Whale Rider, the movie, showcases Joseph Campbell’s Four Functions of Myth, namely mystical myth, cosmological myth, social myth, and psychological myth. In this film, Pai reimagines the Maori tribe’s creation myth and, in doing so, rediscovers her own identity while also preserving the fading culture.
The mystical myth featured in Whale Rider is when the protagonist, Pai, rides a whale. Despite being destined to become the new chief, Pai’s grandfather, Koro, opposes her because he believes it goes against tradition. Koro would often seek counsel from the whales, whom the community believes are their ancestors. As the community faced division, Koro sought guidance from his ancestors. Pai explains, “A long time ago, my ancestor Paikea came to this place on the back of a whale. Since then, in every generation of my family, the first-born son has carried his name and become the leader of our tribe…until now” (Whale). Consequently, Koro felt obligated to adhere to tradition, but the ancestors recognized the need for change. The only way for change to occur was for Pai to become the new leader. Her whale ride instilled hope and signaled a fresh start for the community.
The Maori tribe was on the verge of disintegration, but Pai, by riding the whale, managed to revive it. The community became reunited, just as they were in the past. Without Pai, the tribe and community would not have been able to accomplish this feat, which is why they consider themselves fortunate to have Pai born as a girl. The film portrays the cosmological aspect by illustrating the tribe’s customs and regulations before Pai’s birth, highlighting how the grandfather was bound by a different set of rules and laws. Prior to Pai’s arrival, the tribe adhered to numerous regulations. For instance, Koro was supposed to select his next male offspring from his family. After his son impregnated his wife, Koro was expected to choose another male as the next chief. Tragically, Koro’s son fathered fraternal twins, with the boy dying and only the girl surviving. Pai remarked, “There was no joy when I was born. When I came into this world, my twin brother perished along with our mother” (Whale). This indicates that the grandfather felt no happiness at Pai’s birth because he desired a male heir whom he could choose as the future chief in accordance with tradition. However, when Pai eventually became the first female leader of the tribe, the entire community underwent a transformation.
In the Maori tribe, there was a distinct gender-based division of roles. Each member had specific rules to follow that were crucial for the community and tribe’s functioning. One individual, Koro, who held the position of chief, faithfully adhered to these traditions. He assumed leadership and exerted influence over the younger members of the tribe. Nevertheless, Koro deviated from tradition by seeking a male successor instead of choosing his own son as the next chief.
The protagonist of this film has a psychological motive to prove her grandfather that she can be the next chief, despite being a female. She wants to show that gender should not determine one’s suitability for leadership. Pai deeply values her community and as she prepares to leave with her father, she hears the whales’ calls and sees it as a sign to stay and improve the community. She believes her true calling is to become the next chief. However, despite her determined efforts to convince her grandfather, he stubbornly rejects her. Nevertheless, Pai remains confident and hopeful, knowing that if she stays strong, she will eventually make a positive impact on the tribe. The entire community supports Pai except for her beloved grandfather who continues to reject her dreams.
In conclusion, Pai discovered her sense of self as she reinvents the Maori tribe’s creation myth to save the dying culture. Pai demonstrated great lessons, such as dedication, courage, and faith. The four myths were integrated effectively in this movie. It was remarkable how one girl could transform an entire community and bring it back together as one cohesive and contented community. Pai showed that gender is irrelevant; females are just as capable of achieving great things in life and proving their leadership abilities.
