Aku (ˈa.ku)
The Aku are the gods and spirits born from the beliefs of the Mu'o'a and Kohangan people. Like all the gods and spirits of the Great Ring, the Aku arise through the power of The Egregoric Force, and anchor themselves to physical locations within the world to keep that force from constantly warping their thoughts and personalities. The anchors of the Aku are most often located in the Southern Region, and their greatest concentration is on the island of Motu.
General Characteristics
The Aku are divided into two major classifications, the Fua'aku and the Moemoe'aku. Fua'aku means "the Aku of the Egg", and were once mortals who have ascended through their legendary actions to become Aku. This is different from the Moemoe'aku, or "the Aku of the Dream", who were born directly from the beliefs and ideas of mortals, but never had a mortal existence. Generally speaking, the Moemoe'aku are more powerful than the Fua'aku, but the latter are considered more sympathetic to mortal concerns and more approachable when seeking aid.
There are several differences between the two types of Aku, although in all cases exceptions exist. One common differentiation between Fua'aku and Moemoe'aku is in their manifestations. Fua'Aku most often manifest as a version of their mortal self. Sometimes they are larger, or have acquired supernatural characteristics, but they are usually recognizably Kikipua. On the other hand, Moemoe'aku will usually manifest as great beasts of the land and sea. For example, the great Levi'aku appears in the form a giant sea serpent, while Faamo'aku is usually mistaken for a normal Kikipua until they reveal themself.
The Moemoe'aku are almost always anchored to natural places and are deeply connected to the forces of nature. They also tend to have a collection of benevolent and malevolent characteristics, reflecting how natural forces can be both nurturing and destructive. They will enforce rules and responsibilities regarding how mortals interact with the world itself, and may deliver great rewards and dire punishments.
The Fua'aku will usually be anchored to places that were important to them in their mortal life, and where their stories are told. They frequently embody villages, buildings, and other constructed environments. Their personalities are also closer to what mortals can identify with, and they are usually concerned with the rules and laws regulating how mortals interact with each other. They are seen as upholders of Mu'a, rewarding good behavior and punishing transgressions.
Major Figures
- Faamo'aku - One of the greatest of the Fua'aku, Faamo'aku is the guardian of nests and eggs. They lead a large group of Fua'aku known as the Faamoega, the Akus who are anchored to Mu'o'a community nests. Those who are charged with tending nests will often ask Faamo'aku for guidance or assistance in their duties. An example of this can be found in the Mu'o'a story of Tama.
- Fe'etasi'aku - The Moemoe'aku that is embodied by the Atuao'umi archipelago. Fe'etasi'aku is an enormous octopus whose body is mostly submerged, and the islands of the archipelago are those parts of the god that rise above the water. The moemoe'aku can also manifest as an enormous octopus bearing eight shark-tooth clubs.
- Levi'aku - One of the most important of the Moemoe'aku, Levi'aku is embodied by the waters surrounding the island of Motu. Levi'aku appears as two hundred foot long sea serpent with shimmering blue scales and yellow eyes, and can control the waters and the weather all around Motu's coastline. All those who depend on the ocean for their livlihood make certain to pay their respects to Levi'aku.
Significant Times & Places
While the Aku are a part of everyday life for the Mu'o'a and the Kohangan peoples, there are certain times and places that are more significant or are marked with special rituals and celebrations. One cycle that the Aku are particularly atuned to is the phases of the moon, especially the Moemoe'aku. Each change in the moon's phase is marked by a communal meal, where the Aku associated with that particular phase and season are honored and their stories are told.
Another important time to the Moemoe'aku is the shift between the dry (tau‘a‘fu) and rainy season (tau‘ta‘u). Most communities of the Mu'o'a will have grand festivals to mark the season's change, and hold celebrations and rituals that honor the Aku.
The Fua'aku are more closely tied to the events and cycles in mortal life. They are called upon during celebrations to mark the hatching of eggs and other significant life events. The ascension of a matai is a time when the Fua'aku are particularly honored.
Related Pantheons
The Aku are most similar to the Atua of the Tāngata people. According to the Fai Tala who study the Aku, the Atua are otherworldly cousins of the Aku who were brought into this world with the humans when the Nakaal drew them in across The Dream. In many ways, the Aku and the Atua are connected to each other by shared ideas within The Dream.
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