Savea – Malietoa Savea

Samoa was ruled by the Tongans from 900 to 1250 A.D. Most of the Tui Tonga were very good men. Thy dealt fairly with all the people of Samoa. The Samoans were happy and they lived a good life. They loved and respected the Tui Tonga. But when Talaifei’i became King of the Tongan empire, the situation changed abruptly because he was a cruel man. To protect himself and make his dominion over the Samoans more complete, Talaifei’i enslaved the Samoan people and forced them to build forts and roads all around Samoa.

The old chief Atiogie had two sons, Tuna and Fata, who had already won the esteem of the people. The fame of their daring deeds had grown so fast that even Talaifei’i began to fear them. He resolved, therefore, to get rid of them as soon as possible.

As soon as Tuna and Fata heard of the threat by Talaifei’i, they went to Aleipata. They sent messengers all over Samoa urging the people to rise and drive out the hated Tongans. When the Samoans were organized and felt they were ready to drive out the Tongans, the two brothers made a plan. The King’s birthday would be in two months time. A feast was to be held on the large malae of Aleipata and all the Tongans were invited.

Finally the great day came. The King and most of his warriors were present. Talaifei’i was in high glee and his soldiers enjoyed themselves. Suddenly, on a prearranged signal, hundreds of war painted Samoans led by the dauntless Tuna and Fata rushed out of the bush and fell upon the unsuspecting Tongans. Hundreds of Tongans were slain. The others ran for their lives to their canoes and went to their forts and other places to make preparations for war. Many long, hard battles were fought in Upolu, Savaii and Tutuila before the Tongans were driven out.

When the Tongans were about to leave, the Tui Tonga raised his hands and said “Malietoa, Malietau, afai e o’o mai Tonga, e sau i le aouliuli folau, ae le o le aouliuli tau.” Interpreted, this meant: “Oh brave warriors! Bravely you have fought! You have shown great courage. If the Tongans ever come back it will be for a friendly visit but never again to fight you.”

The parting words of Talaifei’i gave birth to the name and later to the title of Malietoa. It is said that Tuna and Fata started immediately to quarrel about the new name. They got so angry that they came to blows. They fought so hard with their heavy toa clubs that they killed each other

Their sister’s son, Ulumasui, had seen it all but had been unable to stop their fighting. Now, as they both lay dead at his feet, he had pity on them and he resolved to use his supernatural power (mana) to recall their departed souls from their journey to Pulotu. He started his incantation and both again became alive.

According to the traditions of Tuamasaga, Tuna and Fata, in order to avoid further quarrels, conferred the name on the oldest brother, Savea. Savea, therefore became the first Malietoa.

The above information was taken (as written) from the MCKAY-FALE located in Sauniatu (on the island of Upolu) Western Samoa.