, representing the connection between the earth and its forces. In Māori tradition, Rūaumoko is sometimes depicted as being in a state of rest or slumber, which explains the periods of calm before natural disasters occur. His actions are thought to reflect the emotional state of the earth, making him a powerful symbol of nature's unpredictability and strength.