Nafanua, The Guardian

Ta Fesilafa'i – This was her first and primary weapon and she used it most of the time during the battle.

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The Legend of Nafanua: Guardian and Goddess of War in Samoa

Nafanua, a titled woman celebrated throughout Samoa, is known as the goddess of war. She earned this title through her dedication to her family and the high regard she held in her village council. As the goddess of war, it was Nafanua's duty to protect her family and save her village from enemies. Her village was situated on the western side of Savai'i.

During her time, a conflict arose between the eastern and western sides of Savai'i, with each side competing for control of the land and the titles associated with it. In Samoan culture, land is highly valued, and ownership signifies prestige. Families with larger land holdings are considered more prestigious, and male members often receive higher titles. This cultural significance motivated High Chief Lilomai'ava from the eastern side to attempt to conquer the entire island.

As a show of his dominance, Lilomai'ava punished those he captured from the west by forcing them to climb a coconut tree feet first, head down—a humiliating and painful act. One of his captives was Ta'ii, the uncle of Nafanua and older brother of Saveasi'uleo, her father. As Ta'ii struggled with the punishment, his sighs of agony reached Saveasi'uleo and Nafanua, angering them.

Enraged, Saveasi'uleo ordered Nafanua to cut down the Toa tree (also known as Koa) and use its wood to craft weapons to drive away Lilomai'ava and his army. Nafanua immediately obeyed, cutting down the Toa tree and leaving it to dry. Days later, when she returned to retrieve the wood, she found the tree covered in pule (seashells). This led to the Samoan saying:

"E gase toa ae ola pule"
The shells live, but the Toa tree dies.

Metaphorically, this teaches that while humans may possess great strength, true success requires wisdom and good judgment. Power alone is not enough.

At her father's request, Nafanua then crafted four weapons from the Toa wood. Among them, her primary weapon was the Ta Fesilafa'i.

• Ta Fesilafa'i: This was Nafanua's most commonly used weapon. It was shaped like a wide hook, with three or four sharp teeth pointing sideways. In battle, the weapon remained plain, with no decorations, highlighting its utilitarian purpose.

With these weapons, Nafanua successfully defended her people, earning her place as a powerful and revered figure in Samoan legend—a warrior guided not just by strength, but by the wisdom to make courageous decisions.

 

Fa'auli'ulito

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Fa'auli'ulito

This weapon was assigned by Nafanua to her adopted parents, Matuna and Matuna, to use in battle. Nafanua instructed the couple to strike from the enemy's side while she engaged the enemy directly, hoping to convince them to unite in peace and harmony. She emphasized caution, warning her parents that it might be difficult to distinguish the enemy in the heat of battle.

Tragically, in the confusion of the fight, Nafanua accidentally killed her adopted parents, an unintended consequence of her plan to bring peace.

Description of Weapon:
Fa'auli'ulito is shaped like a plain stick but features a rounded, thick, and heavy edge. Its form is similar to a police Billy club, with a wide and solid build designed for close combat.

 

Ulimasao

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Ulimasao

Ulimasao was a stand-by weapon intended to end conflict and bring peace. Its name, Ulimasao, also means "driving safely," symbolizing the weapon’s purpose to guide the way to a peaceful resolution after the battle.

Description of Weapon:
Ulimasao is shaped like a canoe paddle, featuring smooth, round sides and a single pointed edge, embodying both the strength and control needed to navigate through conflict toward peace.

 

Fa'amategataua

4. Fa'amategataua - This is a second reserve weapon and it is the most dangerous weapon of the four. According to the late Silivelio Suafo'a (orator of this legend) this war club was not meant to be used.

However if necessary, she would use the club. It was fortunate that Nafanua did not need to use the fourth weapon called “Weapon of Death”. It is so powerful that if used it would kill everyone including her family.

Description of weapon: It is shaped like a spear but has teeth on both sides. The number of teeth varies from five to seven.

The war ended because Nafanua’s apana (shirt) was blown upward by the wind revealing her breasts. Up to this time the men did not know she was a woman. When they discovered that she was a woman, they decided to end the war. They felt humiliated because there was only one woman among several men fighting the war. This concludes the story about the Goddess of War, Nafanua, who was famous throughout Samoa, especially on the island of Savai'i.

Suafoa – Taua’i