Note 6 — Chapter XXI · Ancient Mikados and Heroes

A similar garden paradise was known to the Polynesians, and especially the Tahitians. It was called Rohutu noanoa (“Perfumed or Fragrant Rohutu”). Thither the souls of the dead were conducted by the god Urutaetae. This paradise “was supposed”, writes Ellis,6 “to be near a lofty and stupendous mountain in Raiatea, situated in the vicinity of Hamaniino harbour and called Temehani unauna, ‘splendid or glorious Temehani’. It was, however, said to be invisible to mortal eyes, being in the reva, or aerial regions. The country was described as most lovely and enchanting in appearance, adorned with flowers of every form and hue, and perfumed with odours of every fragrance. The air was free from every noxious vapour, pure, and most salubrious.… Rich viands and delicious fruits were supposed to be furnished in abundance for the frequent and sumptuous festivals celebrated there. Handsome youths and women, purotu anae, all perfection, thronged the place.”