Zuni Folktales · Character
Old Tarantula
A cunning thief who strips Swift-runner of his beautiful garments and retreats to a den so deep the whole town cannot dig him out.
supporting
Also known as The Old Tarantula, Old Tarantula, the old Tarantula, the Aged Tarantula
First appearance: zuni folktales
As a supporting figure in Zuni Folktales, Old Tarantula is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
The cunning creature who tricks Swift-runner and steals his clothing.
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Old Tarantula's theft triggers a communal crisis, sending men, women, and children with digging-sticks and baskets to tunnel after him until they strike the mountain's bedrock. His den becomes a symbol of elusive…
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See Old Tarantula in zuni folktalesCharacter Web
12 connectionsA slice of how Old Tarantula sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Elders and Testers
- Twin War Gods and Companions
+7 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- 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…
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Old Tarantula 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 Old Tarantula unlock in the free preview.
See Old Tarantula in zuni folktales