Story Summary
Explore the Native American legend Coyote and the Rolling Rock. Discover how the trickster Coyote learns a dangerous lesson about greed and the sanctity of gifts.
One blistering afternoon, Coyote was traveling across the plains when he grew weary of the heat. Coming across a massive, smooth rock, he decided to rest. In a rare burst of generosity, Coyote took off his fine buffalo robe and draped it over the stone. 'Here, grandfather,' he said, 'take this gift as a token of my respect.' However, as the sun set, a biting chill swept over the land. Shivering, Coyote regretted his impulsive kindness. He returned to the rock and demanded his robe back, but the stone remained silent. Angered, Coyote snatched the blanket away, insulting the rock as he left. Moments later, a terrifying rumble filled the air. The massive rock was rolling after him, crashing through trees and flattening everything in its path. Coyote sought help from the bears and the buffalo, but the rock crushed their strength. Just as Coyote was about to be overtaken, the Nighthawks swooped from the sky. With their sharp cries and diving attacks, they struck the rock repeatedly until it shattered into a thousand pieces, finally saving the trickster from his own folly.
The Moral
Once a gift is given, it should never be taken back, as reclaiming a gesture of kindness brings grave consequences.
“A gift freely given is a bond that cannot be broken without a heavy price.”
Fun Fact
This story is part of the 'Coyote cycle,' and the shattered pieces of the rock are often used by storytellers to explain why certain landscapes are covered in scattered boulders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Coyote and the Rolling Rock?
The primary moral is that a gift, once given, belongs to the recipient and should never be reclaimed. It teaches about the sanctity of generosity and the dangers of being an 'Indian giver' in a cultural context.
Why did the rock start rolling after Coyote?
The rock began to roll because Coyote insulted it and took back the buffalo robe he had previously given as a gift. This act of disrespect and retracted generosity awakened the spirit of the stone.
Which animals tried to help Coyote escape the rock?
In many versions, Coyote asks the Bear and the Buffalo to stop the rock. Both animals try to use their immense strength to block the boulder, but it simply rolls over them or crushes their efforts.
How do the Nighthawks defeat the rolling rock?
The Nighthawks use their speed and sharp cries to dive-bomb the rock. Their mystical power or the sheer force of their aerial strikes causes the stone to shatter into small fragments, ending the chase.
What does Coyote represent in this legend?
Coyote represents the 'Trickster' archetype, a figure who is often impulsive, greedy, and foolish. His actions serve as a 'what-not-to-do' guide for the audience, highlighting human flaws.
Which Native American tribes tell the story of the Rolling Rock?
This legend is most prominent among the Plains tribes, including the Blackfoot, Cheyenne, and Pawnee nations. Each tribe has slightly different variations of the animals involved and the ending.
