Coyote and Wasichu – A Sioux Legend.

There is a story from the Sioux tradition about a white man known for his sharp trading skills. He prided himself on always getting the better of any deal. One day, however, someone told this man, known as a wasichu, “There’s someone who can out-cheat you anytime, anywhere.” The wasichu, confident in his abilities, replied, “That’s impossible. I’ve run a trading post for years and have outsmarted the people here.” The other person insisted, “Even so, Coyote can beat you in any deal.” Intrigued, the wasichu asked, “Where is Coyote?” The person pointed and said, “Over there, the tricky-looking fellow.” The wasichu decided to test his skills and approached Coyote.

The wasichu challenged him, saying, “Let’s see you outsmart me.” Coyote replied, “I would help you, but I need my cheating medicine to do it.” The wasichu, skeptical but curious, said, “Cheating medicine? Go get it then.” Coyote explained, “I live miles from here and I’m on foot. Could you lend me your fast horse?” The wasichu agreed, saying, “Alright, you can borrow it. Go get your cheating medicine!”

Coyote then said, “I’m a poor rider, and your horse is afraid of me. Lend me your clothes; that way, your horse will think I am you.” The wasichu, eager to see Coyote’s so-called magic, agreed and handed over his clothes. Coyote mounted the horse, now dressed in the wasichu’s attire, and rode off with both the horse and the fine clothes, leaving the wasichu standing there without a stitch. Aho!

This retelling is based on a living cultural tradition belonging to the Sioux people.

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