The history of Polynesia is a rich and vibrant tapestry of people and places, as is described in Scoundrel in Paradise. One little-known aspect of their history had to do with the practice of human sacrifice.

The ancient Polynesians, who inhabited the islands of the Pacific Ocean, practiced human sacrifice as a religious ritual. The exact origins of the practice are not known, but it is believed to have been a part of Polynesian culture for centuries. The practice was most prevalent in the Marquesas Islands, where it was used to appease the gods and ensure the success of important events such as the construction of a new temple or the launch of a canoe.

Human sacrifice in ancient Polynesia involved the ritual killing of a person, usually a member of the lower classes, in order to appease the gods or to ensure the success of an important event. The victim was often chosen through a lottery system, and was typically killed by strangulation or by having their throat cut. The body of the victim was then buried in a sacred location, such as a temple or a burial ground.

The practice of human sacrifice in ancient Polynesia was not limited to one specific god or religion, but was instead a part of the general religious beliefs of the Polynesian people. The gods of Polynesia were believed to be powerful and demanding, and human sacrifice was seen as a way to appease them and ensure their favor. The gods were also believed to have the power to control the elements, such as the wind and the waves, and human sacrifice was sometimes used to ensure good weather for important events such as fishing trips or canoe voyages.

Human sacrifice was also used to mark important events in the lives of Polynesian leaders. For example, when a new chief was appointed, a human sacrifice would be made in order to ensure the chief's success and the prosperity of the community. Similarly, when a new temple was built, a human sacrifice would be made in order to ensure the blessings of the gods and the protection of the community.

The practice of human sacrifice in ancient Polynesia began to decline in the 19th century, as contact with Westerners brought new religious and cultural influences to the islands. Christian missionaries, who arrived in the islands in the early 19th century, strongly condemned the practice of human sacrifice and worked to eradicate it. As a result, the practice gradually disappeared and is no longer a part of Polynesian culture.