Moon and Frog Woman This is a story that was told by Native Americans who lived in the Northwest part of the United States. They told many stories about the spirits, who are like people but are connected to particular animals and have magic powers. Many stories were told about Coyote, who is a particularly powerful spirit who likes to play tricks on other spirits and on people.

Coyote had two sons of whom he was very proud. Both were big, strong, handsome warriors. One was named Steequlot, and he was redskinned and very bold. The other was named Swee-elt. He was white skinned and quiet.

One day Coyote and his two sons went to a big tribal council. The council was trying to decide who would be put in charge of the Sun and the Moon. Many spirits wanted the honor of living in the Moon lodge or the Sun lodge. (A lodge is a type of house that the Native Americans built of wood, stone, earth, or skins).

Coyote stood up. "I'll be the Sun God!" he exclaimed. The council decided to let him try. So the next day, Coyote lived in the Sun lodge as it crossed over the sky. However he wasn't content with the honor. No, he was having a lot of fun looking down on everyone and seeing what they were up to! He started yelling down at everyone and annoying them. If someone was hiding behind a tree to go to the bathroom, he would call down and embarrass him!

Meanwhile one of the spirits at the council, Frog Woman, met the handsome, white skinned Swee-elt. She fell in love with him, but he didn't notice her. So she used her magic to call forth the rain and put out all the campfires - except hers. Everyone got very cold!

Swee-elt decided to go see if Frog Woman would let him warm himself at her campfire. Of course, this is just what Frog Woman wanted! She invited him in, and then told him that they should get married! Swee-elt said, no, all he wanted to do was get warm by the fire! But before he could turn to leave, Frog Woman turned herself into a real frog and jumped onto his face!

She clung to his cheek and refused to leave! Swee-elt was not happy about walking around with a frog on his face. Finally he decided that he would go live alone in the Moon lodge, so that he didn't have to be embarrassed all the time. Steequlot wanted to stay near his brother, so he volunteered to live in the Sun lodge.

So it is that Coyote's two sons came to be in charge of the Sun and the Moon. And if you look up at the Moon's white face, you will see a dark patch which is the frog still clinging to his cheek!

Adapted from "The Gods of the Sun and the Moon", in "Coyote Stories", by Mourning Dove (Humishuma), 1990, University of Nebraska Press, ed. H. D. Guie.