MYTHS AND LEGENDS OF RAPA NUI

A historical, ethnographic and political approach

An episode from the series DISCOVERING CHILE

Synopsis

In the north-east of the South Pacific Ocean, 3,525 km from the Chilean coast, stands Easter Island, or Rapa Nui in the native language. This small island of 164 km2 has captured the imagination of the world.

The many accounts of travellers and various archaeological studies sometimes contradict the tales passed down orally from generation to generation by the islanders. The theories of the scientific world often find it difficult to reconcile with the spiritual and mystical world of Rapa Nui, which is nourished by myths.

Historical reconstruction is being built on the edge of reality and legend.