Coyote (mythology)

Coyote is a mythological character common to many cultures of the Indigenous peoples of North America , based on the coyote (Canis latrans) animal. This character is usually male and is generally anthropomorphic, although he may have some coyote-like physical features such as fur, pointed ears, yellow eyes, a tail and blunt claws. The myths and legends which include Coyote vary widely from culture to culture.

The role Coyote takes in traditional stories shares some traits with the Raven figure in other cultures.

Coyoteway

Coyote is the tutelary spirit of "Coyoteway", one of the Navajo curing ceremonies. The ceremony is intended to restore the patient's harmonious relationship with Coyote and the world, and to bring about a return to good health.

By culture

Coyote is featured in the mythology of a number of Indigenous cultures of the Americas, including:

California

Coyote is featured in the mythology of numerous peoples from the area covered by the modern state of California, including the Achomawi and Atsugewi, the Chumash, the Diegueños, the Gallinoméro, the Juaneño, the Karok, the Luiseño, the Maidu, the Miwuk, the Pomo, the Rumsen, the Shasta, the Sinkyone, the Wappo, the Yana, and the Yokuts. In many of these stories he is a major sacred character with divine creative powers; in others he is a malevolent and often comical trickster. In some stories he combines both roles.

An example is a Maidu myth that says that at the beginning of time, a primal being called Earth Maker is floating on the infinite waters, when Coyote calls out to him.