Lineage of the Tales
Antecedent Anthropomorphs
Antecedent Anthropomorphs
Coyote, the Trickster
(Ancient oral traditions, thousands of years old)
A shape-shifting, mischievous figure found in many Native American traditions, known for both creating and disrupting the world through cleverness, foolishness, and unpredictability.
Hermes
(Ancient Greece, circa 700 BCE)
Witty Greek god of travel and communication, famous for his clever tricks, thefts, and role as a guide between worlds .
Reynard
(12th century, circa 1170)
A sly and manipulative fox from medieval European tales who thrives on deception and satire to challenge social norms.
Loki
(Pre-Viking Age, before 8th century)
Chaotic Norse god known for shapeshifting and mischief, often disrupting the divine order with unpredictable schemes.
Br'er Rabbit
(19th century, published 1881)
A clever and bold trickster who uses wit and cunning to outsmart stronger foes in tales rooted in African-American folklore