Isokelekel

Isokelekel was a semi-mythical hero warrior and demigod who founded pre-modern Pohnpei sometime in the 1500s to the early 1600s. He invaded the island, ended the oppressive rule of the Saudeleur dynasty, and instituted the decentralized chiefdom () system that has survived through modern times.

== Background == Isokelekel (Pohnpeian: "shining noble," "wonderful king"), was a semi-mythical son of the Pohnpeian god Nansapwe and Nansapwe's clanswoman, Lipahnmei, who came to Pohnpei from Katau. "Katau" is a Pohnpeian term referring to the east, although it is unclear where specifically. Some say “katau” is a reference to the “sky world.” Many scholars have also come to the conclusion that Isokelekel hails from Kosrae. However, based on the absence of Kosrae’s location from contact-era navigational lore, the Kosraens' lack of open ocean sailing skills, and the lack of noticeable Kosraen influence on the Pohnpei language, Isokelekel is unlikely to have come from Kosrae. It is likely that when referring to katau, people are referencing a mythological place. However, based on a number Pohnpei informants, he may have arrived from the Marshall Islands or Kiribati.