S1-E31: 'Eua: The Enchanted Island

Podcast 30 July 2025

In Episode 31, we follow Georg Forster and the crew of HMS Resolution as they explore ʻEua, an island in present-day Tonga. Their encounter with the islanders reveals a peaceful and well-organized society with its own customs, tattoos, jewelry, and finely crafted goods. Men and women wore distinct clothing styles, and the widespread loss of the little finger—an expression of mourning—stood out.

A shaded grove deep inland on ʻEua Island reminded the explorers of an enchanted island—lush, serene, and filled with birdsong, just as described in romantic tales. – Click on the image to listen to this episode on YouTube.

The explorers wandered through carefully maintained gardens, burial sites, and a valley surrounded by lush vegetation. A particularly shaded grove evoked the image of an “enchanted island” from literature. They also encountered vampire bats, delicately woven baskets, and coral-covered tombs.

Despite the locals’ warmth, early tensions surfaced: a stolen anchor, leprous traders, and limited food supplies. Still, ʻEua left a lasting impression.

On nearby Tongatapu, similar impressions followed—meticulously cultivated fields, elegant burial platforms known as Fayetuca, and a friendly, inquisitive population eager to trade. As Maheine and O-Maï began to understand the language more clearly, communication deepened. The joint journey through the South Seas continued, revealing more of its beauty and complexity with each landfall.