Coyote Steals Fire

Long ago, when the world was cold and dark, the People had no fire. They huddled together in animal skins, shivering as the winds howled across the land. But far away, on the top of the highest mountain, the Fire Beings guarded a blazing flame. They kept it only for themselves, dancing and laughing in the warmth while the rest of the world froze.

The People begged the Fire Beings to share, but they refused.
So the animals gathered in council.

Bear said, “I will climb the mountain and take the fire!” But Bear was slow and strong, and the Fire Beings saw him coming from far off.
Mountain Lion tried next, creeping silently. But his tail brushed a branch, and he was chased away.

Finally, Coyote stood up and grinned. “Let me try. I’m not the strongest, or the fastest... but I’m the cleverest.”

The other animals groaned. “Coyote! You’ll make a mess of it.”

But Coyote just chuckled. “Trust me.”

So he crept toward the mountain, covering himself in ash to hide his scent. He watched the Fire Beings from behind a rock. They danced in a circle around the fire, their long hair glowing like embers.

That night, Coyote waited until they fell asleep. Then he leapt, snatched a burning stick with his mouth, and ran!

The Fire Beings awoke with a scream and gave chase. Coyote dashed through the woods, firestick in his jaws, his tail smoking. He howled as he ran, “They’re coming! Help me!”

The animals were ready. Squirrel grabbed the stick and darted up a tree, but the Fire Beings nearly caught him—his tail caught fire and curled forever (that’s why squirrels have curved tails).
Then Frog took it and dove into the river, holding the ember in his mouth. He burned his tongue (which is why frog tongues are short today).

One by one, the animals passed the fire, each one getting singed—but never dropping it—until finally Human received it.

The Fire Beings howled with rage, but it was too late. Fire now lived in every hearth, every camp, every cooking stone.

Coyote lay down panting, his fur scorched and his tongue hanging out. But he was smiling.
“See?” he said. “Told you I had a plan.”

And so, fire came to the People—not from power or strength, but from cleverness, courage, and the willingness of all creatures to work together.

🪶 “Even a trickster can be a hero, if his heart is with the People.” — Plateau Teaching

#CoyoteTales #TricksterWisdom #NezPerceStories #NativeAmericanLegends #FireMyth #OralTradition #AnimalSpirits #IndigenousTeachings #PlateauTribes #SpiritOfTheStory