Rangi and Papa are important figures in Māori mythology, representing the sky and the earth, respectively. Rangi, or Ranginui, is often depicted as the father of the sky, while Papa, or Papatuanuku, is seen as the mother of the earth. Their union is foundational to the creation of the world in Māori beliefs. In the myth, Rangi and Papa were tightly embraced, leaving their children in darkness. To bring light into the world, their children, including Tāne Mahuta (the god of forests), separated them, allowing light to enter. This act symbolizes the beginning of life and the natural world.