Circle Round – Encore: The Fairy Fort
Host: Rebecca Sheir
Release Date: January 6, 2026
Podcast: WBUR’s Circle Round
Episode Overview
This episode revisits the beloved Irish folktale "The Fairy Fort," adapted for listeners young and old. Through the experiences of siblings Muriel and Declan, the story dives into themes of belief, respect for tradition, consequence, and reconciliation, all woven together with magic and music. The episode captures the mischief and magic of fairies while highlighting the importance of respecting boundaries and making amends.
Key Discussion Points & Story Segments
Setting the Scene (00:00–03:08)
- The family: Muriel, her little brother Declan, and their mother live in a yellow farmhouse in the Irish countryside.
- Each family member has morning chores—Muriel milks cows, Declan feeds pigs, Mother gathers eggs.
- Muriel practices her small rosewood harp, while Declan loves exploring outside.
The Fairy Fort Warning (03:08–05:38)
- Declan invites Muriel to pick wild bluebells for their mother.
- Muriel declines but warns Declan:
- Quote: “Can you promise me that you won't pick any bluebells from the fairy fort?” (04:31, Muriel)
- Declan, dismissive, declares he doesn’t believe in fairies:
- Quote: "I know fairies aren't real. They're just a made up idea. They don't actually exist." (05:10, Declan)
- Muriel insists, but Declan ignores her warning and sets out alone.
Declan Breaks the Rule (05:38–07:51)
- In the meadow, Declan finds a circular mound—the fairy fort—overflowing with bluebells.
- He rationalizes that picking a few flowers won’t matter, ignoring Muriel's warning.
- Quote: "Even if the fairy fort were real, which it isn't...There are so many flowers here. The fairies will never notice if I pick a handful or two." (06:30, Declan)
- He brings the bluebells home; Muriel is alarmed upon learning the source.
Trouble at Bedtime & the Fairy’s Revenge (08:05–11:42)
- Muriel warns Declan about fairy revenge—that the fairies will wake up, see the missing bluebells, and retaliate (08:05).
- That night, Declan experiences a stinging sensation whenever he tries to sleep, as if his bed is full of thorns.
- Quote: "I don't know what happened, Sister. All I know is I climbed into bed and felt like it was full of thorns. Like a Blackberry bramble had somehow sprung right out from the mattress." (10:07, Declan)
- No one else feels the thorns. Muriel concludes the fairies must be responsible.
- Quote: "Well, then, I think someone is playing a trick on you. And a rather nasty trick at that." (11:14, Muriel)
Seeking Advice from Mother (11:42–13:18)
- The siblings rush to their mother for help.
- Mother confirms the fairies have cast a spell and only making peace will break it.
- Quote: "The only way to break a fairy spell is to make peace with them. You must do something that will please them." (12:45, Mother)
- Attempts at ideas: returning the bluebells, giving silver coins, or food—all rejected. Mother hints that fairies love music and dancing.
Muriel's Gift to the Fairies (13:18–17:15)
- Muriel realizes her music may be the solution. She ventures at night to the fairy fort, harp in hand.
- At the fairy fort, Muriel is confronted by scowling fairies angry at being disturbed:
- Quote (from the fairies): "You're the one whose brother stole our bluebells... now you've come to disturb our party." (14:37–14:56)
- Chorus: “Get out of here, human person, before we punish you just like we did your brother.” (14:56–15:02)
- Waiting for a break in the fairy music, Muriel bravely plays her harp for the fairies.
- Her music entrances them, turning their anger to delight:
- Quote (from a fairy): "Such beautiful music you play, human person. It's the perfect music for our party." (16:05, Fairy)
- The fairies reward her performance with applause and offer her a wish.
- Muriel’s request: reverse the spell on Declan, nothing more.
- Quote: "All I ask is that you please help my little brother and reverse your spell." (16:45, Muriel)
- The fairies agree—on the condition Muriel returns to play for them again.
Resolution & Moral (17:15–17:25)
- Muriel finds Declan sleeping peacefully—proof the spell is lifted.
- True to her promise, Muriel continues to visit the fairy fort, enriching the fairy parties with her music.
- Lasting lesson: Kindness, respect for others (even mysterious ones), and creative offering can make amends for mistakes.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On disbelief:
- Declan: "I know fairies aren't real. They're just a made up idea." (05:10)
- On consequence:
- Muriel: "Well, something tells me you'll be believing in both those things before long." (08:05)
- Moment of transformation:
- Fairies: "Such beautiful music you play, human person. It's the perfect music for our party." (16:05)
- Forgiveness and promise:
- Muriel: "All I ask is that you please help my little brother and reverse your spell." (16:45)
- Muriel: "I absolutely will come back and play for you. I promise I will. Thank you fairies. Thank you." (17:15)
Activity Segment: Make Your Own Fairy Bells (17:25–18:25)
- Instructions to create fairy bells:
- Find a small stick.
- Thread string or yarn with bells and beads.
- Wrap string around the stick, then hang it outside your window.
- If you hear the bells tinkle, a mischievous fairy might be nearby!
Additional Notes and Featured Elements
- Cast: Taylor Richardson, Alison Wright, and others.
- Featured instrument: The Irish Harp.
- Story adapted by: Rebecca Sheir; original music by Eric Shimolonis.
Listener Favorites Montage (20:47–22:23)
- Young listeners share their favorite Circle Round stories, adding a communal, celebratory close to the episode.
Tone and Language
The tone is playful, gently suspenseful, and warm throughout, reflecting the show's aim to foster curiosity, kindness, and imagination in both children and adults. Characters feel close-knit and authentic, and the fairies are depicted as mischievous but ultimately reasonable.
Takeaway
"The Fairy Fort" is a charming parable about respecting the unknown, correcting one's mistakes, and the remarkable power of offering one's unique gifts in reconciliation. The gentle narration, lively dialogue, and enchanting music make this encore episode a treat for listeners of all ages.