Coyote Creates People

In the days when the world was new, the Great Spirit called a council of animals to decide how the coming 'Man' should look. Grizzly Bear insisted Man should have immense strength and sharp claws. Buck argued for swift legs and keen ears to hear the wind. Mountain Lion demanded sharp teeth and a long tail for balance. As the animals argued, Coyote listened, secretly mocking their vanity. When night fell, each animal began modeling their version of Man from clay. Coyote, ever the trickster, encouraged them to work harder and faster until they were overcome with exhaustion. One by one, the animals fell into a deep sleep. Coyote stayed awake, destroying their clumsy models under the moonlight. He took a little of the bear’s stature, the deer’s speed, and the lion’s wit, but he gave Man his own clever voice and the ability to walk upright on two legs. By dawn, the first human stood finished. When the council awoke, they found a creature that possessed a piece of everyone, yet belonged to none of them but Coyote.