Native American LegendsAnimal Myths

How Rabbit Got His Tail

A proud rabbit's long tail becomes a short puff after a fishing trick goes wrong on a frozen lake.

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Illustration for How Rabbit Got His Tail - a animal myths Native American Legends story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Explore the Native American legend How Rabbit Got His Tail. Discover how pride and a winter trick led to the rabbit's iconic short, fluffy cotton-tail.

Long ago, Rabbit was very proud of his long, bushy tail, often flaunting it before the other animals. One winter day, he encountered Otter, who was carrying a large string of fish. Rabbit, feeling quite hungry, asked Otter for his secret. Otter, sensing Rabbit’s vanity, decided to play a trick. He told Rabbit to find a hole in the ice, submerge his tail, and wait for the fish to bite. 'The longer you wait, the more fish you will catch,' Otter promised. Rabbit sat patiently by the hole as the moon rose and the air grew freezing. By dawn, Rabbit felt a great weight and tried to pull his tail out, but it was frozen solid. He gave a mighty leap, and his beautiful long tail snapped right off, leaving only a small, fluffy white stump behind.

The Moral

Pride and greed can lead to one's downfall, and it is wise to be cautious of easy shortcuts.

“He pulled with all his might, but the ice would not let go of what it had claimed.”

Fun Fact

In many Native American traditions, the Rabbit is a 'trickster' figure, though in this specific tale, the trickster becomes the one who is tricked.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of How Rabbit Got His Tail?

The story teaches that vanity and impatience often lead to unfortunate consequences. It also serves as a warning not to be too trusting of those who might be trying to trick you for their own amusement.

Which Native American tribe does this legend come from?

While variations exist across many indigenous cultures, it is most famously attributed to the Cherokee people. It is part of their rich oral tradition of animal trickster stories.

Why did the rabbit want to put his tail in the water?

Rabbit was hungry and was tricked by the Otter into believing that he could use his long tail as a fishing line. He was told that if he stayed long enough, he would catch a massive feast.

What did the rabbit's tail look like before the accident?

According to the legend, Rabbit originally had a very long, bushy, and beautiful tail, similar to that of a fox. He was quite vain about it, which eventually led to his undoing.

Is How Rabbit Got His Tail a true story?

This is a myth or 'pourquoi' story, which is a fictional tale meant to explain why things in nature are the way they are. It explains why modern rabbits have short 'cotton' tails.

Who are the main characters in the story?

The primary characters are Rabbit, the protagonist who is often portrayed as a trickster himself but gets outsmarted, and Otter, the clever animal who plays the prank.