Fox's symbolic power in the Native American perspective
This text was taken from here.
Fox - Cunningness and Camouflage
Unfortunately, the fox still carries a reputation Aesop depicted over 2600
years ago; clever, cunning, but always the villian. Many a misguided farmer
has killed this beautiful creature thinking it posed a threat to livestock
when in fact it poses no more danger than an alley cat. Like all members of
the canine family, they make exceptional parents. The fox's keen sight and
hearing make it an excellent predator. Its tail serves as a balancing device
when it stands on its hind legs to peer over the tall grass in search of a
mouse, gopher, or field rat. It is a survivor, able to exist in the
unpopulated countryside. Its ability to be unseen makes it a superb family
protector.
Fox Medicine allows observance without intrusion, it is always concerned
with the safety of family members and was often used as a talisman for those
traveling far from home. A person with Fox Medicine acts with quick,
decisiveness and assurity.
The Crayfish and the Fox Race - Cherokee Story
When they (the crayfish and the Fox) had a race, the Crayfish said, "You
can't outrun me."
"I can outrun you," said the Fox. "When I say now, we'll go," said the Fox.
When they started the race, the Crayfish got up on the Fox's tail and said
to the Fox, "When we get there (the goal), we must make a quick turn."
So when they arrived (at the goal), the Fox made a quick turn, and when he
did that the Crayfish got off his tail (of the Fox).
The Crayfish won the race, they say. He had gotten on the tail (of the fox)
and gotten off the tail (of the fox.) That's all; the story was a short one.
