Taniwha
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Being Type: Water Guardian
Being Type: Water Guardian
Power Stats
Aggression
6/10
Magic Abilities
8/10
Physical Power
9/10
Origin Backstory
Māori iwi have taniwha as powerful water beings—sharks, whales, or reptiles—protecting or menacing tribes. Some guard sacred sites, others demand sacrifices. They shape rivers and warn of danger.
Key Features
- •Shark, log, or dragon form
- •Cave or river dweller
- •Protector or punisher
- •Shape-shifting
- •Tribal guardian
Lore
Taniwha are powerful water guardians in Māori tradition, taking forms such as sharks, whales, giant reptiles, or logs, dwelling in rivers, lakes, or caves. They protect iwi (tribes) and sacred sites, shaping landscapes and warning of danger with signs or attacks on intruders. Some demand offerings or sacrifices, while others are benevolent protectors. Taniwha reflect Māori respect for water as a life-force and spiritual realm, embodying the balance between protection and punishment in nature. Stories of taniwha guide behavior, emphasizing harmony with the environment and respect for ancestral ties.