Zuñi Folk Tales

Within this anthology you’ll hear the whispered world of the Zuni, a Pueblo people whose stories turn the desert into a stage of tricksters, brave hunters, and celestial battles. The opening tales introduce a maiden whose red feather becomes a love token, a youth guided by a soaring eagle, and a poor turkey girl whose cleverness wins her a place among the village. Each narrative is framed by vivid illustrations that bring the arid landscape to life.

The collection balances mischievous coyote escapades with solemn origin myths, such as how the rattlesnake earned its sound or why the corn‑pests were trapped. Listeners also encounter the solemn voice of the hermit Mítsina and the eerie tale of the cannibal demon Átahsaia, each offering a glimpse into the Zuni’s moral compass. Though the stories were recorded over a century ago, their humor and cautionary wisdom feel strikingly fresh for modern ears.