According to the Quileute Native American Tribe, they were created from wolves. This Quileute Legend is known as their Creation Myth or story where a traveling transmuter named K’wa’iti changed the first wolf he came accross in his travels into a person, thus creating the first member of the Quileute tribe.
Quileute Legend and Wolves
The Quileute Legend inspired writer Stephenie Meyer in the authoring of her Twilight Saga. The conflict between “The Cold Ones” Vampire and the Shape-Shifting Wolves or Werewolves creates a classic theme of Good vs Evil which lends itself to an enjoyable story.
K’wa’iti is one with many names Dokibatt, the Transformer or Changer. In Quileute Legend he is often referred to as the Trickster. Trickster tales are found throughout many Native American tribes.
In these tales, the trickster can perform tricks often attributed to having supernatural powers. Perhaps, it is just illusion rather than some divine power he is able to come back from the dead, shape-shift at times, and perform tasks similar to the creator of all things. But, if it is just illusion then why does the beaver now have a paddle tail?
The trickster is an similar to a performing magician, using his powers he is able to create and make permanent the illusion.
K’wa’iti does not follow the rules of the nature, many times maliciously, however generally there is a positive outcome of his meddling. His rule breaking ways take the form of thievery and tricks. K’wa’iti can be smart at times in dealing with conflict, however he is not perfect as he can make unwise decisions that leads to more turmoil. But in most legends things unfold as they should and all is not lost.
Additional Native American Trickster Tales
Manabozho then gathered up his birds, and taking them out upon the sandbar buried them–some with their heads protruding, others with the feet sticking out of the sand.
Wolf was getting tired of Coyote constantly questioning his wisdom and knew he was up to no good, but he didn’t say anything. He just nodded wisely and decided it was time to teach Coyote a lesson.
Take all your children with you that are old enough to pick. Leave the babies here and I will watch them.” They all went. Then he cut all the babies’ heads off. He put the heads back into the cradles; the bodies he put into a large kettle and cooked. When the bear-women came back
