Native Coyote Steals Fire

tale:native_coyote_steals_fire

When people shiver through winter without fire, Coyote climbs to the mountain where the Fire Beings guard their flame and snatches a burning brand. Pursued, he passes the fire to Squirrel, whose tail curls from the heat, then to Frog, who loses his tail, then into the wood itself, where fire has hidden ever since, to be coaxed out by rubbing. Moral: a gift won for all may cost the givers dearly, and leaves its mark on the world. — Native American (Coyote tale)