Zuni Folktales · Chapter
The Young Swift-Runner Who Was Stripped of His Clothing by the Aged Tarantula explained
A young man, Swift-runner, is tricked by Old Tarantula into giving up his beautiful clothing.
What happens
A young man, Swift-runner, is tricked by Old Tarantula into giving up his beautiful clothing. The community attempts to recover the garments by digging and by enlisting Great Kingfisher and Great Eagle, but Old Tarantula's cunning foils their efforts.
Themes in this chapter
Folklore vs. Science
The story blends supernatural elements (talking animals, magical figures) with practical problem-solving (digging, hunting).
Transformation and Identity
The theft of clothing symbolizes a loss of identity, and the community's efforts to restore it reflect themes of transformation.
Characters to notice
- The Young Swift-Runner
The priest-chief's son who is stripped of his fine apparel by Old Tarantula.
- Old Tarantula
The cunning creature who tricks Swift-runner and steals his clothing.
- Great Kingfisher
A powerful bird summoned to retrieve the stolen garments, but fails.
- The Eagle
Summoned after Kingfisher's failure; attempts to recover the clothing.
- The Priest-Chief
Swift-runner's father who organizes the war party and council.
Key passages
“Take off your clothing, all of it; then I will take off mine. You place yours in a heap before me; I will place mine in a heap before you. Then I will put on your apparel as you wear it, and then you will see what a handsome fellow you are.”
Old Tarantula convinces Swift-runner to exchange clothes so he can see how handsome he looks.
This trick is the central deception of the chapter.
“Out upon the old rascal! That is the trick he serves me, is it? Fearful!”
Swift-runner realizes he has been deceived and laments his loss.
Shows the young man's regret and the beginning of the quest to recover his garments.