Story Summary
Discover the legend of Coyote and the Monster. Learn how the clever trickster saved the animals and created the human tribes in this Nez Perce folk tale.
Long ago, a giant monster moved through the land, inhaling every animal in its path. Coyote, hearing of this, decided to stop the beast. He tied himself to three mountains with stout ropes, but when the monster breathed, the mountains crumbled. Realizing strength alone would not win, Coyote crafted a clever plan. He armed himself with five flint knives and gathered a bundle of pitch-wood. He allowed the monster to swallow him whole. Inside the monster's belly, Coyote found the shivering animals. He built a great fire with his wood, causing the monster's heart to roast. As the beast thrashed, Coyote used his flint knives to cut the heart away. The monster died, and the animals escaped through its open mouth. Coyote then cut the monster into pieces, flinging them across the land to create the various human tribes. The heart remained in the valley, turning to stone as a permanent reminder of the victory.
The Moral
Intelligence and bravery are more powerful than brute strength when protecting one's community.
“I shall go into the monster's mouth myself to set my friends free.”
Fun Fact
The 'Heart of the Monster' landmark in Idaho is a volcanic formation that the Nez Perce people have protected for centuries as a sacred site of their creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Coyote and the Monster?
The story teaches that wit and self-sacrifice can overcome even the most overwhelming obstacles. It highlights the importance of using one's mind to solve problems that strength alone cannot fix.
Who is Coyote in Native American folklore?
Coyote is a prominent trickster figure found in many Indigenous cultures, particularly in the West. He is often portrayed as a clever, sometimes foolish, but ultimately transformative hero who shapes the world.
How does Coyote defeat the monster?
Coyote allows himself to be swallowed by the monster so he can attack it from the inside. He builds a fire to burn its heart and uses flint knives to cut the organ away, killing the beast and freeing the animals.
Where does the story of Coyote and the Monster take place?
The legend originates from the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) people of the Pacific Northwest. Specifically, the events are said to have occurred near the Clearwater River in present-day Idaho.
What happens to the monster's body after it dies?
Coyote carves the monster's body into pieces and flings them to different regions, where they grow into the various tribes of people. This serves as a creation myth for the human race.
Is the 'Heart of the Monster' a real place?
Yes, there is a geological formation known as the 'Heart of the Monster' located at the Nez Perce National Historical Park in Idaho. It is a sacred site that remains central to Nez Perce oral tradition.