Coyote

The Coyote (Canis latrans, meaning "barking dog") is a member of the Canidae (the dog family) and a relative of the domestic dog. Coyotes are only found in North America. Coyotes may occasionally assemble in small packs, but normally hunt alone. Coyotes live an average of about 6 years. The word "coyote" derives from the Náhuatl (Aztec) word cóyotl (IPA /ˈkɔ.jɔtɬ/).

Character in mythology

There are many myths from Native American peoples that include a character named Coyote. This character is male and is usually anthropomorphic although he may have some coyote-like physical features such as fur. He often plays the role of trickster, although in some stories he is a buffoon and the butt of jokes and in a few is outright evil. His personality traits are usually greed, recklessness, impulsiveness and jealousy. Coyote is often the antagonist of his brother Wolf, who is wise and good natured but prone to giving in to Coyote's incessant demands.

Related Topics:
Native American - Anthropomorphic - Trickster

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Coyote figures prominently in several creation myths. In one myth Coyote creates the first people by kicking a ball of mud (sometimes a bit of feces) until it formed into the first man. In another myth Coyote is able to successfully impregnate an evil woman who has killed off all the other men in the world during the sexual act.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Coyote is also commonly a character in "just-so" types of stories, in which he unsuccessfully tries to hunt prey or compete with other predators. In the process phenomena such as why rabbits have long ears are explained.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Coyote also plays the role of a hero in some stories. In these stories, he actually proves to be helpful (and sometimes genuinely heroic).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Perhaps because stories that feature his tricks are popular with children, Coyote figures prominently in current efforts to educate young people about Western North American native languages and cultures. For example, the Secwepemc people of the Kamloops Indian Band in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, have designated their recently opened native elementary school the Sk'elep (Coyote) School of Excellence, while educational websites such as one co-sponsored by the Neskonlith Indian Band of Chase, British Columbia (see "Stseptekwle" link below) prominently feature stories about Sk'elep.

Related Topics:
Secwepemc - Kamloops Indian Band - Kamloops - British Columbia - Canada - Sk'elep - Neskonlith Indian Band

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~