Coyote and the Salmon

Note: This article has been excerpted from a larger work in the public domain and shared here due to its historical value. It may contain outdated ideas and language that do not reflect TOTA’s opinions and beliefs.

From Myths and Legends of the Pacific Northwest, compiled by Katharine Berry Judson, 1910.

Coyote and the Salmon

Klamath River

Then Coyote went to Klamath River. He found the people very poor. They had no food. The river was full of salmon but the people could not get any. Three Skookums had built a dam to prevent the salmon from coming up the river. So the Skookums had all the fish, but the people had none. Coyote was very angry. Coyote said, "Before many suns, fish shall come up the river. The people shall have all the salmon they need."

Then Coyote went to the mouth of the river. The Skookums saw him. They thought he was only a skulking coyote. Coyote whined for some of their fish. Skookum would not give him any. Coyote came close to their camp. The Skookums drove him away. But Coyote saw where the Skookums kept the key of the dam. That was what he had wanted when he whined for fish.

Next morning, one Skookum started down to open the trap and let in a fish for herself. Coyote ran out of the tepee, jumped between Skookum's feet and tripped her up. Skookum fell and the key fell out of her hand. Then Coyote picked up the key, and went to the dam. Coyote opened the dam and let the fish through. The salmon went upstream into the country of the Cahrocs. Then the people had food to eat.

Afterwards, Coyote broke down the dam. Ever since then salmon go every year up that river.

Judson, Katharine Berry. Myths and Legends of the Pacific Northwest. A.C. McClurg, 1910.

Katherine Berry Judson

World Mythology

A collection of myths, legends, and other stories that teach us something about the world. Note that myths are often tied into the history and religion of the people who tell them, and they should always be treated and read with respect!

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