Zuni Folktales · Character
Blackbirds
Birds who dance with Coyote in a trickster tale.
minor
Also known as the Blackbirds, The Blackbirds, their, themselves
First appearance: How the Coyote Danced with the Blackbirds
Blackbirds's tie to Coyote is one of the pressures that moves Zuni Folktales—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
The group of birds hosting the dance; they initially help the Coyote but later trick him by plucking his feathers mid-flight.
Blackbirds first appears in 0020 how the coyote danced with the blackbirds.
With Coyote (rivalry): Blackbirds and Coyote are frequent trickster opponents, with the birds often getting the better of him. With Coyote (rivalry): Blackbirds and Coyote are frequent trickster opponents, with the birds often getting the better of him. With Coyote (rivalry): Blackbirds and Coyote are frequent trickster opponents, with the birds often getting the better of him.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
5 connectionsA slice of how Blackbirds sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- Diverse Mythical and Animal Figures
- Protagonist
- Animal Helpers and Tricksters
- Twin War Gods and Companions
- Owl Characters
Explore ties, sentiment, and clusters while you read
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the children’s joyful play turns to horror as the elder siste…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Coyote
rivalry · negative
Blackbirds and Coyote are frequent trickster opponents, with the birds often getting the… How this plays out →
- Coyote
rivalry · negative
Blackbirds and Coyote are frequent trickster opponents, with the birds often getting the… How this plays out →
- Coyote
rivalry · negative
Blackbirds and Coyote are frequent trickster opponents, with the birds often getting the… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Blackbirds in How the Coyote Danced with the BlackbirdsIn the story
Blackbirds appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Blackbirds unlock in the free preview.
See Blackbirds in How the Coyote Danced with the Blackbirds