Story Summary
Discover how the trickster Coyote created the messy night sky in the legend of Coyote and the Stars. A fascinating Native American myth about the Milky Way.
Long ago, the Great Spirit was carefully arranging the stars in the night sky, creating beautiful patterns to guide the people. Coyote, curious and impatient as always, watched the process with growing restlessness. He asked if he could help, but his clumsy paws and lack of focus worried the Creator. 'Wait your turn,' he was told. But Coyote could not wait. Seeing a large buckskin bag filled with brilliant, glowing pebbles of light, he snatched it and ran to the top of a high mountain. Wanting to finish the job quickly, he gripped the bottom of the bag and flung the stars across the heavens in a wild, chaotic arc. The stars scattered randomly, forming the Milky Way and the cluttered night sky we see today, leaving only a few organized patterns behind as a reminder of what might have been.
The Moral
Impatience and the desire for shortcuts can turn a beautiful plan into a chaotic mess.
“Why take a lifetime to place a single star when a moment can fill the sky with light?”
Fun Fact
In some versions of this Navajo legend, Coyote places one single star carefully—the North Star—to ensure he would never be completely lost before he threw the rest in frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Coyote and the Stars?
The moral is that impatience and recklessness can lead to unintended, permanent consequences. It teaches that some tasks require careful thought and precision rather than speed.
Who is Coyote in Native American folklore?
Coyote is a prominent trickster figure found in many Indigenous cultures across North America. He is often depicted as a clever but impulsive character who brings both wisdom and chaos to the world.
How did Coyote create the Milky Way according to legend?
Coyote created the Milky Way by snatching a bag of stars meant for orderly placement and flinging them across the sky in a single, impatient burst. This resulted in the wide, scattered band of light we see today.
Why did Coyote scatter the stars?
He scattered them because he lacked the patience to wait for the Great Spirit to place them one by one. He believed he could finish the job faster by throwing them all at once.
Which tribes tell the story of Coyote and the Stars?
Variations of this legend are told by many tribes, including the Navajo, Wasco, and various groups throughout the American Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Each version emphasizes different aspects of Coyote's personality.
What do the stars represent in this myth?
In many versions, the stars represent divine order and guidance. Coyote's interference represents the human tendency to disrupt natural or divine harmony through ego and haste.
