234 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
at the instigation of their priests, in afflicting with 
deepest misery, and ultimately destroying, the devotees 
of some rival demonc 
A mythology so complicated, and a system of idolatry 
so extensive and powerful, as that which prevailed in the 
South Sea Islands, led the people not only to consider 
themselves as attended and governed by the gods, hut 
also induced them to seek their direction, and submit to 
their decision, in every event of interest or importance. 
Every island had its oracle; and divination, in various 
forms, was almost universally practised by the priests. 
In many respects, the oracles of the Polynesians re- 
sembled those of the ancients; in some they differed, 
Oro, the great national idol, was generally supposed 
to give the responses to the priests, who sought to 
know the will of the gods, or the issue of events; and 
Opoa, being considered as the birth-place of this god, 
was among the most celebrated oracles of the people. 
It does not appear that there were any persons specially 
appointed to consult the gods. The priest, who offi¬ 
ciated in other services, presented the offerings, and 
proposed the inquiries of those who thus sought super¬ 
natural direction. 
No event of importance was determined, nor any 
enterprise of hazard or consequence undertaken, without, 
in the first instance, inquiring of the gods its result. 
The priest was directed, as they expressed it, to spread 
the matter before the idol, and to wait the intimation of 
his will, or the prediction of its consequences. The 
priest, who was called tauray or tairoiro, repaired to the 
temple, presented the offerings, and proposed the in¬ 
quiry, while the parties by whom he was employed 
anxiously waited his report. 
