The narrative unfolds in a valley inhabited by Prairie-dogs, who coexist peacefully with various creatures, particularly the Burrowing-owls, whom they respect deeply. One day, the Burrowing-owls perform a sacred dance, captivating a Coyote who is intrigued by their unique movements and the foam bowls they carry on their heads. The Coyote, eager to join the dance, learns from the old Owl that initiation requires him to sacrifice his grandmother's head and break his legs to mimic the Owls' dance. In a misguided attempt to fit in, the Coyote gruesomely beheads his grandmother and dons her head, only to find that the initiation is painful and humiliating. Despite his efforts, he fails to dance properly, becoming the subject of ridicule among the Owls. Angered and humiliated, he vows revenge on the Owls, threatening to smoke them out of their burrows with various plants, only to discover that they find humor in his threats. The Coyote's grief over his grandmother's death leads him to attempt to revive her, but his efforts are futile. In his despair, he encounters a Horned-toad, who, seeking revenge for past insults, enters the Coyote's body. The Horned-toad explores the Coyote's insides, ultimately pricking his heart, which leads to the Coyote's demise. The story concludes with a moral about the Coyote's meddlesome nature and the consequences of his actions, illustrating how his traits have persisted through time. The Burrowing-owls, now speckled from laughing at the Coyote, serve as a reminder of the folly of his attempts to imitate others without understanding the cost.
By Frank Hamilton Cushing · First published 1883 · Genre: Fable, Folklore, Children's Literature