Long ago, the world was nothing but a vast, shimmering expanse of water. Old Man Coyote traveled across this endless blue until he encountered two ducks swimming on the surface. Feeling a deep loneliness in the void, he called out to them, asking if they could find anything beneath the waves. The first duck dove down, but the water was too deep and it returned to the surface empty-handed. The second duck, determined to help, dove much deeper and stayed under for a very long time. Finally, it emerged with a small bit of mud clutched in its beak. Old Man Coyote took that tiny speck of earth and blew upon it with all his might. As he blew, the mud expanded, stretching out to form the wide prairies, the jagged mountains, and the winding riverbeds. From the remaining clay, he molded the animals and the first people, giving them the land he had pulled from the depths as their eternal home.
Great things can be achieved through cooperation and the courage to explore the unknown, no matter how small you are.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of Old Man Coyote Creates the World?
The story teaches that cooperation and persistence are necessary for creation. It demonstrates that even a small contribution, like a speck of mud, can result in the birth of an entire world.
Which tribe tells the story of Old Man Coyote?
This creation myth is traditionally associated with the Crow (Apsáalooke) people of the Great Plains. It explains their spiritual origins and their connection to the natural world.
What role do the ducks play in the creation?
The ducks act as the essential helpers who bridge the gap between the sky and the deep waters. Without their willingness to dive into the depths, Old Man Coyote would have had no materials to build the earth.
Why is Coyote often portrayed as a creator in Native legends?
In many traditions, Coyote is a 'trickster-creator' who possesses both divine power and relatable human flaws. This duality allows him to serve as both the architect of the universe and a teacher of life's lessons.
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Good night.
