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Native Languages of the Americas:
Tonkawa Indian Legends

This is our collection of links to Tonkawa folktales and traditional stories that can be read online. We have indexed our American legend section by tribe to make them easier to locate; however, variants on the same legend are often told by American Indians from different tribes, especially if those tribes are kinfolk or neighbors to each other. In particular, though these legends come from the Tonkawas, the traditional stories of related tribes like the Caddo and Wichita tribes are very similar.

Enjoy the stories! If you would like to recommend a Tonkawa legend for this page or think one of the ones on here should be removed, please let us know.

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Important Tonkawa Mythological Figures

Coyote (Ha:csokonayla or Ha:csokonay): Coyote is the trickster figure of the Tonkawa tribe. In some Tonkawa legends, Coyote plays the role of a gullible buffoon; in others, he is a more serious mythological character who helps the people and has impressive magical powers. His Tonkawa name, Ha:csokonay, does not literally mean "Coyote," but rather "owner of the earth"-- Tonkawa people honored Coyote as the master of other animals, and prayed to him for hunting success.

Tonkawa Indian Folklore

Coyote and the Monster:
    Tonkawa legend about Coyote slaying a monster and resurrecting a village that had been killed.

Recommended Books on Tonkawa Mythology
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Tonkawa Texts:
    Collection of Tonkawa legends and traditional stories.
Hold Up The Sky:
    Anthology of legends from the Tonkawa and other Texas tribes.

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Additional Resources

 Beliefs of Native Americans
 Tonkawa Indians
 Tonkawa language
 Texas Indians
 Plains Indian languages
 Native American website for kids



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