Typee · Character

Mehevi

The Typee chief who rules his valley like the president of a bachelor's club, offering the narrator protection while keeping every exit quietly under guard.

major

Also known as King Mehevi, the chief Mehevi, the intrepid Mehevi

First appearance: ix

See Mehevi in ix Book page

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Mehevi presides over the Ti with an easy, almost fraternal authority, romping with pretty witches between bouts of chiefly dignity. He is generous to his guest and clearly fond of him, yet his hospitality has edges — the taboo, the watchful attendants, the sense that leaving is not entirely the narrator's decision. He embodies the book's central ambiguity: a host whose warmth and whose power cannot be separated.

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See Mehevi in ix

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Tommo’s despair: his last…

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In the story

Mehevi appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Typee
The chief of the Typees who oversees Tommo's captivity and shows both authority and hospitality.
X
The chief who provides food and demonstrates the proper way to eat poee-poee.
XI
A superb-looking warrior, likely Mehevi, enters the house with an imposing costume and is treated with deference.
Chapter XII
Visits the narrator, leads the journey to the taboo groves, hosts a feast, and later returns to offer food.
XVI
Assumes an authoritative tone, commands the narrator to sit down, and blocks his attempt to go to the beach, confirming his captivity.
XVII
Implied as a chief among the Typees, though not directly named in this chapter.
Chapter XVIII
Chief consulted about the taboo; he gives a long explanation but eventually procures Fayaway's dispensation.
XIX
Estranged from the narrator after the suggestion of departure; described as the most influential chief.
XX
Hosts the narrator at the Ti and provides a baked pig.
XXII
Presides over the Ti, issues orders for the feast, and invites the narrator to attend the morrow's festivities.
The Feast of Calabashes
Mehevi is mentioned as the noble chief presiding over the lavish feast, compared favorably to Warwick in his generosity.
XXV
Noted for his fondness for anointing himself with coconut oil; gives the narrator a dilapidated musket to repair.
XXVI
Praised as King of the Cannibal Valley; observed romping with a young woman and suspected of fathering her child.
The Social Condition and General Character of the Typees
Implied as part of the chiefly class whose influence is described as mild.
XXIX
The benevolent king who refuses the narrator's suggestion of a canine crusade, citing that the dogs are 'taboo'.
Taboo and Tattooing: The Sacred and the Profane in Typee
Bestows a taboo upon the narrator by braiding a band around his wrist after Toby's disappearance.
XXXI
King who is delighted by the narrator's singing and promotes him to court minstrel; enjoys watching pugilistic performances.
XXXII
King remains gracious and condescending; walks beside the victorious warriors carrying a musket and a javelin.
The Escape
The king who initially prevents the narrator from going to the sea but eventually grants permission.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mehevi in ix