Zuni Folktales · Chapter
The Coyote and the Beetle explained
In ancient times, a Coyote encounters a Tip-beetle on a path near Fat Mountain.
What happens
In ancient times, a Coyote encounters a Tip-beetle on a path near Fat Mountain. The Coyote threatens to bite the Beetle, but the Beetle tricks him by pretending to hear a warning from underground that those who defile the trails will be chased and chastised. The Coyote, having defiled the trail, flees in fear, and the Beetle celebrates by turning somersaults and sticking his head in the sand, explaining the origin of the Tip-beetle's peculiar habits.
Themes in this chapter
Folklore vs. Science
The story explains the origin of the Tip-beetle's behavior through a trickster tale, blending natural observation with mythological explanation.
Characters to notice
- Coyote
Threatens to bite the Beetle but is tricked into fleeing after hearing a false warning about trail defilement.
- The Beetle
Uses clever trickery to avoid being bitten by the Coyote, pretending to hear a warning from underground.
Key passages
“The Beetle immediately stuck his head down close to the ground, and, lifting one of his antennae deprecatingly, exclaimed: “Hold on! Hold on, friend! Wait a bit, for the love of mercy! I hear something very strange down below here!””
The Beetle quickly pressed his head to the ground and raised an antenna in a pleading gesture, saying, 'Wait, friend! I hear something odd underground!'
The Beetle's trick to distract the Coyote.
““Souls of my ancestors!” cried the Coyote. “I have been loitering along this trail this very morning, and have defiled it repeatedly. I’ll cut!” And away he ran as fast as he could go.”
The Coyote exclaimed in alarm, 'My ancestors! I've been on this trail and dirtied it many times today. I'm getting out of here!' and fled at top speed.
The Coyote's gullible reaction to the Beetle's lie.