Captain Cook Case

Cooks Death had a profound meaning to both the natives and his crew, although these meanings would be very different between the two, Cook's death portrays the differences one event can have on multiple cultures, and brings to light how the past and its documentation can be an explanation of events, as well as how the structure of certain societies can lead up to events being interpreted.

The first time Cook and his crew arrived on the Hawaiian Islands, the Hawaiians were performing ancient rituals which praised their gods. The text explains that their gods were not abstract beings, but represented their chief or king, which they thought as being godlike or divine, and able to live on this earth. Upon Cook's arrival to the Island, during the time of this celebration, the Islanders believed that Cook represented one of these gods, Lono. This persona stuck with Cook while the chiefs of the island would include him and his officers in the rituals and celebrations that would take place. The people showed great respect for these foreigners. However, after the rituals ended, the natives were eager to see Cook leave and provided support in terms of food and tradable goods for the journey. Cook tried to leave to explore further, but shortly after leaving Hawaii Island, the ship's foremast broke forcing the Resolution to return to Kealakekua Bay to be mended. The natives were not as eager to have his crew and himself back, and hostilities soon arose.

After some time and a couple of thefts later, a group of Hawaiians took one of Cook's small boat. In order to get this boat back Cook would attempt to take as hostage, the King of Hawaii, Kalaniopuʻu. Cook took the King by his own hand and led him away willingly. One they came to shore the king would not go further and would stop and sit down. An old priest would begin to chant while holding out a coconut in attempt to distract Cook and his men as a large crowd began to take up arms at the