Zuni Folktales · Chapter
The Coyote Who Killed the Demon Síuiuki explained
The Coyote overhears the Gods of Prey offering their sister in marriage to anyone who kills the Demon Síuiuki.
What happens
The Coyote overhears the Gods of Prey offering their sister in marriage to anyone who kills the Demon Síuiuki. He tricks the Demon into breaking his own leg with a stone, kills him, and presents his heart and war-badge to the youngest sister, claiming her as his wife. The Mountain Lion resents the Coyote's presence and insults him, but the Coyote joins the hunt and fails, eventually being sent home with a haunch of venison.
Themes in this chapter
Folklore vs. Science
The Coyote uses trickery and medicine-fluid to deceive the Demon, blending supernatural elements with practical cunning.
Sacrifice and Consequence
The Coyote's deception leads to the Demon's death and his own marriage, but also to conflict with the Mountain Lion.
Characters to notice
- Coyote
Tricks and kills the Demon Síuiuki, then claims the youngest sister of the Gods of Prey as his wife.
- The Mountain Lion
Angry and insulting toward the Coyote, repeatedly calling him foul-smelling and a fool.
- The Gray Wolf
Good-natured brother who tries to keep peace and gives the Coyote directions home.
- The Bear
Lazy and good-natured, brings an antelope but says little.
- The Eagle
Mentioned as one of the Gods of Prey living in the village.
Key passages
“It was very long ago, in the days of the ancients. There stood a village in the canyon south of Thunder Mountain where the Gods of Prey all lived with their sisters and mothers”
In ancient times, a village existed in a canyon south of Thunder Mountain, home to the Gods of Prey and their female relatives.
Sets the mythological setting for the chapter.
“Yes, and if anybody will go and kill Síuiuki, we will give him our sister to marry.”
The Gods of Prey promise their sister in marriage to anyone who kills the Demon Síuiuki.
Key motivation for the Coyote's actions.
“Sling that bad-smelling beast out of the house! Kick him out!”
The Mountain Lion demands the Coyote be thrown out of the house due to his foul smell.
Highlights the Mountain Lion's hostility toward the Coyote.