The myths of the Maori people reveal insights into their understanding of the world, emphasizing the significance of nature, ancestry, and spirituality. Through stories like that of Maui, who fished up land from the sea, Maori mythology illustrates the relationship between the people and their environment. These myths convey important values, such as respect for the land and the importance of kinship. Additionally, they serve as a means of passing down history and cultural identity through generations.