The creative energy of Pele is powerful. In early May, shortly after the dramatic beginning of the current eruption of Kilauea volcano, David and Christine Reed were watching Hawaii News Now when commentator Billy V read a poem about Pele written by Likeke R. McBride.
The couple pulled a copy of McBride’s book “Pele, Volcano Goddess of Hawaii” out of the archive. It originally was published by their family company, Petroglyph Press, in 1968. Out of print since the late ’80s, it was in need of new illustrations.
Volcano artist Dietrich Varez agreed to have his full color paintings added to give the tales renewed vigor. A new book was designed and published in less than a month, with all printing and binding done at the publisher’s location in Hilo. It even includes pages where readers can record their own experiences, and important information about rapid ‘ohi’a death.
Available now at Basically Books in Hilo and other book and gift stores throughout Hawaii, it retails for $14.95.
The ancient legends of Hawaii tell how Pele came to the islands from far across the sea. After traveling from north to south, testing each of the islands for a home suitable for herself and her family, she took up her abode in Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kilauea.
To the Hawaiians of old she was a living deity. Today, Pele personifies the volcano to visitors and residents, exhibiting her capriciousness and power while destroying and creating new land. These stories of the fire goddess clearly paint the history of this dynamic land as seen through the eyes of inhabitants over generations, passed down through the ages.
The late McBride and Varez also found homes for themselves and their families here. Each lived for decades in the Volcano area.
“Pele is one powerful wahine,” Varez says of one of the major inspirations for his art. “She represents the strength, courage and resilience of women, especially now, as they are taking new and important places in the world today.”
For more information about the book, call 935-6006 or visit www.petroglyphpress.com.
