| Author | Charles Montgomery |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Autobiography |
| Publisher | Douglas and McIntyre, HarperCollins |
Publication date | 2004 |
| Publication place | Canada |
The Last Heathen: Encounters with Ghosts and Ancestors in Melanesia is a book by Charles Montgomery, published in Canada by Douglas and McIntyre in 2004. [1] In 2006 it was published in the United States by HarperCollins as The Shark God. [2] [3]
The Last Heathen is the autobiographical account of the author in his journey to Melanesia, following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, Henry Montgomery, Bishop of Tasmania, and to study the effect of his great-grandfather's religion on the people. Montgomery traveled to Melanesia expecting to find a volatile mixture of the tribal, pagan religion and Christianity. He found a comfortable hybrid instead, the two religions living in harmony. The book details his journey as well as his discoveries, from an atheistic point of view.
The book won the Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-fiction in 2005. [4] The book has also won the Hubert Evans Non-Fiction Prize. [5]
Holly Morris reviewed the American edition for The New York Times in 2006: "As both traveler and writer, Montgomery is a thoughtful and entertaining guide, and his story has rich layers of history and anthropology." [2]
The book opens with Charles Montgomery introducing his personal connection to Melanesia through his great-grandfather, Bishop Henry Montgomery, a 19th-century Anglican missionary. Henry devoted his life to converting the indigenous people of Melanesia to Christianity, believing he was saving them from “heathen” ways. Charles, growing up with stories about his ancestor, becomes fascinated by his legacy and the impact of missionary work on indigenous cultures.
Montgomery begins to question the assumptions behind his great-grandfather’s mission. What did Christianity mean for the people of Melanesia? How did they receive it, and what traces of their old spiritual traditions remain? With these questions in mind, he sets out on a journey to Melanesia, hoping to trace his great-grandfather's footsteps and uncover the complex legacy of religion and colonialism in the region.
As he prepares for his journey, Montgomery describes his growing sense of curiosity and uncertainty. He reflects on the history of Western expansion and religious conversion, realizing that the effects of missionary work were not always as noble as his great-grandfather had believed. He also acknowledges his own biases as an outsider, aware that he is stepping into a world with beliefs and histories that may challenge his own perceptions.
Throughout the chapter, Montgomery weaves historical accounts with personal reflections, setting the stage for his journey into Melanesia. He introduces the idea that Melanesia exists at a crossroads between the past and present, where Christianity and ancient spiritual traditions coexist in surprising ways. The chapter ends with a sense of anticipation—Montgomery is about to embark on a journey not just through geography, but through history, faith, and self-discovery.
In this chapter, Montgomery sets out on his journey, leaving behind the familiar world of Canada and stepping into the unknown. He arrives in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, a place that immediately feels both foreign and strangely familiar due to its colonial history. Honiara, with its bustling streets, crumbling colonial-era buildings, and modern influences, serves as a gateway to the deeper, more traditional world of Melanesia that he is eager to explore.
As Montgomery begins his travels, he reflects on the geography and history of islands of Melanesia. The islands were once seen by Europeans as mysterious, dangerous, and inhabited by "savages" who practiced headhunting and ancestor worship. Missionaries, including his great-grandfather Henry Montgomery, believed they were bringing civilization and salvation to the region. But Charles is already skeptical—he wonders what was lost in the process and how much of the traditional belief system still survives.
The chapter provides a snapshot of the way religion, both indigenous and Christian, shapes the way people in Port Vila think about life, the afterlife, and the world around them. Montgomery also reflects on the contradictions inherent in the region: the blend of Christian faith and indigenous belief, the persistence of traditional ways even as they are encroached upon by global forces, and the way the people navigate the complex relationship between the two. He’s struck by how people in Port Vila seem to live in a world that is shaped both by the physical presence of missionaries and churches and by an undercurrent of spiritual beliefs that go beyond what is taught in the churches.
By the end of the chapter, Montgomery is eager yet apprehensive. He realizes that he is about to step into a world vastly different from his own, where spiritual forces—both Christian and ancestral—are still deeply woven into daily life. The chapter closes with a sense of anticipation as he prepares to leave behind the relative modernity of Honiara and journey into the heart of Melanesian culture.
The third chapter explores the island of Tanna in Vanuatu, a place known for its active volcano, Mount Yasur, and its complex spiritual landscape. The chapter focuses on the islanders' deep spiritual connection to the land, particularly their reverence for the volcano, which they see as a powerful divine force. The chapter also examines the presence of cargo cults, particularly the John Frum movement, which blends indigenous traditions with elements of Christianity and Western influences. The movement originated as a response to colonial rule and missionary efforts, incorporating prophetic visions and rituals aimed at bringing prosperity to the islanders.
Through interactions with Tanna’s inhabitants, the narrative captures how belief systems evolve in response to historical and cultural pressures. Rather than completely abandoning their ancestral traditions, the people of Tanna have reinterpreted and adapted religious elements to create a spiritual framework that reflects both continuity and change. The chapter illustrates how faith can be both a unifying force and a means of resistance against external influences, shaping the island’s identity in unique ways.
One of the first things Montgomery notices is the language of Bislama, which is a linguistic bridge between different tribal languages, but it is also a symbol of the region’s colonial past and missionary influence. Montgomery reflects on how language shapes belief, noting that Christian missionaries have used Bislama to spread their teachings. However, because Bislama is a simplified language, certain spiritual and theological concepts lose their depth or take on unintended meanings when translated. This has led to a unique interpretation of Christianity, one that often blends with traditional kastom beliefs rather than fully replacing them.
Tanna is also deeply divided between kastom villages and Christian communities, creating tensions between those who want to preserve ancestral traditions and those who have converted to Christianity. Montgomery observes how these factions compete for spiritual and cultural authority, yet both continue to be shaped by their shared history and connection to the land.
In this chapter, Montgomery continues his journey, further exploring the complex relationship between Christianity, kastom, and newer spiritual movements. The focus of the chapter is on the role of prophets—figures who claim to receive divine messages and play a key role in guiding their communities.
Montgomery meets a local prophet, a charismatic leader who commands deep respect among his followers. This prophet claims to communicate directly with spiritual forces and interprets events—both natural and political—through a religious lens. He preaches a blend of Christian and indigenous beliefs, creating a form of spirituality that is uniquely Melanesian.
One of the key moments in this chapter is when the prophet performs a dramatic ritual, raising his hands to the sky in a moment of spiritual ecstasy. Montgomery describes this as both theatrical and deeply meaningful, illustrating the way spiritual leaders maintain their authority and inspire their followers.
The chapter also delves into the power struggles between different religious factions on the island. Some villagers remain devoted to kastom, while others have fully embraced Christianity. The John Frum movement, with its belief in a returning messianic figure, continues to attract followers who see it as a path to material and spiritual fulfillment. The prophet, meanwhile, positions himself as an intermediary between these worlds—offering guidance that draws from both Christian and traditional sources.
As Montgomery observes these spiritual dynamics, he reflects on the nature of belief itself. He is struck by how religion in Tanna is not static—it is constantly shifting, absorbing new influences while retaining its deep ancestral roots. The prophet's raised hands become a symbol of this tension between old and new, faith and skepticism, tradition and change.
By the end of the chapter, Montgomery gains a deeper appreciation for the fluidity of belief in Melanesia. Rather than a simple battle between Christianity and indigenous traditions, he sees a complex spiritual landscape where people create new forms of faith that reflect both their past and present realities.
The chapter opens with an overview of the fierce rivalries among Christian missionaries in the 19th century. Protestants, especially Presbyterians, were as hostile to Catholicism as they were to indigenous belief systems, often seeing Catholic missionaries as part of the "mark of the beast." Even within Protestant groups, there was competition—Presbyterians and the London Missionary Society clashed with the more elite Anglican Melanesian Mission. The Anglicans, whom Montgomery's great-grandfather referred to as "God’s Gentlemen," took a more accommodating stance toward kastom traditions. Unlike Presbyterians, who banned dances, kava drinking, and other traditions, Anglicans allowed them as long as they did not conflict with Christian doctrine. This approach led to a different cultural landscape in Anglican-dominated areas compared to staunchly Presbyterian regions like Tanna, where the clash of Christianity and kastom created deep spiritual and social turmoil.
Montgomery then transitions into his personal experience traveling to the Anglican region. After spending time in Port Vila, where he meets a modernized local woman named Karen, he sets out to find passage on a boat to Espiritu Santo. He boards the MV Brisk, a rough and unreliable cargo ship, for a four-day journey through the islands.
During the voyage, Montgomery experiences the harsh realities of travel in Melanesia. The ship's deck floods frequently, forcing passengers to huddle together on makeshift platforms. He suffers from intense mosquito bites and has eerie dreams, foreshadowing his deeper immersion into the region’s supernatural beliefs.
As the Brisk stops at various islands, Montgomery encounters local customs and myths. He learns about a legendary custom shark, believed to be the spirit of a dead man who preys on white flesh. In Ambrym, known for its fire magic, he hears of ancient burial practices where chiefs' bones were kept in their homes to maintain their mana (spiritual power). He also meets Melanesians who retain connections to their ancestral religions despite missionary influences.
A significant conversation occurs with Graeme, a man from Pentecost, who challenges Montgomery’s family legacy. Graeme accuses missionaries, including Montgomery’s great-grandfather, of stealing his ancestors—bringing them to New Zealand, converting them with the lure of Western goods, and replacing their native gods. However, Graeme is now reconnecting with traditional magic, learning from the remaining kastom chiefs while balancing his Christian identity.
In the early morning light, the MV Brisk arrives at Luganville on Espiritu Santo, a town that once symbolized the prosperity and bustle of Vanuatu but now feels hollow and lifeless. The once-vibrant commercial hub is barely more than a series of abandoned buildings and rusting infrastructure. It’s a stark contrast to its history: during WWII, it was a vital staging area for U.S. forces, transforming into a bustling base with airstrips, hospitals, and factories. But once the war ended, the Americans left behind an overwhelming pile of discarded goods, which were discarded into the ocean, leaving the islanders to witness a fleeting glimpse of unimaginable wealth disappear like magic.
In the wake of the war, the locals yearned for America's return, hoping it would come to free them from their colonial masters. This dream fueled the Nagriamel movement in the 1960s, led by Jimmy Stephens. What began as a call for the reclamation of land quickly devolved into cargo cult-like fantasies. Stephens was believed to have divine backing, even claiming his concubine bore a son, Jesus Christ, conceived by the Holy Spirit. Stephens' rebellion, aided by French planters and the Phoenix Foundation (a group of American real estate developers), culminated in the creation of a short-lived "nation" called Menerama. However, by 1980, with Vanuatu's independence, the rebellion was crushed, and the dream of American salvation was extinguished. Now, Luganville feels like a ghost town, with a few Chinese-run stores offering little more than corned beef, flip-flops, and Bob Marley t-shirts.
Montgomery then describes his stay at Hotel Santo: a hotel that stands as a relic of past optimism, managed by Mary Jane Dinh, an elegant yet weary half-caste woman who had witnessed the rise and fall of the town. Though she’s seen it all, she quickly diagnoses the author with malaria upon his arrival and insists he’ll be fine, despite his rapidly deteriorating condition. Her diagnosis was accurate. Malaria, common in these parts, takes hold of the author’s body as the fever intensifies. He’s sent to the local hospital, which is a crumbling, cockroach-infested place, where he’s given pills and returns to the hotel to rest. The fever worsens, leading to a delirious state where the author becomes lost in vivid hallucinations.
Later in this chapter, the author reflects on the history of his ancestors and their deeply intertwined relationship with religion, war, and conquest. He describes waking to the rhythmic cycle of day and night, accompanied by dreams filled with miracles, dust, and blood—visions that evoke the dual nature of his family's god. This god, both loving and vengeful, was invoked in battle and thanked for victories, much like the Old Testament deity. His ancestors, originally Scandinavian pagans, embraced Christianity after migrating to France. They took new names, built churches, and prospered amid an era of violence. Their legacy continued through Roger de Montgomery, who fought alongside William the Conqueror in 1066, securing lands in England after helping to defeat the English forces. Despite suffering personal tragedies, Roger dedicated his spoils to the Church, and his descendants carried this militant faith forward.
Generations later, the Montgomerys expanded their influence through war and empire. They fought in Ireland, secured land through loyalty to the English Crown, and later followed the British Empire to India. Robert Montgomery, a colonial officer, played a decisive role in suppressing the 1857 Indian rebellion, using ruthless tactics to disarm and eliminate suspected insurgents. He credited divine intervention for his victory, reinforcing the belief that God favored the British cause.
This belief continued through Henry Montgomery, who was raised in strict evangelical doctrine and became a leading missionary. Convinced of England’s divine mission, he preached that the British were chosen to civilize and uplift "lesser races." His son, Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery, carried on this tradition of divine favor in war, invoking God’s support during World War II and attributing victory at El Alamein — a pivotal battle in the war — to divine will.
The author sees how this myth—of a god who both loves and wages war—was carried across oceans and reshaped the beliefs of those who received it. As he lay fevered, consumed by visions and doubt, he sensed the lingering presence of this struggle. When he awoke on the fifth morning, his fever had passed, but the deeper questions about faith, power, and destiny remained.
The chapter explores the nature of myth, challenging the idea that myths are simply false stories. The author argues that myths serve important functions, shaping beliefs and explaining the world for those who hold them sacred. He reflects on how myths blur the lines between history, propaganda, and dreams, making truth a matter of faith rather than empirical evidence.
Tracing Western perspectives on myth, he examines how figures like the Greek philosophers, James Frazer, Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and Joseph Campbell have interpreted myths—ranging from primitive superstition to expressions of deep psychological and cultural truths. While anthropologists like Evans-Pritchard acknowledged the limits of rationalism in understanding belief, others sought to dismantle myths by analyzing their origins and structures.
In Melanesia, the author confronts his own skepticism as he immerses himself in a culture where myth and faith remain vital. Unlike the detached rationalism he inherited, Melanesians—like his great-grandfather—believe they are not alone in the world. Their myths, whether Christian or indigenous, are living truths, shaping their reality. The more time he spends among believers, the more he finds his skepticism challenged, realizing that to truly engage with myth, one must first allow for the possibility of mystery.
The chapter follows the author’s journey to Maewo, an island renowned for its water magic. From the outset, the author struggles to gain access to the island’s supernatural knowledge, making several missteps in attempting to convince locals to share their magic.
Due to limited transportation options, the author flies on a mail plane to the island. Onboard, he meets Alfred, the brother of both an Anglican bishop and a powerful traditional healer named Dudley. Alfred describes Dudley’s abilities—he can summon floods, cure ailments, and even manipulate sea creatures. Despite the tension between Christianity and traditional beliefs, the bishop himself once advised a Solomon Islands prime minister to seek Dudley’s help for heart trouble.
The island appears lush and abundant in natural beauty, with an overwhelming presence of fresh water. However, an undercurrent of fear permeates the community. Maewo is known for its magic, and many people protect themselves with charms, bathing in tabu water to ward off spells. The author notices an unexpected number of wire fences around homes—suggesting deep-seated anxieties about sorcery.
Dudley, despite his reputation, comes across as unassuming—a chain-smoking, quiet man reluctant to discuss his powers. His sister, Faith Mary, is more direct. She explains that magic is real and dangerous: angering the wrong person on Maewo can result in a deadly curse. When prompted, Dudley lists his magical abilities, including summoning spirits, curing illnesses, and preventing widows from remarrying after their husbands’ deaths. However, Faith Mary warns that white men are untrustworthy with magic. She recounts a past incident where an Australian visitor performed a trick that made locals doubt their own magic. She insists the author should not stay in Betarara, as people there might poison him, and invites him to stay with Dudley instead.
As the author returns to Betarara, Dudley warns him of hidden dangers, particularly black magic spells left on the road—one of which could cause his genitals to shrivel and disappear. This further explains the fences around houses: people fear magical attacks as much as physical ones.
Montgomery finally meets Geoffrey Uli, the kastom chief, who explains that Maewo already had its own gods and religious traditions before Christianity arrived. Missionaries destroyed sacred stones and kava-drinking rituals, but over time, the people reclaimed their kastom practices. Faith in magic never disappeared, and even now, many continue to believe in spells and spirit powers.
As Montgomery immerses himself deeper in Maewo’s culture, he finds it harder to dismiss magic as mere superstition. The line between belief and skepticism blurs, leaving him unsettled yet fascinated. His experiences suggest that fear and faith, whether in Christianity or kastom magic, shape people's realities in powerful ways.