Moana is one of the Disney movies that has become a favorite among both children and adults in the last decade, due to its fascinating plot and representation of Polynesian culture. But have you ever wondered what Moana means?
The choice of name for the character (and the movie itself) was no coincidence. Disney knew exactly what it was doing, as the term Moana has a meaning that perfectly represents the essence of the story. Here’s what it means.
What does Moana mean?
So, what does Moana mean? The name comes from Hawaiian and means “ocean”. If you’ve seen any of the films, you’ll now understand the significance of this name, as the story centers not only on the adventurous Polynesian girl, but also on a key element in the development of the plot: the ocean.
Throughout the movie, the ocean acts as Moana’s guardian, and from the beginning, it is the ocean that chooses her as the savior of her community. Moana doesn’t just sail on the waters… she listens to them, as she has an inexplicable connection with the sea.
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What is the real story that inspired the films?
Moana is not just another Disney movie. The animated film is inspired by the mythology and traditions of the Polynesian people, as well as theories related to the history of these communities, such as the so-called “Long Pause.”
Throughout the movie, it is revealed that Moana’s people stopped traveling long ago and adopted a taboo, forbidding them to go beyond the island’s reefs.
This event refers to what historians call the “Long Pause” in the history of Western Polynesia. This region was colonized over three thousand years ago by people who traveled vast distances to reach the islands. However, after a period of expansion, there was a two-thousand-year interruption in exploration, during which it almost ceased entirely.
Another theory is that the figure of the goddess Te Fiti is inspired by the legend of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes in Hawaiian culture. As for Maui, it is known that the demigod refers to a hero in Polynesian traditions who is attributed with amazing feats, such as fishing islands from the ocean with his magic hook, taming the Sun to lengthen the days, and stealing fire for humanity.
How many Moana movies are there?
So far, there are two movies. The first was released in 2016 and the second in 2024.
What is Moana 2 about?
The plot of this sequel delves deeper into Polynesian culture, exploring themes such as legacy, leadership, and connection with ancestors, and takes place three years after the events of the first film.
Now turned into the leader of her community, Moana receives an unexpected message from her ancestors, prompting her to embark on a new journey across the ocean in search of answers and to reconnect her people with their maritime roots.
Throughout her adventure, Moana meets again with Maui, the demigod of wind and sea, who decides to join her in this dangerous mission. Together, they must face new challenges, such as the fearsome Kakamora and Nalo, the storm god.
In her fight to restore the lost island of Motufetu, Moana is struck by a lightning bolt from Nalo and dies; however, the ocean and the spirits of her ancestors manage to bring her back to life. After this event, Moana becomes a demigoddess, just like Maui, gaining a sort of immortality that will allow her to live for over a thousand years.
When will Moana 2 be available on Disney Plus?
According to the platform, the release of Moana 2 on Disney Plus is scheduled for March 12, 2025.
What sequels will Disney release?
This year and the next will be filled with the return of beloved classics, which will be released throughout the months. Among the titles are:
- The Incredibles 3
- Toy Story 5
- Frozen 3
- Freaky Friday 2
- Zootopia 2
