Native American Legends
The theft of fire
A Sia Legend
Along, long time ago, the people became tired of feeding on grass,
like deer and wild animals, and they talked together how fire might
be found. The Ti- amoni said, "Coyote is the best man to steal
fire from the world below," so he sent for Coyote.
When Coyote came, the Ti-amoni said, "The people wish for
fire. We are tired of feeding on grass. You must go to the world
below and bring the fire."
Coyote said, "It is well, father. I will go."
So Coyote slipped stealthily to the house of Sussistinnako. It
was the middle of the night. Snake, who guarded the first door,
was asleep, and he slipped quickly and quietly by. Cougar, who guarded
the second door, was asleep, and Coyote slipped by. Bear, who guarded
the third door, was also sleeping. At the fourth door, Coyote found
the guardian of the fire asleep. Slipping through into the room
of Sussistinnako, he found him also sleeping.
Coyote quickly lighted the cedar brand which was attached to his
tail and hurried out. Spider awoke, just enough to know some one
was leaving the room. "Who is there?" he cried. Then he
called, "Some one has been here." But before he could
waken the sleeping Bear and Cougar and Snake, Coyote had almost
reached the upper world.
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