in navajo folklore, coyote is generally seen as an omen of misfortune. his appearance is considered a bad sign, particularly in relation to witchcraft and shape-shifting skin-walkers. if a person encounters coyote, it is advised to turn back, as continuing forward may result in misfortune. this belief reflects coyote's ambiguous nature, as both a necessary disruptor and a harbinger of potential danger. in sum, coyote in navajo mythology is a figure of contradictiongreedy and cunning yet possessing powers that affect the worlds order. he challenges the boundaries of reality, tests the limits of social and cosmic norms, and ultimately serves as a crucial agent in the ongoing process of creation, destruction, and healing. through coyote, the navajo people explore the complexities of life, teaching lessons about humility, wisdom, and the ever-present balance between chaos and order. [story of the people] the creation begins in a dark, misty world, floating in a universe without a solid earth. this first world is inhabited by supernatural beings, insect people, air spirits, and animals such as coyotes and mist beings. in this world, the principal beings include first man (ts hastiin) and first woman (ts asdz), who were created from the intersection of sacred elements. first man emerges from the white cloud, which contains the male spirit of dawn, while first woman is created from the blue cloud, which contains the female spirit of life. this symbolic pairing of male and female energies represents the unity and balance that will carry throughout the subsequent worlds. the inhabitants of this world, including first man, first woman, and other supernatural beings, soon become embroiled in jealousy and conflicts. this discord leads to a decision by the spiritual rulers of the four seas that the beings must leave the first world. they ascend through a passage in the sky into the next world.
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