The Ebbing of the Tidesouth Sea Stories - 1896

A collection of South Sea stories written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the lives and cultures of the Pacific Islands, highlighting the interactions between native inhabitants and white settlers. The opening story features characters such as the boy Sru and the girl Niya, who engage in traditional practices and share tales that reflect the intertwining fates of their communities. At the start of the narrative, Sru and Niya sit by a mountain pool in Ponape, where Niya sings the ''Song of Luliban.'' Their conversation centers around Luliban, a character from local lore who is torn between two lovers: her husband, Red-Hair the White Man, and Harry, a tattooed beachcomber. As Niya recounts Luliban's tale, which involves themes of love, rivalry, and betrayal against a backdrop of local customs and mythical beliefs, the complexity of relationships and the influence of external forces on the island life are vividly painted. This opening serves to set up the intertwining of folklore with the everyday experiences of the characters, suggesting deeper explorations of identity and cultural interaction throughout the collection.