In an ancient time, the runners of Kʻiákime were renowned for their unmatched speed and endurance, dominating races against neighboring towns. After repeated defeats, the people of Shíwina and Mátsaki sought a solution and decided to enlist the help of the Gopher, known for his cunning. A young man approached the old Gopher, who agreed to run the race on the condition that he could use his underground tunnels and that the stakes would be red paint and sacred yellow pollen. The challenge was issued, and the Gopher prepared for the race by coordinating with his brothers to create a series of holes along the racecourse. Each brother would take turns appearing above ground, disguised as the Gopher, to mislead the Kʻiákime runners. On the day of the race, the Gopher emerged, ready to compete. As the Kʻiákime runners sprinted ahead, the Gopher dove underground, reappearing at intervals, each time appearing more exhausted and muddy, thanks to the efforts of his brothers. This tactic confused the Kʻiákime runners, who believed they were gaining on him. As the race neared its conclusion, the original Gopher, now covered in mud, emerged at the finish line, far ahead of the Kʻiákime runners. The crowd erupted in cheers, marking the first defeat for the Kʻiákime runners, who lost their confidence and winnings. The story concludes with a tradition among young runners of Zuni, who honor the Gophers by offering them sacred items, seeking their assistance in future races. The Gopher's cleverness and strategy ultimately triumphed over raw speed, illustrating the value of wit and cunning in competition.
By Frank Hamilton Cushing · First published 1883 · Genre: Fable, Folklore, Children's Literature