Home » Culture & Society » Legends & Folklore » American Folklore

Coyote Legends and Mythology

Ranked #5,484 in Culture & Society, #110,535 overall | Donates to Save the Children, Wild Animal Sanctuary

The History and Legends of The Coyote

In southwestern mythology, the Coyote is known as a "Trickster God", and is famous for his adaptability, ego, humor, insight, and mischievous playfulness. The Coyote symbolizes the earth, duality and balance and he has the unique ability to present both sides of an issue.

In difficult times, through his wisdom and protective nature, the Coyote can discover a trap hidden within a foolish situation you may unknowingly be caught in. For example, If you are in a relationship where you think you may be fooling yourself, use the Coyote as a guide to help you see the truth of the matter.

Legend of The Coyote and The Spying Moon

There is something haunting in the light of the moon; it has all the dispassionateness of a disembodied soul, and something of its inconceivable mystery. ~Joseph Conrad

Legend has it that once upon a time, someone had stolen the moon, and Coyote generously offered to stand in as replacement. Everyone agreed that he made a fine moon, but from his elevated position Coyote could spy on everyone below him. Of course being the prankster that he was, he just couldn't resist gossiping and tattling on his friends and enemies alike about all he saw every night.

Soon he was voted out of the sky.

But being an egotistical, yet playful, show-off, he often tried to impress the girls by juggling his eyeballs. One day he threw one of his eyes so high, it got stuck in the sky and became the star Arcturus. So even now legend claims he is still keeping one eye on us all.

Coyote; A Trickster Tale

Coyote: A Trickster Tale from the American Southwest

Coyote: A Trickster Tale from the American Southwest

by: Gerald McDermott

Amazon Price: $3.62 (as of 02/22/2012)Buy Now

A short, uncomplicated story in which Coyote decides he wants to fly with the crows. They humor him, give him feathers, and tolerate his offkey singing and out-of-step dancing, until he begins to boast and order them about. Then, as Coyote struggles in midair, they take back their feathers one by one and he plummets to earth. His tail catches fire, and he tumbles into the dirt. To this day he is the color of dust and his tail has a burnt, black tip.. Children will enjoy the visual portrayal of Coyote, who is blue, vain, eager, and heedless of consequences, and they will laugh at the pictures of the various troubles he gets himself into at the start of the book.
- Marilyn Iarusso, New York Public Library

"Treat the earth well, It was not given to you by your parents, It was loaned to you by your children."

~ Indian Proverb

Coyote Stonewear Collection

Each piece has been fired twice at high temperatures and they are completely finished by hand. Natural variations in the shape, color and etched designs give each piece a unique personality. Use these beautiful, whimsical and durable wares for years to come while capitalizing on their multiple functions as dining instruments as well as decorative art. They are fashioned for both attractiveness and constant use.
Loading

The Coyote and The Milky Way

"We had the sky up there, all speckled with stars, and we used to lay on our backs and look up at them, and discuss about whether they was made or only just happened." Mark Twain

milky wayAccording to Navajo mythology, the Milky Way was created by the impatient temperamental behavior of their god, Coyote.

According to the story, while the world was created, the Holy People ceremoniously gathered around their Black God who was to place each star in the sky precisely where it belonged. Well Coyote grew annoyed at the slowness of this process. In his anger, he chose to place a red star, called Ma'iio, in the south. Ma'iio means 'the one who roams'. This star symbolizes Coyote and appears for only a short time during the year. Like the Coyote, the stars appearance is a sign of trouble to the Navajo.

When Coyote continued to be displeased with the Holy People's slow progress, he threw the bag of stars over his head thus forming the Milky Way.

Image: ScenicReflections.com

Coyote Art and Decor

Loading

Poll on Animal Totems

Image: clipartof.com

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Coyote Moon

Buy at Art.com

Coyote in Nature Howling at Full Moon

Buy From Art.com

Your Thoughts and Ideas


submit
Show All

Donations for Animals

Born Free USA United with Animal Protection Institute is a national animal advocacy nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Our mission is to advocate for the protection of animals from cruelty and exploitation.

by

monarch13

Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and numbs my brain, I seek relief in the trail; and when I hear the coyote wailing to th... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Featured Lenses 

Loading

Coyote Totem Pendant 

Howling Baying Coyote at the Moon Totem Animal Speak Sterling Silver Slide Art Pendant

Howling Baying Coyote at the Moon Totem Animal Speak Sterling Silver Slide Art Pendant

Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 02/22/2012)Buy Now

Related Tags