The Singing Scoutmaster: Coyote Steals Fire

Long ago, in the days when the world was still young, the people of the land lived in darkness and cold. They huddled together for warmth, shivering as the bitter winds of winter swept across the plains. The nights were long and frightening, and without fire to keep them warm and safe, the people struggled to survive. Fire existed, but it was kept far away, guarded jealously by a group of powerful and greedy Fire Spirits who lived high in the mountains. The Fire Spirits hoarded the flames for themselves, using it to cook their food and light their homes, while the people below suffered in the cold.

Seeing the plight of the people, Coyote, the clever trickster, decided that he would be the one to bring fire to them. He knew it would be a dangerous task—the Fire Spirits were fierce and quick to anger—but Coyote's heart was set on helping the people. He could not stand to see them suffer any longer. "I'll steal fire from those selfish spirits and bring it to the people," Coyote declared boldly. "No one should have to live in darkness and cold."

Coyote began to devise a plan. He knew he couldn't simply march up the mountain and take the fire; the Fire Spirits would see him coming from a mile away. Instead, he decided to use his cunning and transform himself. As the sun set and darkness fell, Coyote crept silently up the mountain path, his fur blending with the shadows. He moved with the stealth of a ghost, his eyes glinting in the dim light as he approached the camp of the Fire Spirits.

The Fire Spirits were gathered around a great bonfire, its flames leaping high into the night sky. They laughed and boasted loudly, their voices crackling like the fire itself. They were so absorbed in their merrymaking that they did not notice the small, scruffy puppy limping into their camp, whimpering softly. Coyote, now in the form of a helpless puppy, looked up at the spirits with large, sorrowful eyes, his tail tucked between his legs.

"Oh, look at that poor little creature!" one of the Fire Spirits exclaimed, pointing at the pitiful sight. "What are you doing here, little one?" Another spirit, whose fiery hair crackled like dry twigs, leaned down and scooped Coyote up. "You must be freezing out there in the cold. Come, sit by the fire and warm yourself." The Fire Spirits, enchanted by the sight of the shivering puppy, decided to keep him as a pet for company.

The spirits brought Coyote closer to the flames, setting him down gently beside the roaring bonfire. Coyote waited patiently, his small body trembling as if from the cold. The Fire Spirits, thinking they had found a new friend, turned their attention back to their boasting and feasting. They didn't notice as Coyote's eyes sharpened with determination. He had gotten close enough—now was his chance!

With a sudden burst of speed, Coyote sprang up, his disguise falling away as he reverted to his true form. He snatched a burning stick in his mouth, the flames scorching the edges of his fur. The Fire Spirits screamed in rage, their voices crackling and hissing like an inferno. "Thief! Stop him!" they roared, their bodies flickering with anger. But Coyote was already dashing away, his paws kicking up sparks as he ran down the mountain at breakneck speed.

Down the steep slopes he raced, the burning stick clenched tightly in his jaws. The Fire Spirits gave chase, their fiery forms lighting up the darkness behind him. Coyote's heart pounded as he ran, knowing he couldn't outrun them forever. Just as he felt their fiery breath on his heels, a flash of red darted out from the bushes—Fox had been waiting!

"Over here!" Fox yipped. Coyote tossed the burning stick to Fox, who caught it deftly in his mouth. Fox sprinted further down the hill, his bushy tail streaming behind him. The Fire Spirits, now even more furious, turned their blazing eyes on Fox and chased after him, but Fox was swift and nimble, weaving through the trees like a shadow. As he reached a rocky outcrop, Squirrel appeared, his small eyes gleaming.

"Pass it to me!" Squirrel squeaked. Fox tossed the flame to Squirrel, who snatched it up and began to run as fast as his tiny legs could carry him. The Fire Spirits, now a roaring wave of flames, surged after Squirrel, but the little creature darted up trees and over rocks, leaping from branch to branch. As he ran, the flames licked at his fur, scorching his tail and turning it brown and bushy. But Squirrel did not stop—he knew he had to get the fire to safety.

At the edge of the forest, Frog waited by the riverbank, his slick green skin gleaming in the moonlight. "Here!" Frog croaked. Squirrel, his tail still smoldering, tossed the burning stick to Frog, who caught it in his mouth. With a powerful leap, Frog bounded away, his legs propelling him through the grass and across the river. The Fire Spirits howled in frustration as they saw their precious fire being carried away, but they could not catch Frog, who moved with the grace and speed of a flowing stream.

Frog leapt and bounded until he reached the edge of the village where the people lived. The Fire Spirits, now burning low and weary from their long chase, tried to catch him, but with a final burst of energy, Frog spat the burning stick into a pile of dry wood that the people had gathered. The flames roared to life, casting a bright, warm glow over the entire village. The people gasped in wonder and joy as the fire crackled and leapt, filling the night with light and warmth for the first time.

Defeated and exhausted, the Fire Spirits vanished into the night, their angry cries fading into silence. Coyote, Fox, Squirrel, and Frog stood at the edge of the village, watching as the people celebrated. "We did it!" Coyote barked, his eyes glowing with pride. The people danced around the fire, their faces shining with happiness. Thanks to their teamwork and bravery, the people now had fire to cook their food, stay warm, and light up the darkness.

From that day on, Coyote was known not only as a trickster but also as a hero who brought fire to the people. Fox, Squirrel, and Frog, too, were honored for their courage and sacrifice. The people never forgot the animals' bravery, and they told the story of how fire was brought to them through the cleverness and determination of the trickster Coyote and his friends. And though Coyote returned to his mischievous ways, the people always looked upon him with gratitude, for he had given them the gift of fire—something that would sustain them for generations to come.