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.
WBUR Podcasts Boston Think about a time you persisted.
When we persist, we keep going. pushing forward, working toward our goals no matter the obstacles or setbacks we face.
In today's tale, a princess encounters a major obstacle.
But even when it seems like there's no hope of reaching her goal, she refuses to give up.
¶¶ I'm Rebecca Sheer, and welcome to Circle Round, where storytime happens all the time.
Today our story is called Princess Persistence.
It's inspired by a legend from the Southeast Asian country of India.
Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this tale, including Aparna Brielle. whom you grown-ups will know from such TV shows as the NBC sitcom AP Bio, and the Netflix action-comedy series FUBAR.
So circle around, everyone. For princess persistence.
There once was a princess named Savitri.
Princess Savitri had a quick mind, a warm heart, and a tender, compassionate nature that enchanted all who met her.
Savitri also had an adventurous spirit. Her father, the king, wished for her to find a husband so she could Settle down in the palace and prepare for her eventual queenhood.
But the thought of settling down made Savitri bristle.
I would much rather go out and have adventures.
What could be better than saddling up my horse and gallivanting about the kingdom, meeting new people and... seeing new things.
So that's precisely what she did. As often as she could, She would saddle up her horse and explore the land, galloping through misty forests. cantering over majestic mountains and racing across sweeping deserts. throwing up a spray of sand in her wake.
On one of these adventures, Savitri found herself inside a jungle.
The jungle was dense and thick with meandering paths and overgrown trails and Savitri soon lost her way.
Eventually, she found a clearing. And there, in a beam of golden sunshine, was a man chopping wood.
Excuse me, sir. Can you help me, please?
I'm lost. The man put down his axe and flashed Savitri a smile.
I don't blame you for getting lost, miss.
This jungle is like a leafy labyrinth. If I didn't make my home in this place, I would get lost too.
Savitri cocked her head. Are you saying you live in this jungle?
Indeed I do, in a little hut with my father.
It's a lovely place to call home. Beautiful. peaceful, with plenty of fascinating animals and birds.
I guess there are worse places to be exiled to.
Exiled? The princess's eyes grew wide. You mean you were kicked out of your country?
Out of my kingdom, or rather my father's kingdom.
After his brother, my uncle, usurped the throne.
Your father was a king, and his brother took the throne by force?
He did. Father was getting older and frailer.
His body was slowing down, his eyesight was fading.
His mind was as sharp as ever, but his brother got a whole mess of men to storm the palace and kick us out.
Next thing I knew, Father and I were taking refuge in this jungle.
I'm sorry. I don't usually carry on like this with strangers.
Then... let's not be strangers. My name is Savitri.
And my name is Satyavan. It's nice to meet you.
And nice to meet you. You know, Satyavan, the two of us have something in common.
Um, we both just had to listen to my long, sad sob story about...
Why I live in a hut in the jungle? No, we're both royalty.
Satyavan's jaw fell open. Your... A princess?
What on earth is a princess doing out here in the jungle?
Well... I'm not just any princess. I'm a terrifically bored princess who would much rather get lost in an exotic jungle than sit inside a stuffy palace all day.
And thank goodness I got lost in this exotic jungle.
Because now, I know you. Savitri and Satyavan locked eyes.
They held each other's gaze for a long moment.
And in that moment, they both felt something click.
Something in their minds and in their hearts.
The princess and prince spent the rest of the day together.
Savitri talked about her thirst for adventure. and her love for solving puzzles and riddles.
Satyavan told of his tireless toil caring for his father, who was now fully blind in both eyes.
Savitri had never felt so comfortable around another person, Satyavan felt the same way, and by the end of the day they decided they would get married. married.
When Savitri rushed home to share the news with her father, She found him deep in conversation with a surprising visitor.
It was Narada, the messenger of the gods.
Father? Lord Narada, what's going on? It's not every day that a divine messenger pays us a visit.
The king turned to Savitri with a frown.
Savitri, Narada told me about your wish to marry Satyavan.
Yes, he is absolutely amazing, Father. So funny and gentle and kind.
So I've heard. And I must say, I am delighted you have found someone you love.
There is just one problem. The husband you have chosen is doomed.
What? What are you talking about? Lord Narada, what is my father talking about?
Narada came over and took hold of Savitri's hands.
There has been a prophecy, Savitri. Your beloved Satyavan is destined to die.
Very soon. The princess felt her blood run cold.
That can't be true. Satyavan is so young, so vibrant.
I am sorry, Princess. But fate has spoken.
It won't be long before Yama, the god of death, will come up from his underground kingdom to claim your beloved soul.
Tears sprang to Savitri's eyes, but Satyavan and I are in love.
We belong together. We wish to be with each other forever.
Is there no way to spare his life? There may be a way to prolong it.
You must leave the palace. Join Satyavan and his father in the jungle.
Spend your days leading the simplest, humblest, most modest life you can.
And Satyavan may live for another year. Savitri agreed, and once she and Satyavan were wed, she joined him and his father in the jungle.
It was a far cry from her lavish upbringing in the palace, but she relished her new life.
She and Satyavan spent their days chopping wood, foraging for berries, and weaving clothing out of grasses and bark They also took good care of Satyavan's father, a kindly old fellow who treated his new daughter-in-law like his own.
One month went by, then another, and another, and once twelve months had passed, The fateful day arrived.
Savitri and Satyavan woke early and ate breakfast in silence.
Then they grasped each other's trembling hands and gazed into each other's tear-filled eyes.
I can't believe it's been a year already.
Satyavan, how am I supposed to live without you?
You won't have to live without me, Savitri.
I will always live on in your heart, just as you will always live on in mine.
Nothing can part us. Nothing. Not even...
Not... even... Satyavan stumbled and fell to the ground.
Satyavan! Satyavan! Savitri dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around Satyavan's shoulders.
His body was cold. A sob caught in her throat, and she began.
To weep. At that very moment, the morning air filled with the thumping sound of hoofbeats.
Through her tears, Savitri saw an immense shadow lumbering her way.
Greetings, Savitri! I believe you were expecting me?
It was Yama, the god of death. He was draped in crimson robes with glittering gold jewels and rode astride a giant black buffalo.
I've waited a whole year for this. It wasn't easy. but somehow I made it through.
And now, if you'll excuse me, I shall escort your husband's soul to my kingdom of the dead.
As Yama pulled Satyavan onto the buffalo's back, Savitri felt a wave of grief.
But then, she felt a flood of rage. No, Yama.
You will not escort my husband's soul to your kingdom.
You will leave him here and allow him to live.
Yamos stared at Savitri. His red eyes flickered.
Then he tossed his head back and laughed.
You foolish, silly mortal. I am a god. I shall do as I please.
Your husband is coming with me. Yama shot Savitri a withering look, then turned his buffalo around and began the journey to his subterranean kingdom.
Little did the god know, but it was going to be a very bumpy ride. you What will happen now that Yama has Satyavan?
We'll find out how our story unfolds after a quick break.
What are Circle Round listeners saying about the Circle Round Club?
The newest membership opportunity for superfans like you.
Here's a taste. I love being in the circle around the club because the snuggle times are perfect for when You want to listen to Circle Round, but you don't have that much time.
Grown-ups, get your Circle Round superfan signed up today at WBUR.org slash CircleRoundClub.
Welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Shear.
Today our story is called Princess Persistence.
Amen. Before the break, Yama, god of death, came to claim the doomed soul of Prince Setyavan.
Satyavan's wife, Princess Savitri, wasn't ready to part with her love.
And as Yama rode off through the jungle, with Satyavan unconscious on his buffalo's back, A voice suddenly rang out amidst the trees.
Give me back my husband, Yama! Yama swiveled his mighty head, and there was Savitri, trailing him through the undergrowth.
Oh, please. You are out of your mind, Princess.
Leave me alone and go home. But Savitri did not leave him alone or go home.
Instead, she followed Yama out of the Tangled Jungle.
Give me back my husband, Yama! Across a rugged mountain range?
Give me back my husband, Yama! through a burning desert?
Give me back my husband, Yama! And though her feet ached and her throat burned and her belly roared with hunger, She refused to give up.
Give me back my husband, Yama. Yama was thunderstruck.
He had never seen a mortal so dedicated to their love.
With a great big sigh, he brought his buffalo to a halt.
Salvatry. Your persistence is impressive, if somewhat irritating.
So... In order to be rid of you, and to reward you for your dedication, I shall grant you one wish.
However, he held up a hand. The one thing you may not wish for. is your husband's life.
Savitri mopped her brow and smiled. I appreciate the gift, Yama.
My one wish is for my father-in-law to see again. for his eyesight to be restored.
Very well, princess. You shall have your wish.
Your father-in-law's eyesight shall be restored.
Now, go home and leave me alone. But Savitri did not go home or leave him alone.
Instead, she forged on. She stumbled and staggered behind Yama and his buffalo, mile after mile.
Until, again, the guard came to a halt. Savitri, I told you to be gone, and yet you persist in following me.
I... I will grant you a second wish. Then you must go away.
And remember... You must not ask for your husband's life.
Savitri stretched her sore legs and grinned.
Thank you, Yama. My second wish is for Satyavan's uncle to be ousted from the throne so that Satyavan's father may have his kingdom back.
All right then. You shall have your wish.
The current king will be forced from the throne, and your father-in-law will once again reign.
Now please, go home and leave me alone. But guess what?
Savitri did not go home or leave him alone.
Instead, the bedraggled princess stayed hot on his heels. until finally he halted his buffalo a third time.
Savitri, I have granted you two wishes. and still you pursue me.
So, In order to be rid of you, I shall offer you a third and final wish.
And remember... You must not ask … For my husband's life?
Savitri licked her parched lips. Of course not.
I know the rules. And so, my third and final wish. is for me and Satyavan to be the parents of many, many children.
That's it? You want children? Fine. I'll grant you dozens of children, hundreds even.
Now go home and leave me alone. Yama urged his buffalo on.
They reached the edge of the desert and began their descent into Yama's underground cave. kingdom.
But as they passed through the gates, the god took a quick glance behind him and balked.
What? For there was Princess Savitri, disheveled, ragged and trudging behind him with every last ounce of strength.
Savitri, why do you continue to pursue me?
I have granted all of your wishes. Your father-in-law's eyesight has been restored.
His kingdom has been regained, and you shall be the mother of many children.
But Yama, that's not what I wished for. I wished for me and Satyavan to be the parents of many children.
Yet, here you are, carrying my husband's soul into your subterranean lair.
How could you possibly grant my wish if you don't give back my husband's life?
A look of bewilderment swept over Yama's face.
His fiery red eyes flicked to and fro. But, but, but...
The great god said, no more. Because all at once he realized he had been trapped by Savitri's clever logic.
If Satyavan joined the other lifeless souls in Yama's underground domain, There was no way he could be the father of many children.
Yama scooped up the prince's body and laid it on the ground.
Then he mounted his buffalo and disappeared through the gates.
Savitri fell to her knees and cradled Satchivan's head in her lap.
She caressed his face She stroked his hair, and within moments, his skin turned warm and his eyelids fluttered open.
What happened? Where am I? Savitri planted a kiss on her husband's cheek.
You're with me, my love. And I'm with you, where we were always meant to be.
Now let's go home. Suchavon smiled and rose to his feet.
And then, side by side and hand in hand, He and Savitri walked back to the land of the living. united in a love so powerful, so strong, so persistent not even death could part them.
Hmm. Now it's your turn. Imagine a friend or family member is trying to achieve something and they're struggling to keep at it, how would you encourage them to persist?
What actions would you take? What advice would you give to help them keep going?
Find a grown-up and make a list of all the ways you could encourage someone to persist.
Use your list anytime someone in your life needs encouragement, including yourself.
Woo-hoo! This week's episode, Princess Persistence, was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear.
It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shimilonis.
Eric's featured instrument this week was the sitar.
You can learn more about this stringed instrument that's been a staple of Indian music for centuries And see a photo of Eric playing one on our website, wbur.org slash circleround.
Circle Round's artist is Sabina Han. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for every single Circle Round story and you can print them out and color them in.
Grown Ups, you can find all of our coloring pages at wbur.org slash circleround.
Special thanks to this week's actors, Joe Hernandez, Kiran Kumar, Ryan Schreim, Mike Smith, and Aparna Brielle.
Aparna Brielle starred in the NBC sitcom AP Bio.
You grown-ups can currently see her on season two of the action comedy series FUBAR, now streaming on Netflix.
Looking for more ways to circle around with us and to support public media?
Join the Circle Round Club. To show our thanks for your support, we'll send you ad-free episodes, bonus bedtime stories, Videos about the musical instruments we used and pre-sale tickets to our live shows.
You'll also get exclusive access to other perks, including special totes bags, t-shirts, our lion stuffy, and a personalized birthday message from me, Rebecca Shear.
Sign up for the Circle Round Club today and show your love for public media at wbur.org slash circleround.
Grownups, if you enjoy Circle Round, please tell your friends.
And if you have a moment, please leave us a five-star rating or review on your favorite podcast app.
It helps other listeners find the show so we can make the circle round circle bigger. and keep circling around with you for years to come.
Circle Round is a production of WBUR, Boston's NPR.
I'm Rebecca Shear. Thanks for circling around with us.
Now that you've made it to the end of this Circle Round episode, we want to know...
What's your favorite Circle Round story?
Thousands of fans just like you have been telling us about the Take a listen.
Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours, too.
My name is Luca and I live in Alberta, Canada.
My favorite Circle Round stories are the road trip a feast for your ears and The Nazi and the dough.
This will come out of the store you get for doing the survey.
My favorite part is all of it. The Circle Round Club is amazing.
Love you, Rebecca Shearer. Bye. My name is Emma.
I'm from San Francisco. And my favorite episode of Circle Round is Nilsa and the Troll.
And my favorite part is when Nilsa gets the strawberries from the truck.
My name is Harrison and I live in Ohio and my favorite circle around story is the Flame Keeper because Flame Keeper keeps all of the fire for himself And my favorite element is fire.
My name is Anthony. My favorite stuff around story is the back looks there.
I like the part when Natalia turns the back looks this way.
My name is Auggie and I live in Johnson.
And I like the part where the Garmin Keeper is not.
My name is Bing Moya. I live in Wisconsin.
And my favorite circle round is the flamethrower.
I like the part when the possum gobbles up the berries.
My name is Andreas. I'm from Boston, Massachusetts.
My favorite circle around is the Devil of a Deadline.
My favorite part is when the devil appears.
Hi, my name is Wahi, and I'm from Seattle, Washington.
My favorite story is Grandfather Stone because I like the part when the man talks to the stone.
Did someone mention a story you've missed?
Not to worry. Grownups, you can find all of our Circle Round stories, plus links to the Circle Round Club Picture books, coloring pages, and oh so much more on our website, wbur.org slash circleround.
