Key Info

- Fearsome sea monster from Samoan mythology that was killed by the hero, Alo from Palauli

Brief Bio

Pa'itele is a legendary, fearsome sea monster from Samoan mythology, specifically associated with the Apolima Strait and known for swallowing canoes whole. Pa'itele acted as a guardian of the island of Apolima, protecting it, though often feared for destroying travelers.

In the myth, the warrior Alo from Palauli  destroys the beast from the inside. The young chief defeated the monster by allowing himself to be swallowed, carrying sharp bamboo knives to cut his way out. Other stories depict Pa'itele in a more comedic, gullible role in tales featuring Tigilau. In tales of Tigilau and the pigeon Liuvae, Pa'itele is depicted as an old man who is easily fooled into letting his captive go.