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Native American Legends: Silver Fox (Kwahn)
Name: Silver Fox
Alternate spellings: Silverfox, Silver-Fox, Silver Gray Fox
Tribal affiliation: Achumawi,
Atsugewi,
Miwok
Native names: Kwahn, Kwan
Type: American Indian creator god,
culture hero,
fox spirit
Related figures in other tribes: Esa (Shoshone-Bannock)
Silver Fox is the culture hero and creator god of many Northern California tribes.
In some tribal traditions, such as the Miwok, Silver Fox is female; in others, like the
Achumawi, he is male. Together with Jamul
(Coyote), Silver Fox creates the world and teaches the people
how to live. Although both are creators, Silver Fox is the more serious and wise of the
two, while Coyote is more of a trickster and prone to make frivolous decisions based on whims,
hunger, or interest in women.
Achomawi Creation Myth:
The story of the creation of the world by Silver-Fox and Coyote.
Coyote and Silver-Fox:
Atsugewi myth about the creation of the world and the relationship between Coyote and Silver Fox.
Spider Woman and Silver Gray Fox:
Achumawi story about the animals asking Silver Fox to end winter.
The House of Silver-Fox:
Achumawi stories and superstitions about the abandoned sweat lodge of Silver Fox.
Silver-Fox and Coyote:
Achumawi myth about Silver-Fox creating people and Coyote trying to imitate him.
Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links
Annikadel: The History of the Universe:
Collection of Achumawi mythology and oral history.
Surviving Through the Days: Translations of Native California Stories and Songs:
Anthology of myths and traditional literature from the California Indian tribes.
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Additional Resources
Miwok myths
Miwok language
Achumawi tribe
Atsugewi tribe
California history
Hokan linguistics
Native American animal spirits
Learn more about the Miwok Indians
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