Iktomi, the spider-man trickster of the Lakota, wandered the plains looking for an easy meal. He found a flock of fat ducks on a lake and hatched a scheme. Carrying a bundle of rhythmic grass on his back, he told the curious birds that he was carrying 'sacred songs.' He invited them to a great dance inside a tipi, but there was one condition: to truly feel the music, they must keep their eyes tightly closed while dancing. As the ducks circled and sang blindly, Iktomi began snapping their necks one by one. The feast was nearly his, but a small wood duck, suspicious of the silence between songs, peeked open an eye. 'He is killing us!' the wood duck shrieked. The remaining ducks flew to safety, leaving the greedy Iktomi with only a few birds and the bitter taste of his own exposed treachery.
Greed and deception often lead to one's own downfall, and vanity can be a dangerous blindfold.
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Questions about this story
What is the moral of Iktomi the Spider Trickster?
The story teaches that greed and dishonesty eventually lead to failure. It also serves as a warning to be wary of those who demand blind obedience or secrecy in exchange for rewards.
Who is Iktomi in Native American mythology?
Iktomi is a prominent trickster figure from the Lakota and Dakota Sioux traditions. He is often depicted as a shapeshifter who can appear as a man or a spider.
What does Iktomi symbolize?
Iktomi symbolizes the dual nature of humanity, representing both wisdom and folly. He often acts as a mirror for human failings like pride, greed, and laziness.
Why did Iktomi want the ducks to close their eyes?
He used the 'sacred song' as a ruse to prevent the ducks from seeing him attack their companions. This highlights how tricksters use distraction to exploit the innocent.
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