This study focuses on the important role of sharks in the Melanesian mythology. Based on unpublished stories essentially originating from New Caledonia, we show how strong the links are between myths and the physical environment in which Kanak live. As prevalent mythical animals, sharks can indifferently play the role of avengers and righters of wrongs, or vehicles for the spirits of living or dead people. They can be either allies or enemies in wars, and their role as potential man‐killers is never overlooked. However, when humans are attacked and killed by a shark, it is always for a material reason: the victim broke a rule or a tabu, the shark was an enemy, the sharks withdrew protection, the event allowed a pregnant woman to reach a new territory, etc. Beyond arbitrary metaphysical justifications, such perceptions reflect respect for social and natural order. For Kanak ni‐Vanuatu and other Pacific Islander peoples, sharks are part of a coherent Nature that includes natural and social hazards. In the quest for sustainable development of the planet, more in harmony with Nature, so‐called ‘developed societies’ might draw inspiration from such perceptions. Indigenous understandings could also help change the globally negative perception of sharks, and support shark conservation efforts in Oceania and worldwide.

中文翻译：

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为什么卡纳克族不惧怕鲨鱼：神话是连贯而危险的自然之镜

这项研究的重点是鲨鱼在美拉尼西亚神话中的重要作用。基于本质上来自新喀里多尼亚的未发表故事，我们展示了神话与卡纳克生活所在的自然环境之间的联系有多么牢固。作为盛行的神话动物，鲨鱼可以无动于衷地扮演复仇者和过失者的角色，或者为生死之灵提供工具。他们可以是盟友，也可以是战争中的敌人，他们作为潜在杀手的角色从未被忽视。但是，当人类被鲨鱼袭击并杀死时，通常是出于物质原因：受害者违反了规则或禁忌，鲨鱼是敌人，鲨鱼撤回了保护，该事件使孕妇得以重生。领域等。除了任意形而上学的辩护之外，这种看法反映了对社会和自然秩序的尊重。对于卡纳克·尼·瓦努阿图和其他太平洋岛民而言，鲨鱼是连贯自然的一部分，包括自然和社会危害。为了追求地球的可持续发展，更与自然和谐相处，所谓的“发达社会”可能会从这种观念中汲取灵感。土著的了解还可以帮助改变全球对鲨鱼的消极看法，并支持大洋洲和全世界鲨鱼的保护工作。