Royal incest and inbreeding in Hawaii
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Royal History Incest Inbreeding Hawaii Monarchy Genealogy

Eps 82: Royal incest and inbreeding in Hawaii

— History

The podcast delves into the historical practice of royal incest and inbreeding within Hawaiian royalty. The discussion highlights how this practice was deeply rooted in the traditions and belief systems of Hawaiian culture. It was primarily aimed at preserving the sanctity and purity of the royal bloodline, which was believed to possess divine qualities. The episode outlines specific instances of inbreeding among Hawaii's monarchs and explores the social, political, and spiritual reasons behind these unions. It also touches on the consequences of such practices, including genetic disorders and the eventual dilution of these traditions with the arrival of Western influences.

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Randy Mitchelle

Randy Mitchelle

Podcast Content
The intricate web of Hawaii's royal genealogy reveals a fascinating and complex story of incest and inbreeding. The Hawaiian monarchy, known as the House of Kamehameha or the Kingdom of Hawai'i, often practiced close-kin marriages to preserve the purity and divine right of their royal bloodline. This practice was deeply rooted in Polynesian traditions, where mālama, or the care for family, extended into the spiritual and ruling realms, intertwining genealogical purity with political power. Hawaiian chiefs, known as ali‘i, believed their divine kapu, or sacred status, was upheld through maintaining unmixed noble blood. For instance, King Kamehameha himself, who united the Hawaiian Islands in the early 19th century, was a product of genealogical strategies involving high-ranking relatives.

One prominent example is Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena, the beloved younger sister of Kamehameha III. It was expected that she would marry her brother, thus continuing the sacred bloodline. Although this marriage did not occur, her tragic life reflects the burdens placed upon royal individuals amidst these familial expectations. Another notable instance is the marriage between King Kamehameha II and his sister, Kamāmalu, which was designed to consolidate power and prioritize their royal bloodline above all else. While such unions might seem taboo from a contemporary Western perspective, in Hawai'i, they were revered and essential for maintaining social hierarchy and spiritual authority.

However, this practice of inbreeding had its consequences. It led to the manifestation of genetic disorders and decreased fertility rates among the royal lineage, issues that were recognized but deemed secondary to the cultural importance of maintaining pure bloodlines. The blending of cultural reverence for bloodline purity with the physical ramifications of incest illustrates the delicate balance that Hawaiian royalty sought to maintain. As missionaries and Western influences began to permeate Hawaiian society, these customs faced increasing scrutiny and decline, yet they remain a crucial part of the historical and cultural tapestry of Hawaii.