Teroro is the younger brother of the king of Bora Bora in the eighth century. He is an expert navigator but possesses a rash temperament. After the priestly class attempts to kill him for sacrifice, he organizes an expedition to seek a legendary island to the north where his people can be free. Through his persistence, he guides his people for thousands of miles over the open ocean to discover the uninhabited island of Hawaii. Upon arrival, Teroro assumes the duties of priest and tries to discourage the practice of human sacrifice in this new land.

Marama is Teroro’s wife. She is mature and intelligent, which is why her husband frequently depends on her advice. As the expedition prepares to leave Bora Bora, Marama is told she must remain behind because the canoe can only carry women who are likely to become pregnant, and Marama hasn’t produced any children yet. She calmly accepts this news and allows her husband to leave with a younger wife. A year later, Teroro returns, finding that he can’t do without Maram’s counsel. In the interval, she has given birth to a son, proving her fertility. She assembles a group of additional women and children to travel to the new land.