Long ago, when the world was still young and the spirits of the earth spoke plainly to those who listened, Coyote wandered the high plains in search of adventure, or mischief. He was clever, full of wit and words, but too often his tongue got ahead of his wisdom. The day the Great Rock taught him humility began under a blazing sun.
Coyote padded across the dry hills, his fur warm and his paws dusty from miles of wandering. The summer wind carried no coolness, only heat and shimmering air. Ahead on a hillside, he saw a great round rock resting peacefully in the sunlight. Its surface was smooth and pale, almost glowing with warmth.
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“Ah, great rock,” Coyote said slyly, “you look so comfortable there. May I rest in your shade for a while? The sun burns too fiercely today.”
The Rock, wise and ancient, had been there since the beginning of the world. It spoke in a deep, slow voice that seemed to rise from the earth itself.
“You may rest, Coyote,” the Rock said. “There is room for all beneath the sky.”
Coyote smiled, stretched out beside the rock, and soon fell into a doze. The shade was cool and pleasant. The world was silent except for the hum of insects and the whisper of distant grass. When Coyote awoke, he felt refreshed and full of energy again.
He looked at the rock with a grin and said mockingly, “You old round thing! You just sit here doing nothing all day. You’re slow, heavy, and dull. I’m fast and clever, I can travel anywhere, while you’ll stay here forever!”
The Rock said nothing at first, but the wind turned sharp and cold. Then, in a deep rumble that shook the ground, the Rock spoke again.
“Coyote,” it said, “you have mocked what gave you kindness. You will learn that even the still earth has power.”
Before Coyote could laugh, the Rock began to move. Slowly at first, then faster and faster, it rolled down the hill, straight toward him!
Coyote yelped in surprise and darted away. His paws flew over the grass, his tail streaming behind him. But when he looked back, the Rock was coming fast, tumbling and roaring like thunder. Dust and pebbles flew in all directions.
Coyote ran through valleys, across streams, and between great pine trees. Still the Rock followed, never slowing, never stopping. The sound of its rolling echoed like a storm behind him.
He reached a herd of Buffalo grazing on the plain. “Help me!” he cried. “The Rock is after me! Stop it before it crushes me!”
The Buffalo, strong and proud, lowered their heads and charged at the Rock. But their horns shattered, and the great stone rolled over them, flattening grass and earth alike. Coyote didn’t wait to see more; he was already running again.
Next, he came to a flock of Birds. “Friends, help me!” he shouted. “The Rock is chasing me! Peck it apart!”
The Birds swooped down, pecking and flapping their wings furiously, but their beaks only sparked against the hard stone. The Rock rolled on, unbroken.
Coyote’s breath was ragged now. His tongue lolled out, and his legs trembled, but the Rock’s rumble grew louder and louder. Desperate, he ran until he reached the edge of a marsh, where Frog sat quietly by the water.
“Frog! Help me, please! The Rock is going to crush me!” Coyote cried.
Frog blinked slowly, then looked at the Rock barreling toward them. Without a word, Frog leapt into the marsh, filled his mouth with water, and sprang up again. As the Rock neared, Frog spat a great splash of cool water across its surface.
The Rock hissed and shuddered. Steam rose into the air. Slowly, its motion slowed, rolling, rolling, until it stopped. The air fell silent again.
Coyote collapsed on the ground, gasping. Then, realizing he was safe, he stood and looked at the Frog. “You have saved my life, little one,” he said. “I will not forget your kindness.”
But Frog said calmly, “Remember, Coyote, you mocked what was patient and strong. Even the still things of the world have spirits. Respect them, or the earth itself will chase you down.”
Coyote bowed his head and walked away quietly. From that day forward, he never mocked the stones or the slow things of the earth again. When the wind passes over the hills and you hear a low rumble, some say it is the Great Rock reminding all living beings that the earth listens and never forgets.
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Moral Lesson
This story teaches that arrogance and mockery lead to downfall. Even what seems lifeless or slow has strength and purpose. Nature deserves respect, for every part of it carries power, balance, and spirit.
Knowledge Check
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Who is the main character in this Arapaho folktale?
The main character is Coyote, known as a trickster figure in Native American storytelling. -
What did Coyote do to anger the Rock?
He mocked and insulted the Rock after resting in its shade, showing pride and disrespect. -
Which animals tried to help Coyote escape the Rock?
The Buffalo, the Birds, and finally the Frog each tried to help him. -
How did the Rock finally stop rolling?
The Frog cooled it with water from the marsh, causing it to slow down and stop. -
What is the main moral or lesson of the story?
Respect all elements of nature, mockery, pride, and disrespect bring consequences. -
What does this story reveal about Arapaho beliefs?
It reflects the Arapaho view that all of nature is alive and sacred, and that balance must be maintained between all beings.
Source: Arapaho folktale, North America. Adapted from Tales of the North American Indians by Stith Thompson (1929), collected from traditional Arapaho oral sources.
Cultural Origin: Arapaho Tribe, Great Plains region, North America
