Since the beginning of time, stories have been told about the tricksters, clever beings who could shape-shift and enjoy messing with other beings, driving them out of their minds. Sometimes these tricks served a greater purpose, but mostly the trickster’s number one goal for themselves was to have fun.
But who was truly the best among the tricksters? There were many who have claimed great fame through their deeds. Those famous tricksters now argued among one another, projecting about why they should reign supreme.
Finally, Puck, the king of tricksters, heard enough of this noise, and proposed a contest to settle the score.
“Whoever can trick me by sunset tomorrow” said Puck to those gathered around him “ the title of the greatest trickster will be theirs to hold. Fail, and let your shame be told.”
The next day, all the tricksters who had been with Puck gathered around, waiting for the contest to begin. Most were animal tricksters like Fox, Coyote, Cat, Raven, and Anasi the Spider. Genie and Loki were the only two tricksters who chose to stay in a more human form, and they decided to take their shot at tricking Puck first.
Using both magic and god-like power, they did what they could to make Puck cower. Loki trying to beat Puck in a game of wits, while Genie offered to grant Puck a wish, intending to twist whatever the fairy asked for.
Puck was to clever though and ended up out-witting both powerful tricksters. Genie and Loki were completely surprised, and slumped down in defeat, grumbling about why they failed.
Now it was time for the animal tricksters turn. Coming at Puck one at a time, the animal tricksters started spinning out their cons.
Coyote tried to get Puck to fall for a embarrassing prank, while Fox approached later wearing a feminine disguise. Anasi the Spider was very creative and tried to trick Puck while weaving out a fascinating story with his webs.
“Very different and welcomely unique,” Puck complemented the three tricksters, applauding each one of them in turn.
Although Coyote, Fox, and Anasi the Spider ultimately met with defeat at the end, Puck respected their cleverness, saying all were still worthy of bearing the trickster name.
Raven and Cat were now the only two tricksters that remained. Time was running out though. The sun was nearly set, it was almost the end of day.
Puck got impatient as he waited for the last two tricksters to arrive, and decided to play his flute to let time pass by.
“Hello,” came a voice later from below, making Puck stop playing his flute, setting it down before he turned his head.
There, on the ground, lay Cat, smiling up as she wriggled her body, snuggling in a grass bed.
Leaving his flute up in the tree, Puck floated down towards Cat and questioned the trickster…
“What kind of trick do you have in mind?”
“Nothing” said Cat “ I’m just biding my time. Enjoying the show as you out-witted the other tricksters schemes. Proving that you were superior. Puck should reign supreme. However…”
The Cat’s tone shifted as she looked Puck, continuing to speak.
“ Tell me, does every trick have to be flashy or sly? Promising things like wealth, love, or power, giving our targets a choice? Why not something more simple, like…a diversion perhaps?”
Puck looked at Cat confused for a moment. Then she pointed her paw up towards the tree where Puck had laid. Puck looked up and gasped. Raven was up there! He had his flute! He was flying away!
Cat grinned at Puck’s shock. The king of the tricksters had been tricked.
“Distraction is the simplest trick any person can play. Very effective, and declares victory today.”
“The contest is over. The sun sets on the rise. Both Cat and Raven have claimed the trickster prize.”
The End