Old Man Coyote

Great Plains folk hero

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July 1, 2026

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Old Man Coyote is a prominent figure in the mythology and folklore of the North American Plains, California, and Southwest Indigenous peoples. He is depicted as the chief animal of the age before humans, celebrated in numerous oral tales as a creator, magician, glutton, and trickster. Coyote's exploits often involve securing necessities for humans, such as fire and daylight, and originating human arts.12

His actions frequently transgress social boundaries, leading to chaos that is resolved by the tale's conclusion. Examples of his tales include tricking other animals out of food or being tricked himself, often with humorous or disastrous results. Coyote is a complex character, embodying both creative power and foolishness, serving as a cultural hero and a cautionary figure.123

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primitive culture
The Plains Indians
…many myths was the trickster Old Man Coyote. There was a widespread concept of Manitou, the pervasive spirit. Most notable was the nearly universal importance attached to the Sun—but without the notion of the Sun as a supreme deity. Ordeals and self-torture and mass ritual self-torture were common Plains religious…
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…many myths was the trickster Old Man Coyote. There was a widespread concept of Manitou, the pervasive spirit. Most notable was the nearly universal importance attached to the Sun—but without the notion of the Sun as a supreme deity. Ordeals and self-torture and mass ritual self-torture were common Plains religious…
Read More