Religion and Moana

Moana's Grandmother she is a key part to the films storyline. Like Moana, Moana's Grandmother also had a connection with the ocean so she was first to see the signs of the ocean calling her granddaughter. Her grandmother encouraged Moana to listen to her heart, follow the calling. After the grandmother passed away, Moana did just that. (Moana).

 

During Moana's time at sea, the ocean was her guide along with with what was living within. Her Grandmother appeared as one of her guides. She was reincarnated as a Stingray. A Stingray is symbolic to her grandmother character as it is the tattoo on her back and she is seen dancing in the ocean surrounded by Stingrays in the film. It was fitting for her to come back through this animal. (Moana).

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Reincarnation is recognized in many religions. Tony Walter stated in his article "Reincarnation, Modernity and identity", " Belief in reincarnation- coming back time and again in different bodies- characterises, Hinduism,  Sikhism, Buddhism and many tribal religions." (21). The idea behind reincarnation is once you have passed, you will later return in a new form, which is exactly what happened to the Grandmother.