Fox and Coyote and Whale Retold by Mourning

“Fox and Coyote and Whale” Retold by Mourning Dove

Kettle Falls = Swah-netk’-qhu • ancient and important salmon fishing site • water flowed through quartzite rocks • series of rapids and cascades in which the river dropped 50 ft. • flooded in 1940 when the Grand Coulee Dam was built

What did you feel was most memorable about “Fox and Coyote and Whale”?

Why do Fox and Coyote go to the world of the Water People? • They go to find Fox’s wife who ran away with the Whale Monster. • They want to bring her home.

What caused the powerful force of Kettle Falls, according to the story? • The headless body of the Whale Monster turning over and over.

Why don’t whales live in fresh waters, according to the story? • Fox threw the Whale Monster’s head into the ocean so that such a large monster wouldn’t be able to travel the smaller waters and steal people’s wives.

What might be Okanogan storytellers’ purpose for telling this story? • It might be an attempt to explain natural phenomena, like where whales live and why Kettle Falls is the way it is. • It also shows the importance of loyalty to family.

What did you learn about the Okanogan people and their way of life? • They value family, loyalty, monogamous marriage • They value friendship • They disapprove of greed • They use canoes • They eat meat and berries • They use animal skin to make clothes

Do you view Coyote as admirable? Why or why not?

What do these Coyote stories have in common with other folk tales you know? • Explain natural phenomena • Demonstrate values of the culture – how people are supposed to behave • Are entertaining