One day Old Man Coyote traveled upon the land and was surprised to find another Coyote.  When asked where he came from, the younger brother, named Shirape, said he was unsure of his origin and only knew he existed.  As the two traveled along, Shirape wanted Old Man Coyote to make other animals, for only ducks, humans, and the two Coyotes had been created. The elder Coyote agreed, and as he spoke the new animal’s names, they were created.  He said “Elk” and an elk appeared.  He said “Bear” and a bear appeared.  This is how it was until all animals were created.

Aside from the Crow story, Coyote is generally portrayed as a sly, keen trickster who uses his bizarre and comic behavior to teach lessons and inject humor into tribal life.  Otherwise called a Heyoka, or clown, Coyote is blamed in many stories for what is unexplainable. It is said that Coyote caused the various colors of the world’s people and that he once got this head stuck in a buffalo skull while trying to enjoy a dance performed by flies.  He represents challenges, lessons, healing through irrelevance, and accepting contrary situations.

When Coyote is part of a creation story, or any other tale, it is certain that a moral or surprise will be present.  One such tale comes from the Nez Percé, who lived in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.  They trace their ancestry back to the tricky Coyote.

Coyote and the monster.  A long,long time ago, people did not yet inhabit the earth.  A monster walked upon the land, eating all the animals– except Coyote.   Coyote was angry that his friends were gone.  He climbed the tallest mountain and attached himself to the top.  Coyote called upon the monster, challenging it to try to eat him.  The monster sucked in the air, hoping to pull in Coyote with its powerful breath, but the ropes were too strong.  The monster tried many other ways to blow Coyote off the mountain, but it was no use.

Realizing that Coyote was sly and clever, the monster thought of a new plan.  It would befriend Coyote and invite him to stay in its home.  Before the visit began, Coyote said that he wanted to visit his friends and asked if he could enter the monster’s stomach to see them.  The monster allowed this, and Coyote cut out its heart and set fire to its insides.  His friends were freed.