← All characters

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.
In the storyThe Young Swift-Runner Who Was Stripped of His Clothing by the Aged TarantulaOpen this moment free

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

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…

Continue beside the text

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

See Old Tarantula in zuni folktales

Character Web

12 connections

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

TYThe Young ManTEThe EagleLFLesser FalconTDThe DeerGBGrandfather Bu…OTOld Tarantula

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Elders and Testers
  • Twin War Gods and Companions

+7 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

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.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

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