Maru (mythology)
Maru is a Māori war god, especially well known in southern New Zealand, where he replaces Tūmatauenga, the war god of the rest of New Zealand. In the Hawaiian Islands he is an evil and restless god who has no time to grow his own food and nonetheless rewards his priests' services.
Maru is the son of Rangihore and the grandson of Māui. Maru's image was brought to New Zealand by Manaia's daughter Haungaroa.
He was also known as the god of wai maori like streams and rivers.
In some tribal instances, Maru was considered a personified deity attributed to warfare, but of a lower ranking than Tū.
