Coyote Gives Fire To The People
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Stoneware, 20" x 10" x 11" (HxWxL) Price: $925 |
The Legend
How Coyote Brought Fire To The People
At the beginning of the world, people had no fire. The only fire was on top of the mountains guarded by evil spirits or the Skookums. When Coyote came among the people he found them cold and miserable. “Coyote” they begged “bring us fire from the mountains, or we will die from the cold.” “I will see what I can do” said Coyote. He asked his sisters the Huckleberries for advice.
At dawn Coyote saw the Skookum leave the fire and go into their lodge. Coyote sprang forth and seized a burning brand. In an instant the Skookums were following him. One of them seized his tail in her claw and turned it black. Ever since the coyote’s tail has had a black tip. The animal people came forward and coyote handed the brand to Fox. Fox ran with it until he came upon squirrel. He leaped from tree to tree. The brand burned so hot it curled his tail. At last when only a coal was left, it was given to squatty little frog. He swallowed the coal and hopped away as fast as he could. The Skookum seized his tail, but frog did not stop. He left his tail behind him in the Skookums claw. Ever since frogs have had no tails. Too save the fire he spat it out onto wood and wood swallowed it. The Skookums stood by helpless. Coyote was very wise he knew how to get fire out of wood. He showed the people how to rub two sticks together. Ever after that the people knew how to use fire.
This legend was told by the Plateau tribes of Northern Washington.