Trickster Coyote in Modern Media

One of the most vivid characters in the Native American legends is Coyote. Often called the Trickster, he takes on many different forms and fills many different roles in the myths he appears in; one thing is consistent, though: his sense of humor. He is an easygoing character with a lot of power that he uses to get himself into and out of trouble at the drop of a hat.

One of my favorite portrayals of Coyote is in the webcomic "Gunnerkrigg Court." He introduces himself with laughter, and takes pride even in his failures, which are of course as spectacular as his successes.




(The above image is the property of the artist, Tom Siddell.)

As you can see, Coyote survives even through the modern media. He is not the only trickster, though. Perhaps you have laughed at the antics of Coyote's successor in name and in character: Wile E. Coyote. A bit of a villain, Wile E. is continously plotting the downfall of his nemesis through trickery and shadows. His efforts always double on himself in the end, but we find we can love him anyway.

(Image from tinyurl.com/yady4my ; the characters are the property of Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.)

A more somber, spiritual side of Coyote can be seen in the Simpsons episode "El Viejo Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer." This coyote is a parody of the spirit guides seen throughout Native American literature. He tries to guide Homer but, as can be expected from a show like the Simpsons, runs into some hijinks with him along the way.

(Image belongs to the Fox Broadcasting Company.)

As you can see, Trickster Coyote is far from having disappeared from our culture and stories. On the contrary, he's survived through legends and tales for centuries; and he's such a fun, engaging, and clever character, I would not be surprised if he survives for centuries more.