Matai Vasa, also known as Tautai Vasa, is one of the three overarching protagonists (alongside Grandma Tala and Te Fiti) of The Moana Franchise. He led Moana's ancestors to Motunui.[2]
Role in the Film
Moana:
Matai is first seen during the song We Know The Way. He wears the headdress of a chief. He sings in a different language (the first verse is sung in Samoan; the chorus is in Tokelauan)[3] and appears to be guiding the boats as they voyage to Motunui. He is most likely chief of Moana's ancestors. Once the village is established on the new island, Matai Vasa passes his necklace to his son, who in turn begins his own voyage in search of new islands.
Matai Vasa is later seen near the end of the film during I Am Moana (Song of the Ancestors) as a spirit. As the boats make their way past Moana, Matai nods to her in greeting.
Moana 2:
He appears as a spectral whale shark in Moana 2 to advise her about her journey to Motufetu. He reveals that he lost his life trying to break the curse by attempting to reach the hidden island.
Trivia
- In Lithuanian, Matai means "measurements".
- Matai is a character in the game Disney Crossy Road. He is named "Ghost Matai".
- The word "Tautai" means "navigator" or "sailor" in Polynesian languages. In the context of the movie, it's a title granted to the best Wayfinder.
- In Lithuanian, Tautai means "country".
Gallery
References
- "Moana Journeys to the Far Seas of Oceania in New “Moana 2” Trailer". Laughing Place (August 9, 2024).