Ao (Māori mythology)

Ao (daylight) is one of the primal deities who are the unborn forces of nature in Māori mythology. Ao is the personification of light, clouds, and the ordinary world, as opposed to darkness () and the underworld.

He is spoken of under many forms or manifestations, including Aotūroa (enduring day, this world) and Aotahi (bright day, world of light and life). A version given by the Kāi Tahu of Moeraki is similar.

Pan-Polynesian

In Tahiti, Aonui was Tāne's residence in the sky, and Aoaomaraia was the discoverer of fire; a similar role is taken on by Māui in other parts of Polynesia.