We all know that Moana—the title character from Moana (2016) and Moana 2 (2024)—is a fighter throughout her classic hero’s journey.
Moana, the courageous daughter of Chief Tui of Motunui, embarks on an epic voyage across the ocean to save her island. Tasked with returning the Heart of Te Fiti, Moana confronts challenges that test her skills, bravery, and connection to her ancestors. Throughout her journey, she encounters mystical beings, including a petulant demigod (we see you, Maui) survives Tomatoa’s lair, and saves her people from near-certain death when their way of life is at risk of becoming obsolete, with the guidance of her beloved Gramma Tala. These adventures and trials ultimately lead her to discover her true identity and destiny as a wayfinder.
What you probably didn’t realize, though, is that there’s a chance Moana was actually dead for her entire first movie (at least until the very end).
One fascinating theory that I’ve encountered proposes that Moana may have died in the thunderstorm that marks the beginning of her journey. Instead of navigating the complexities of life and death, this theory suggests that everything I witness in the film—from her encounters with Maui, Kakamora, and other supernatural beings—occurs in the afterlife. The fan theory, shared by Occams-Toothbrush on Reddit, notes:
After that, she only meets Gods and mystical creatures [including Maui, the Kakamora, and Te Ka] he rest of the movie.
She still must complete her journey to return the heart of Tafiti [sic: Te Fiti], and when she does Tafiti [sic: Te Fiti] brings her back to life so she can go back to her tribe.
Supporters of this theory often point to a few important elements as evidence. The thunderstorm serves as a pivotal event. Upon Moana’s awakening on a distant island, she finds herself in a world populated only by gods and mythological creatures, suggesting an afterlife experience.
Furthermore, Moana’s feats throughout the film, such as easily accessing the supposedly unreachable Realm of Monsters, may indicate human limitations do not bind her.
In this context, her journey appears more like an otherworldly quest, leading her to fulfill an essential mission before she can return to her tribe. Another compelling facet of this theory lies in her interactions with Gramma Tala, who bestows upon her the Heart just before her own death. This moment creates a vital link between the two characters and heightens my sense of an otherworldly exchange.
Also adding credence to this theory is that a human is not supposed to be able to reach Lalotai, the Realm of Monsters, as easily as Moana did, at least according to Maui. If Moana was not fully alive, however, perhaps she could have traveled to this otherworldly realm without much difficulty.
Credit: Disney
Analyzing key scenes often clarifies the Moana theory, which piques my curiosity. The thunderstorm marks the definitive split between Moana’s life on Motunui and her subsequent adventures. Following this event, she encounters beings like Maui, the Kakamora, and Te Ka—entities that are far removed from her previous reality.
Symbolism also plays a crucial role in shaping my understanding of the narrative.
For instance, Gramma Tala’s transition into a spirit guide, coupled with her ownership of the Heart of Te Fiti, sends significant messages about connection to the afterlife and the importance of guidance from those who have passed.
Despite the theory’s fascinating premise, and to play devil’s advocate for a moment, Moana does have contact with her parents, Chief Tui and Sina, and Moana’s grandmother, Gramma Tala, post-thunderstorm—but, intriguingly, the primary scene involving the whole family after the severe storm is Gramma Tala’s death.
During that particular scene, the older woman gives her necklace — Te Fiti’s heart — to the young girl. A necklace that, presumably, has the power to create life itself since it is the only thing that can restore Te Fiti, thereby saving Motunui.
The theory that Moana is dead faces scrutiny because of its implications for the story’s central themes. Moana’s growth as a character—her courage in navigating uncharted waters and her determination to save her people—ground the narrative in the experience of living rather than an exploration of death. This aspect suggests that her challenges are more about finding her identity within the tangible world rather than just completing a spectral odyssey.
Moreover, the connections between characters can bear multiple meanings. Gramma Tala’s guidance might be interpreted as signs of wisdom and strength rather than indications of death. The Heart itself functions as a life-giving symbol, suggesting a power that isn’t intrinsically linked to death experiences.
If, in fact, this theory that Moana was actually dead the whole time she was navigating the Pacific Ocean is true, it is theoretically possible that Gramma Tala — at death’s door herself — saw Moana and was able to physically give her the necklace that was then able to bring her back to life after she fulfilled her quest to deliver Maui “across the great ocean”.
It’s also worth pointing out that Moana‘s animal sidekick, Hei Hei, is present throughout her journey across the ocean. However, some believe that the chicken himself is a demigod who plays a crucial role in Moana‘s action-packed voyage across Polynesia.
While somewhat far-fetched, this theory about Disney’s favorite born navigator is certainly intriguing and, actually, could hold water…
What’s your take? Do you think Moana could have died at the beginning of the first film?
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Credit: Disney
