Comparing Myths: The Stories of Coyote and Prometheus

Khan Academy

This educational video introduces students to the concept of comparative mythology by examining two distinct traditional stories about the origin of fire: a Shoshone legend featuring Coyote and a Greek myth featuring Prometheus. The narrator uses these stories to demonstrate that despite vast cultural and geographical distances, human storytelling shares profound similarities. The video guides viewers through a structured analysis, breaking down the comparison into three distinct categories: topics, patterns of events (plot), and themes. The video retells both stories in an engaging, accessible way. First, it recounts the Native American tale where Coyote and his animal friends steal fire from the Firemen to warm freezing humans, explaining various animal physical characteristics along the way. Next, it tells the story of Prometheus stealing fire from Mount Olympus to help humanity develop civilization, leading to his punishment by Zeus. Both narratives highlight the archetype of the helpful trickster or hero who sacrifices their own well-being for the benefit of humanity. This resource is highly valuable for English Language Arts classrooms as it directly models the skill of comparing and contrasting texts, a key standard in upper elementary grades. It provides a clear framework for literary analysis—moving from concrete topics to abstract themes—and offers rich opportunities for discussions about cultural values, sacrifice, and the universal nature of human storytelling.