Tradition / Region: Tongan Mythology and Samoan mythology
Alternate Names: —
Category: Bat
The Myth
In the lands of Tonga and Samoa, there is a tale told of Leutogi, whose life was once placed in grave danger through jealousy and human judgment. When she was condemned to die by fire, her brother Taoulupo’o called upon the spirits of the dead for aid. Hearing his plea, they sent forth a white bat, a creature unlike any other.
As the flames rose around Leutogi, the white bat descended and extinguished the fire, saving her from death. Through this act, the spirits made clear that her fate was not to end there. Leutogi was then cast away to a barren island, alone and cut off from human aid. Yet she was not abandoned. Each day, white bats came to her, bringing her food and watching over her, ensuring her survival.
In time, Leutogi gave birth to a son. He was named Fa’asega, and he was given the title Tonumaipe‘a, meaning “the decision from the bat,” for it was the bat’s intervention that had preserved his mother’s life and made his birth possible.
Thus the white bat became known as a sign of ancestral protection and spiritual authority, acting when human judgment failed. Through Taoulupo’o’s invocation and the bat’s actions, the spirits showed that the unseen world watches closely, and that life and death are not governed by humans alone, but by forces older and wiser than any living voice.
Gallery
Sources
A Book of Creatures contributors. (2015). Alicanto. In ABookOfCreatures.com, from https://abookofcreatures.com/2015/06/24/alicanto/
Interpretive Lenses
Religious Readings
- Christian Ascetic Deep Dive
Philosophical Readings
- Nietzschean Deep Dive
Psychological Readings
- Jungian Deep Dive
Esoteric Deep Dive
- Hermetic Deep Dive
Political / Social Readings
- Marxist Deep Dive
Other
- How to Invite The Taoulupo’os Bat