In the beginning, before the coming of human beings, the world according to the Nimiipuu was inhabited by animals that were endowed with the qualities of humans that behaved like them. In that world, Coyote was a principle character. Coyote was a trickster and transformer. At times Coyote was a silly rascal who got himself into ludicrous scrapes. At other times he was super-human and able to change himself and others, as well as the forces of nature, into different forms and to accomplish wonderful deeds.

Elk, buffalo, deer, pronghorn antelope, and other species were important to the Nez Perce in legend and also life. Many were used for food, clothing, and utensils.