myths symbols sandplay

Idaho, the Coeur d'Alene Indians, and Coyote

 

 

 

 

Jai Johnson, Art Collections

I once had the pleasure of traveling in the state of Idaho. I took the scenic route (how could any part of Idaho not be a scenic route?). I drove 1,250 miles in three days. From Boise, I drove northeast on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway through the Sawtooth Mountain wilderness area, then south through Sun Valley, and then west back to Boise. The next day, I traveled north following the Payette River to Coeur d’Alene, then west to Spokane, then south through an area known as the Palouse, then back to Boise. Words such as picturesque and spectacular cannot fully describe the geography I saw.  

Deer and coyote caught me by surprise as I rounded the corners of the mountain roads. Magpies, western bluebirds, and hawks perched on fence post on the side of the road. If I had stopped at each awesome site, I would not have covered so many miles. With so much quiet time and so many miles, I wondered about the rich Native American Indian heritage of the area. The Coeur d’Alene Indians have many stories related to their life on the plains and plateaus. Following is the story of Coyote and Moon.

Coyote is originally chosen by the first humans to be the Moon, but they become dissatisfied because he takes advantage of his position in the sky to watch people on earth and divulge their secrets. He is replaced in the sky by Old Man Chief, SpoxanitcElt, who travels about the world inspecting things Coyote has left undone. Coyote becomes angry because Sun has killed some of his children. He cuts out Sun’s heart, and at once the earth becomes completely dark. Coyote attempts to carry Sun’s heart home but the dark keeps falling. Finally he realizes he is getting nowhere. He put Sun’s heart back and light returns to earth. (Gill & Sullivan, 1992, p. 55)

Idaho is truly a beautiful state. I enjoyed my sunrise to sunset drives. Had I known coyote was responsible for lighting my way and illuminating Idaho's beauty, it would have only added to my pleasure.

Raven as Tricksters

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designed by Julie Thompson Spanaway, United States

 

Raven appears in Northwest Coast and Arctic story cycles as a trickster who is responsible for assisting humankind. He is responsible for bringing light to the dark world, creating and transforming of parts of the earth, naming plants, and teaching animals. Raven is also known for being deceptive and untrustworthy. Following are stories about Raven.

Tsimshian - southeastern Alaska and British Columbia

The parents of a dead boy invite all the animals to their sons wake. The boy's father, who is the chief, orders the boy's intestines to be removed and burned. Upon visiting the boy's body the next morning, the mother finds a young man, bright as firelight. The young man becomes ravenously hungry, eating everything in sight. The chief sends him away from the village with a blanket decorated with raven feathers. He puts on the blanket and flies over the sea. He cannot see because ma, a copper disk, is hidden away. The young man disguises himself as Raven and steals the copper disk. When the other animals refuse to share their food with Raven, he breaks ma in a tantrum and light comes to the world.

 

Tanaina - sub arctic

Raven, known as Guguyni, releases the sun and moon from captivity so the people can see.

 

Nooksak, Salish - northwest United States and British Columbia

Raven was watching the children of the North Wind People, the supernatural guests who visit villages and bring the snow. Raven carelessly lets one of their children fall into the fire. When the North Wind People learn of this tragedy they leave the village quickly. This tale explains why the winter always leaves so suddenly.

 

Nootka - Vancouver Island and Olympic Peninsula

Raven learns that Crow, who owns the fresh water, will not give anyone water unless she is paid. Many people are dying of thirst. Raven meets with the chiefs who will make Raven chief over all of them if he will get the water. Raven goes to Crow’s house and pretends to be dying of thirst. Crow lets Raven in. He casts a sleep spell on her. Raven then tricks her through humiliation and demands that she give him water. Crow then goes to the box where she keeps the water. Raven tips the box over, letting the water flow over the land forming a lake and a stream. Raven then takes some of the water and flies all over the world creating rivers.