Ranginui and Papatūānuku are the Maori gods of the sky and the earth. According to Maori mythology, they were once locked in a tight embrace, and their children, the gods, were trapped in the darkness between them. The gods decided to separate their parents, and Tane, the god of forests and birds, pushed Ranginui up into the sky, creating the heavens. Papatūānuku was left behind, and she became the earth.

The separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku caused great sadness and grief for both of them. Ranginui cried tears of rain, and Papatūānuku wept rivers of water. The gods tried to comfort them, but nothing could ease their pain.

Despite their separation, Ranginui and Papatūānuku still love each other deeply. Ranginui sends his warmth and light to Papatūānuku, and she responds with the bounty of the earth. Together, they create the perfect balance of life.

Comprehension Questions:

1. Who are Ranginui and Papatūānuku? Answer: They are the Maori gods of the sky and the earth.

2. What were their children trapped in? Answer: They were trapped in the darkness between Ranginui and Papatūānuku.

3. Who separated Ranginui and Papatūānuku? Answer: Their children, the gods.

4. Who pushed Ranginui up into the sky? Answer: Tane, the god of forests and birds.

5. What did Papatūānuku become after the separation? Answer: She became the earth.

6. What did Ranginui cry after the separation? Answer: Tears of rain.

7. What did Papatūānuku weep after the separation? Answer: Rivers of water.

8. Did the separation cause sadness and grief for Ranginui and Papatūānuku? Answer: Yes, it did.

9. Who tried to comfort Ranginui and Papatūānuku? Answer: The gods.

10. Did the gods succeed in easing their pain? Answer: No, they did not.

11. Do Ranginui and Papatūānuku still love each other? Answer: Yes, they do.

12. What does Ranginui send to Papatūānuku? Answer: His warmth and light.

13. What does Papatūānuku respond with? Answer: The bounty of the earth.

14. Do Ranginui and Papatūānuku create a balance of life together? Answer: Yes, they do.

15. What is the significance of Tane in the story? Answer: He pushed Ranginui up into the sky, creating the heavens.

16. What is the moral of the story? Answer: The separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku created a balance of life.

17. What is the importance of Ranginui and Papatūānuku in Maori culture? Answer: They are important figures in Maori mythology and represent the sky and the earth.

18. What is the role of the gods in the story? Answer: They are the children of Ranginui and Papatūānuku and are responsible for separating them.

19. How does the story explain the natural world? Answer: It explains the relationship between the sky and the earth and how they work together to create life.

20. What can we learn from the story of Ranginui and Papatūānuku? Answer: We can learn about the importance of balance and the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world.