Hi, Rebecca Shear here. Before we get to our story, exciting news.
Circle Round is going back on tour. with live recordings across the united states our first stop Sunday, October 5th in Parker, Colorado at the Pace Center.
And Circle Round Club members are invited to a special post-show meet and greet with me and composer Eric Shimalonis.
Get your tickets at wbur.org slash circle around and click on events.
We're announcing more tour stops soon, so stay tuned.
We look forward to circling around with you live.
Produced by the iLab at WBUR Boston. Think about one of your goals, something you hope to achieve.
We're about to meet a character whose goal is to make music.
But he doesn't believe he'll achieve that goal until he makes a very unexpected friend.
. . . I'm Rebecca Shear, and welcome to Circle Round, where storytime happens all the time.
Today our story is called Song of the Horse.
It's inspired by a tale told in Mongolia, a country in East Asia.
Some really great people came together to bring you our folktale, including David Archuleta and Sherry Cola.
Stand-up comedian Sherry Cola stars on the free-form network drama Good Trouble.
And singer-songwriter and American Idol star David Archuleta is about to launch his OK Alright Tour.
So circle around, everyone, for Song of the Horse.
There once was a young shepherd named Suho.
Suho lived with his grandmother in a hut in the countryside, where winters were so frigid that the moment you stepped outside and sunk your feet into the snow, The frosty air would make your teeth shatter and your eyelashes freeze.
So the people of the countryside herded sheep and used the wool from those sheep to make rags. warm clothing and blankets so they could stay nice and cozy through the harshest months.
Suho enjoyed being a shepherd, but his true passion was music.
He and Grandmother were too poor to buy a flute or a horn or a drum.
But Suho clung to the hope that someday he could play a real musical instrument of his own. for now. he contented himself by singing songs for his sheep as he led the fleecy creatures around the countryside.
One day, Suho was out herding his sheep and singing to them when he heard something unusual.
What's that I hear? It sounds like a horse.
A very young horse. and it doesn't sound happy.
Suho followed the sound to a patch of scraggly shrubs.
And there, lying on the ground, was a tiny white newborn foal with its spindly legs curled beneath its slender body.
Hey there, little fella. Where did you come from?
Where are your parents? The white horse looked up at Suho with big sad brown eyes.
Oh. You don't have any parents, do you?
Actually, either do I. Ever since I can remember, I've lived with my grandmother.
Say, why don't you come and live with us?
A little fellow like you shouldn't be out here alone.
Suho crouched down and stroked the horse's velvety nose.
The horse nuzzled Suho's hand and swished its milky white tail.
All right then. It's a deal, little fella.
You're coming home with me. When Suho got back to the hut, Grandmother was so surprised, she dropped the sweater she was knitting.
Suho? What's this? Where did you find this beautiful baby horse?
I found him while I was herding the sheep, Grandmother.
Can we keep him? Please? Grandmother knew Suho often got lonely way out in the countryside.
She wasn't about to refuse her grandson a new friend.
Of course we can keep him, Suho. He'll stay in the yard with the sheep.
Just promise you'll take good care of him, okay?
I promise, Grandmother. Don't you worry.
Well, indeed, Grandmother had nothing to worry about.
Suho took excellent care of the little white horse, and before long, it grew into a big white horse. with long, powerful legs and a gleaming white mane and tail that sparkled brighter than the winter snow.
Suho and the horse became inseparable. All day long, the horse helped Suho herd his sheep.
It used its strong legs to chase after stragglers.
Then, quick as lightning, it rounded the animals back into the fold.
And when Suho sang for the sheep, The white horse often let out a whinny or a neigh, as if the two friends were performing a duet.
Yeah. One winter, the blizzards that pummeled the countryside were so bitter and harsh that Suho and his grandmother lost many of their sheep in the snow and cold.
By the time spring rolled around, Grandmother was wringing her hands with worry.
Suho. Our flock has dwindled down to practically nothing.
What are we going to do? How will we make ends meet?
I don't know, Grandmother. But I promise, I'll think of something.
Well, Suho didn't need to think for very long.
That week, he learned that the governor was planning a great race at his palace in the capital city. a great horse race, and the winner would walk away with a massive chest full of gold coins.
Suho thought about how swiftly his white horse galloped when it was rounding up the sheep. how lightning-fast its powerful legs moved.
Immediately, Suho knew that if he and his horse entered the race... We're sure to win!
And then with all the gold we'll take home, grandmother and I can live comfortably, and I can finally buy myself a musical instrument. and play real music forever.
On the day of the race, Suho and his horse trotted all the way across the countryside and through the big iron gates of the capital city.
When they reached the governor's palace, hundreds of other horses and riders were waiting.
Suho noticed that all of them were dressed to the nines.
The riders wore bright leather boots, shiny silk robes, and lustrous fur hats.
Their horses wore glittering bridles and glistening saddles.
Suho, meanwhile, was dressed in his usual threadbare work clothes And all his horse had on was a scuffed-up saddle with a broken stirrup.
Wow, fella. Those riders and horses sure are fancy, but no matter.
The second the race starts, you and I will show them what we're made of.
Suho held his head high as he and the white horse took their place at the starting line.
High above them, on one of the palace's many balconies, the governor sat on a grand throne.
Beside him was his daughter, Gariel, and the palace's many guards.
The governor smiled down at the thousands of onlookers gathered below.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming to my palace for the Grand Horse Race.
As you know, today's winner will be rewarded with a chest full of gold coins.
May the best rider win! As the race began, The horses took off like a shot.
The wind whipped against Suho's face. and his ears roared with the rumbling thunder of galloping hooves He could hardly believe how fleet-footed the other horses were.
But after a few moments, Suho noticed that those fleet-footed horses started lagging behind. and he and his white horse were pulling ahead.
Atta boy, fella! Atta boy! As Suho and his horse raced closer and closer to the finish line, The cheers, whistles, and claps from the crowd seemed to grow louder and louder.
Next thing Suho knew, The crowd erupted in a deafening roar, and the governor sprung to his feet.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have our winner!
Come into the palace young man and claim your prize.
Suho leaped off the white horse and gave it a hug.
Way to go, fella! We won! We won! A guard led Suho and his horse into the palace, where the governor was waiting.
Standing on one side of the great man was his daughter, Gariel.
On his other side was the massive chest of gold coins. the reward that Suho had won fair and square in the race.
But, as the shepherd was about to learn, claiming his well-earned reward wouldn't be as easy as he thought.
What do you think happens next? We'll find out after a quick break.
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Hiring? Indeed is all you need. end. I'm Rebecca Shearer.
Welcome back to Circle Round. Today our story is called Song of the Horse.
When we left off, Suho and his white horse won the governor's big race.
But as they entered the palace to claim their reward, the governor looked them up and down. then wrinkled his nose and scowled.
Wait a minute. You're the fellow who won my race?
From up? On the balcony I could hardly see you.
But now that I have a closer view, look at your shabby clothes.
Look at your horse's pathetic saddle. There's no way I'm awarding my riches to such a ragamuffin.
Suho couldn't believe his ears. He took a breath, then knelt down on one knee.
With all due respect, Your Excellency, my horse came in first place beat out all the others.
What he says is true, father. The governor's daughter, Gariel, stepped forward.
The governor glared at her. Gariel, this has nothing to do with you.
I don't care. This man... Um... Sorry. What's your name?
Suho. Suho and his horse won the race fair and square, father.
And now you're sending him home? With nothing?
That isn't right. The governor thought for a moment.
Then he rubbed his hands together. Actually, my daughter makes a good point.
There's no reason you should go home empty-handed, Suho.
That's why... He flashed his eyes toward the white horse.
I am going to buy your horse. Suho felt his mouth go dry.
"'Buy my horse?' I'm sorry, your lordship, but my horse is my best friend.
I could never part with him. He is not for sale.
Oh, not for sale, you say? Very well, then.
I'll just have to take him. Father! No! Next thing Suho and Gariel knew, two of the governor's guards seized the white horse.
You can't do this, your honor. You can't take my friend.
Oh, no? Watch me. The horse whinnied and whined as the guards led it to the stable.
This isn't right. You have to let me take him home.
You have to... Before Suho could say another word, Two more guards latched onto his arms, marched him out of the palace, and slammed the big wooden doors shut. behind him.
What in the world just happened? Somehow I won the governor's race, but I lost my horse.
And now I have to go back to grandmother with nothing.
No riches and no friend. Suho fought back tears as he trudged away from the palace. through the big city gates, and down the long dirt road back to his hut in the countryside. back at the palace, the governor couldn't wait to show off his brand new racehorse.
The greedy ruler got all dolled up in his most elegant riding gear. then had the stable hand dress the white horse in a shimmering bridle and saddle.
Now it's time to ride this magnificent creature.
Stable hand, help me mount this horse. But as the stable hand hoisted the governor onto the horse's back, do you know what happened?
The white horse reared up, kicked its powerful front legs into the air, and threw the governor to the ground.
Thank you. Then the horse sped away at full tilt, away from the palace, through the city. and straight toward the tall, iron city gates.
This is unacceptable! That horse is mine!
Catch it! Catch it! One of the guards scurried to the city gates and shut them tight.
When the horse reached the big iron doors, it came to a halt and swung its head up and down.
Then, quick as a wink, the horse whirled around and went charging back through the city.
People, dogs, cats, and mice dove out of the way as the horse bounded through the streets. with the governor's guards hot on its heels.
Meanwhile, back at the palace, the governor's daughter, Gariel, begged her father to let the horse go.
He isn't even yours, father. Please, open the gates of the city and let the horse return to the countryside. to his friend, to Suho.
But the governor would not budge. So Gariel did the only thing she could think to do.
She sprinted to the stables, hopped on her gray mare, and headed to the city gates.
When she got there, she reached out her hands and with all of her might, she grabbed on to the heavy iron doors. and flung them wide open.
I did it! Then Gariel called out to the white horse.
Go, fella! Go home! Quick as a flash, the white horse came careening toward Gariel.
It glanced at the young woman, then bounded through the big iron gates before bolting off toward freedom.
Atta boy, fella! Atta boy! Meanwhile... at Suho's hut in the countryside, the young man was inconsolable.
Grandmother tried telling him his favorite jokes and stories, But it did no good.
Suho was despondent without his best friend, the horse.
But just when Suho was convinced he'd never smile again... he heard a familiar sound.
The young man got to his feet and went running out of the hut.
Hey, fella! You're home! Suho rushed to the white horse and gave it a big hug.
He could feel the animal's heart beating much faster than usual and could hear how its breath was short and labored.
It was clear that the horse had run harder than ever to get back to its friend.
Now, now. It's okay. I'm going to take care of you, fella.
Really good care. Just be calm. Be calm.
Suho lay the horse down on the ground. Then he covered its quaking body with a blanket. and began to sing.
But all of a sudden, Suho stopped his song.
Wait. Why do I hear horses' hooves approaching?
Is it the governor? Or his guards? What if they try and take my horse away again?
I can't let them. I... Suho! Suho felt a wave of relief wash over him, for when he glanced up, Who should he see riding a gray mare but the governor's daughter, the one who had been so kind to him back at the palace?
Gariel! What are you doing here? I'm the one who let your horse go free, Suho.
I followed him to make sure he got home okay.
Well... He definitely got home. Suho petted the white horse's nose.
But I'm not sure how okay he is. He doesn't seem like himself at all.
Ah, well, he's been through a lot. Gariel hopped off her mare and cocked her head.
Suho... Was that you singing to the horse just now?
It sounded so pretty. Keep going. Gariel knelt down beside Suho.
Together, they stroked the horse's gleaming white mane. as Suho began to sing.
Yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Suho sang until the sun went down and the moon came up.
At some point, he stopped singing and drifted off to sleep.
So did Gariel. And when Suho and Gariel woke up the next morning, the horse didn't wake up with them.
The poor creature's tired heart had stopped beating during the night.
But something else had happened during the night, too.
Suho had a strange and wonderful dream. a dream about the white horse.
And in the dream, the white horse opened its mouth and spoke.
Suho. It's time for me to go now, but I know a way that we can be together forever.
And you can make music forever. Just like you always wanted.
You too, fella? What is it? Go out into the countryside and find a piece of wood, a nice, solid piece of wood.
Then use that wood to make a fiddle and bow.
Take the hair from my mane and make the fiddle strings.
Take the hair from my tail and make the bow strings.
Then, at the very top of the fiddle, high up on the neck, carve a horse's head, one that looks just like me.
And wouldn't you know it, that's exactly what Suho did.
He made a horse head fiddle with horse hair for strings.
That horse head fiddle is now known as the Morin Coor. and it's one of the most popular and revered instruments in all of Mongolia.
Festivals are held in its honor, and many Mongolians keep the Morin core in their home. in hopes of bringing peace and happiness to their family.
And if you believe the legend, it all began with a kind young shepherd who loved his horse. and loved his music, and wanted to find a way to keep both of them in his heart forever.
um Now it's your turn. When's the last time you did something kind for a friend?
Think about what it was. Then pick a grown-up in your life and tell them all about it.
After that, ask them about a time they showed kindness to a pal.
This week's story, Song of the Horse, was adapted by me, Rebecca Scheer.
It was edited by Circle Round's executive producer, Catherine Brewer.
Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shimalonis.
If you like Eric's music, you will love the music of Circle Round Volume 1, our soundtrack from our first season.
To get your copy, visit our website, wbur.org slash circle round, and click on Soundtrack and Coloring. pages.
While you're there, you can find, yes, our coloring pages.
Circle Round's artist, Sabina Hahn, has created a black and white picture for every Circle Round story.
And you can color them in while you listen.
Or anytime. Special thanks to this week's actors...
David Archuleta, and Sherry Cola. Grown-ups, look for stand-up comedian Sherry Cola on the Freeform Network drama Good Trouble.
And singer-songwriter and American Idol star David Archuleta kicks off his OK Alright tour on March 30th.
It will run throughout the United States into May.
Our featured instrument this week was the Mongolian horsehead fiddle.
You can learn more about the Morin Corps on our website.
Again, that's wbur.org slash circlearound.
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And please leave us some stars, write us a review, or just tell your friends about the show.
Circle Round is a production of WBUR, Boston's NPR news station.
I'm Rebecca Shear. Thanks for circling around with us.
One of the best things about creating Circle Round is hearing from listeners like you.
Circle Round fans have been telling us about their favorite Circle Round stories and we're excited to share some of their voices with you. you.
Hi, my name is Chelsea and I live in San Francisco, California.
My favorite story is the loot player because The queen saved the king from the overlord.
My name is Riley and I'm from Chicago and I moved to Rhode Island.
And my favorite story is the three legged pot and I like it. because the three-legged pot says, wee!
Did someone mention an episode you missed?
No problem. You can find every single Circle Round story on our website.
That's wbur.org slash circleround, or wherever you and your grown-ups get your podcasts.
