In Maori mythology Ranginui and Papatuanuku were once joined together in a close embrace creating a dark cramped world for their children. Their many offspring lived in the shadows unable to see the light. One by one, they tried to separate their parents but all failed. But than Tane Mahuta took it upon himself to create space between them. With great strength, he pushed his parents apart and as they moved apart light filled the world for the first time. Although Ranginui and Papatuanuku were separated their love for each other remained and they longed for one another. Ranginui’s tears became the rain and Papatuanuku’s grief became the earth’s fertile soil. Their separation created the world as we know it with the sky above and the earth below and their children brought life and balance to the land.This myth is a balance between nature with Ranginui representing the heavens and Papatuanuku representing the earth and their love continuing to shape the world.