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Which gifts for humans were attributed to Coyote in traditional stories?

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In the mythologies of various Indigenous peoples of the Americas—particularly those of the Plains, California, and the Southwest—Coyote is celebrated as a complex trickster and creator figure.

Traditional stories attribute several vital gifts and contributions to Coyote that benefited humanity:

  • Fire: Coyote is credited with securing fire for human use.1
  • Daylight: He is recognized as the being who brought daylight to the world.1
  • Human Arts: Coyote is regarded as the originator of various human arts and skills.1

While Coyote is often portrayed as a demiurge who makes fateful decisions for the benefit of humans, these tales frequently highlight his dual nature; his actions often involve transgressing social boundaries, which can lead to chaos that must be resolved by the end of the narrative.1