In ancient times, a village near Thunder Mountain was plagued by a demon named Síuiuki, who preyed on hunters. The Gods of Prey, including the Mountain Lion, Bear, and Wolf, grew frustrated as their human counterparts made no sacrifices to them due to the demon's threat. They discussed the need to eliminate Síuiuki, and a Coyote overheard their conversation while scavenging for bones. The Coyote, motivated by the promise of marrying one of the Prey-gods' sisters, devised a plan to kill the demon. He pretended to train for hunting by cracking bones and using a medicine fluid to enhance his speed. When the demon approached, the Coyote tricked him into believing that he could gain swiftness by injuring himself. The demon, eager to become a better hunter, followed the Coyote's instructions and severely injured himself, ultimately leading to his death. After killing the demon, the Coyote took Síuiuki's heart and war-badge and went to claim his reward. He boasted to the Prey-gods' sister, who reluctantly accepted him as her husband. The Coyote's presence caused tension among the Prey-gods, particularly with the Mountain Lion, who disdained him. Despite the Coyote's attempts to prove himself during a hunting expedition, he failed miserably, causing further ridicule. The Coyote, ignoring warnings, took the wrong path home and fell off a cliff, resulting in his demise. The Prey-gods later searched for him, finding his broken body. The Mountain Lion, vindicated in his disdain for the Coyote, expressed satisfaction at the outcome. The story concludes with a moral about the Coyote's foolishness, explaining why Coyotes are often caught in traps, symbolizing the consequences of their actions.
By Frank Hamilton Cushing · First published 1883 · Genre: Folklore, Mythology, Fable