I definitely agree with your statement that the “creative force need not sacrifice itself it it is managed judiciously.” Well-said. I think this is one of the more important lessons trickster tales are meant to teach.

That’s what is so interesting about the Trickster archetype, at least for me. The trickster acts as a fool, clown, and scapegoat, but also as a creator, culture hero, and teacher.

I’d only add that Raven, in his role as trickster, can be just as dangerous and disruptive as Coyote. (For example, see The Dictionary of Native American Mythology by Sam Gill and Irene Sullivan: “[Raven] has an insatiable appetite for food and sex, is very deceptive, and cannot be trusted. In many stories he is a scapegoat who loses the conflicts he instigates.”)

The problem with coyote is that no one likes him–he’s always doing things the wrong way, messing things up, asking too many questions, getting into other people’s business, and generally causing trouble. I think that’s the main reason we don’t have enough coyote teaching happening … the powers that be can’t stand coyote. (Not to mention there are real risks involved.)

Of course, we also have coyote students … and we know their fate in the typical school environment. (I like to call them the future artists and entrepreneurs.)

I wonder how we can best handle coyote in the schools … teachers and students.