I'm a latecomer to Lewis Hyde's book, 'Trickster Makes This World' - it was first published in 1998. I haven't read his newer one, 'The Gift' yet, but this was a free gift I got at an art fair last year and it's one the best books I've ever read. I'm a big fan of traditional tales anyway. Hyde draws a thread between Norse, native American, African traditions of legend and myth - specifically those that involve duplicity and cunning as a productive force in the natural world. Some serve as morality tales or reminders of one's place in society or the food chain. Here's a chapter excerpt on the NY Times site.
And a great story:
As Fox went on his way he met Kingfisher, Kêt-la'-i-le-ti, whom he accompanied to his home. Kingfisher said that he had no food to offer his visitor, so he would go and catch some fish for Fox.
He broke through six inches of ice on the river and caught two fish, which he cooked and set before his guest.
Fox was pleased with his entertainment, and invited the Kingfisher to return the call. In due time the Kingfisher came to the home of the Fox, who said, " I have no food to offer you;" then he went down to the river, thinking to secure fish in the same manner as the Kingfisher had done.
Fox leaped from the high bank, but instead of breaking through the ice he broke his head and killed himself. Kingfisher went to him, caught him up by the tail, and swung Fox around to the right four times, thereby restoring him to life. Kingfisher caught some fish, and they ate together.
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