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Zuni Folktales · Character

The Centipede

A creepy-crawly character appearing in some tales.

minor

Also known as himself

First appearance: zuni folktales

The Centipede shows up with force in How Áhaiyúta and Mátsailéma Stole the Thunder-Stone and the Lightning-Shaft. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Old Worm-like creature who steals the thunder-stone and lightning-shaft from the Rain-gods' altar; later punished and shriveled by the gods.
In the storyHow Áhaiyúta and Mátsailéma Stole the Thunder-Stone and the Lightning-ShaftOpen this moment free

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In How Áhaiyúta and Mátsailéma Stole the Thunder-Stone and the Lightning-Shaft: Old Worm-like creature who steals the thunder-stone and…

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The fuller portrait of The Centipede sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See The Centipede in zuni folktales

Character Web

4 connections

A slice of how The Centipede sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

BRBrotherGBGrandfather Bu…LOLocustsÁHÁhaiyútaTCThe Centipede

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Diverse Mythical and Animal Figures
  • Twin War Gods and Companions

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • 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.

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In the story

The Centipede 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 The Centipede unlock in the free preview.

See The Centipede in zuni folktales
Who is The Centipede in Zuni Folktales?