# How the Coyote Danced with the Blackbirds explained — Zuni Folktales

> Chapter companion for Zuni Folktales by Frank Hamilton Cushing.

## What happens

A Coyote, enchanted by the Blackbirds' dance on Gorge Mountain, convinces them to let him join. The Blackbirds attach feathers to his forelegs and tail so he can fly, but after a successful flight, they grow annoyed with his antics and trick him by plucking the feathers mid-air, causing him to fall. He survives but is left with shriveled black fringes on his forelegs and tail, explaining the markings on coyotes today.

## Themes in this chapter

### Folklore vs. Science

The tale uses folklore to explain a natural phenomenon—the black markings on coyotes—contrasting with scientific explanations.

### Transformation and Identity

The Coyote attempts to transform into a flying creature, but his true nature as a coyote is ultimately reaffirmed through failure.

## Character check-ins

### Coyote

The protagonist who desperately wants to join the Blackbirds' dance and fly, leading to his humiliation.

### Blackbirds

The group of birds hosting the dance; they initially help the Coyote but later trick him by plucking his feathers mid-flight.

## Key lines

> A Coyote was out hunting (as if he could catch anything, the beast!) and saw them, and was enraptured.

A Coyote, who was hunting unsuccessfully, saw the Blackbirds and was captivated by their dance.

_Highlights the Coyote's envy and desire to join the Blackbirds._

> The agony of that fall had been so great and the heat of his exertions so excessive, that the feathers left in his forelegs and tail-tip were all shrivelled up into little ugly black fringes of hair.

The fall and exertion caused the remaining feathers to become shriveled black fringes on his forelegs and tail.

_Explains the origin of the coyote's distinctive black markings._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters/how-the-coyote-danced-with-the-blackbirds
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/zuni_folktales_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters