Rock House: Why the Sun follows the Moon

Father Sun and Mother Moon resided within the vast hollow rocks known as Rock House. Their light did not illuminate the sky, leaving the People and Animals to dwell in darkness. Coyote, known for his playful tricks, thought it would be amusing to scatter fleas on Father Sun and Mother Moon. He began collecting fleas and placing them in bags. On his journey to Rock House, he encountered Rabbit. Coyote boasted about his bags of fleas, but Rabbit was skeptical, leading to an argument. As they quarreled, Rabbit and Coyote tugged at one of the bags until it burst open, spilling fleas onto the ground. From that day on, Rabbit and Coyote have been scratching at fleas.

Rabbit found Coyote’s plan intriguing and decided to join him in taking the fleas to Rock House. Together, they climbed the peak, carrying their bags of fleas. Along the way, they encountered Gopher, who was busy digging a hole. They invited Gopher to join their scheme. Gopher could dig a tunnel through the soil to reach Rock House. Once they reached the summit, Gopher quietly dug, ensuring not to alert Father Sun and Mother Moon. When Gopher backed out of the tunnel, Coyote and Rabbit shook the bags of fleas down into the opening, sealed the hole, and ran away, pleased with their trickery.

The fleas quickly covered Father Sun and Mother Moon. Unable to endure the irritation any longer, Mother Moon flew out of Rock House and began circling the Earth. Father Sun followed her out, and together they raced around the Earth, trying to rid themselves of the fleas. This is why, to this day, the Sun follows the Moon across the sky.

This retelling honors the Maidu tradition and the story belongs to the Maidu people.