The Scattering of Tribes

This myth is a ‘Plateau myth’ which explains how each Native American tribe got where they were located long ago, before the thought of reservations was on anyone’s mind. In this particular myth, Coyote represents the role of the ‘trickster’.

The story begins with a terrible monster who was on the loose, running around eating all the animals and people of the land. Meanwhile, Coyote decided he was going to put a stop to the beast. Although there are many different versions of this myth, the Kalispel story states that the monster was a giant whippoorwill. Coyote found a large tree trunk as soon as he heard of the monster disturbing the earth and it’s creatures. He carried it in his mouth and waited for the beast to near, even though he knew the monster would most certainly eat him. In fact, when it did eat him, the giant tree became stuck in the monster’s jaws. Immediately after the tree lodged his mouth open, the animals, along with the tribes, began to climb out. As the monster ran around, the tribes were distributed over the earth. As a result, each tribe found a new place to live and grow.

Gidley, Dr. Mick. “Plateau and Basin, The Scattering of Tribes.” Native American Myths and Legends. New York, NY: SMITHMARK Publishers, Inc., 1994.

Erickson, Shari. "Coyote Sketch." 2008. Oil Painting. Fine Art Directory. 11 November 2008.

Mythology Definitions

A myth is a traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event, with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation, esp. one that is concerned with deities or demigods and explains some practice, rite, or phenomenon of nature. An example of a myth is the story of Ceyx and Alcyone.

A hero is a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. An example of a hero is Theseus.

A hero journey is. An example of a hero journey is the travels of Frodo in the Lord of the Rings series.

Universal means of, pertaining to, or characteristic of all or the whole, applicable everywhere or in all cases; general or affecting, concerning, or involving all. An example of something universal is the cycle of life and death because it happens to everything.

Cyclical is reoccurring or moving in cycles or having parts arranged in a circle. An example of cyclical is night and day.

Life from death. An example of life from death is when a fire in the forest destroys everything, making it easier for little plants to grow.

Duality is the quality or character of being twofold; dichotomy. An example of duality is the ancient symbol of Yin and Yang.

An archetype is the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype. An example of an archetype is Earth because as far as we know, it is the first and only planet like it.

Creation is the act of producing or causing to exist; the act of creating; engendering. An example of creation is the egg in ancient mythology.

Matriarchal is a group or community ruled by a female leader. An example of matriarchal is Mother Earth.

Patriarchal is a group or society ruled by a male leader. An example of patriarchal is a king of a country.

A sacrifice is the offering of animal, plant, or human life or of some material possession to a deity, as in propitiation or homage. An example of a sacrifice is how Horus gave up his eye to save his father.

My Random Mythology Information

Tartarus was a division of the two underworld halves that imprisoned the sons of the earth. Erebus was the second division of the underworld. The dead pass through as soon as they pass away. Archeron was the river of woe, wich was ot the same as Cocytus. Cocytus is the river of grief and sadness. Lamantation was the word for grief and or sadness. Charon was the keeper of souls of sorts and he ferried the souls across to the underworld. Cererus was the three headed 'gate keeper' who guarded the underworld from souls who tried to escape. He would let souls enter, but never leave. The Elysium fields were where the good souls walked after death. Phlegeon was the river of fire. Styx was the rier of unbreakable oath and Lethe, the river of forgetfulness. Tantalus was the man who was punished with hunger and thirst without being able to eat or drink. As was Sisyphus who rolled the rock up the hill for eternity.