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In Polynesian mythology, Atea is the most ancient god, who separated into the two gods Rangi and Papa.
In the Marquesas Islands, Atea came from primeval chaos, Tanaoa, and made room for the dawn goddess, Atanua, to appear. Their son was the first man, Tu-Mea.
In Tuamotu, Atea married Fa'ahotu. Their first son, Tahu, died of starvation and the two gods switched sexes.
Later, Atea tried to kidnap Tane, but Tane escaped to Earth and eventually became so hungry that he ate a man, thus becoming the first cannibal. Tane declared war on Atea and killed him with the lightning bolts of Fatu-tiri, his ancestor.
Atea is a municipality (pop. 214) in the Spanish province of Zaragoza, in the autonomous community of Aragon.
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