In the Wolf’s Mouth

Summary

Circle Round Podcast Summary

Episode Title: In the Wolf’s Mouth
Host/Author: WBUR’s Rebecca Shear
Release Date: November 5, 2024

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Introduction

Circle Round, a beloved WBUR podcast crafted by parents for children aged 3-103, delves into folktales from around the globe, transforming them into captivating radio plays enriched with sound and music. Hosted by Rebecca Shear, each 15 to 25-minute episode explores vital themes such as kindness, persistence, and generosity, concluding with an activity to spark meaningful conversations between children and adults.

In the episode titled "In the Wolf’s Mouth," released on November 5, 2024, Rebecca Shear presents a retelling inspired by Portuguese folktales. The episode features the exceptional voice talents of Jennifer Hale, renowned for her work in numerous animated series and holding the Guinness World Record for the most prolific female video game voice actor.

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Story Overview

Wolf’s Arrogance and Bullying

The narrative introduces Wolf, the forest's mightiest and most formidable creature. Her dominance is not just physical; she exudes beauty, intelligence, and an unshakable sense of self-importance. At [00:35], Rebecca Shear sets the stage:

"In today's story, we'll meet a character who actually does go into the mouth of a wolf, and she uses everything she has to stay protected and lucky."
— Rebecca Shear [01:12]

As Wolf parades through the lush forest, she constantly boasts about her prowess and intimidates other animals into servitude:

"Wait, let me guess. You're talking about me, right? Surely you're talking about me."
— Wolf [02:46]

Wolf’s Bullying Tactics:

• Pheasant is forced to fan Wolf with her wings to cool her down under threat of being snatched with her fangs ([03:56]).
• Rabbit is commanded to fetch fish with the implied threat of being eaten ([04:03]).
• Mouse is ordered to comb her matted fur or face Gobbling ([04:12]).

These interactions are marked by Wolf's relentless boasting and coercion, instilling fear among the forest's smaller inhabitants.

Animals’ Fear and Suppression

Despite their disdain for Wolf's tyrannical behavior, Pheasant, Rabbit, and Mouse remain silent, too intimidated to challenge Wolf. Rebecca narrates:

"As you can imagine, Pheasant, rabbit and mouse didn't like this treatment one bit. But they never spoke up for themselves, lest wolf devour them with her razor sharp teeth."
— Rebecca Shear [04:21]

Owl’s Intervention and Cleverness

Introducing the Wise Owl

Amid the fear, one animal, Owl, decides to confront Wolf. The story takes a pivotal turn when Owl devises a plan to outsmart the bully. At [07:30], Wolf attempts to boast about her superiority:

"Unlike Wolf, with her bossy pants ways, I'm the biggest, I'm the strongest."
— Wolf [07:30]

However, Owl remains calm and thoughtful, exhibiting the wisdom characteristic of owls in folktales.

The Confrontation

One evening, Wolf encounters Mouse, Rabbit, and Pheasant sequentially, continuing her pattern of intimidation and demands. The tension peaks when Wolf meets Owl:

"Greetings, Wolf. I hope I didn't disturb you. Please don't eat me."
— Wolf [10:38]

Instead of succumbing to fear, Owl engages Wolf in a clever dialogue, flattering and subtly challenging her:

"Because surely you know, Wolf, that an owl like me isn't easy to capture. We don't fly fast, but we fly silently. We're stealthy, so nobody ever hears us coming. Nobody but you, that is."
— Wolf [11:58]

Owl leverages this conversation to sow doubt and distract Wolf. As Wolf becomes engrossed in her own reflection of superiority, Owl seizes the moment to escape, leading to Wolf’s embarrassment as the other animals witness her outsmarted by Owl.

"Guess you'll have to show off your prize some other time, Wolf. And you'll have to find some other meal worthy of you to eat. Like, say, humble pie. Or perhaps you can just eat crow. Oh, I am a hoot."
— Wolf [13:13]

Conclusion and Moral Lessons

Wolf’s Realization: The encounter with Owl serves as a transformative moment for Wolf. She learns that true power lies not just in physical strength but in intelligence and humility.

"Because at long last, she finally understood that even more powerful than a big, strong body is a big, strong mind."
— Rebecca Shear [13:34]

Moral Lessons: Rebecca Shear encapsulates the episode's lessons by encouraging listeners to approach problems methodically:

1. Identify the Problem: Understand what you’re facing.
2. Brainstorm Solutions: Think creatively, no matter how unconventional.
3. Evaluate Options: Weigh the pros and cons of each potential solution.
4. Take Action: Choose the best solution and persist, using perseverance over sheer force.

She quotes Albert Einstein to inspire resilience:

"It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer."
— Albert Einstein (as referenced by Rebecca Shear)

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Additional Highlights

• Voice Acting: Jennifer Hale brings all characters to life with a single, versatile performance, showcasing her exceptional talent.

  "Jennifer Hale has lent her voice to hundreds of animated shows including X Men 97, the Last Airbender, Star the Clone Wars, Star the Bad Batch and Unicorn Academy."
  — Rebecca Shear [16:00]

• Musical Elements: Eric Shimalonis contributes original music and sound design, including the enchanting tones of the Portuguese guitar, adding depth to the storytelling.

• Interactive Elements: At the end of the episode, listeners are encouraged to engage with coloring pages and other activities available on the Circle Round website.

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Engaging the Audience

Circle Round fosters a community of listeners by featuring favorite stories shared by fans from various locations, highlighting the universal appeal and diverse interpretations of their tales.

"Thousands of fans just like you have been telling us about the Circle Round stories they like best."
— Rebecca Shear [16:57]

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Final Thoughts

"In the Wolf’s Mouth" is a compelling episode that not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons about courage, intelligence, and the importance of using one's mind to overcome challenges. Through rich storytelling, dynamic voice acting, and thoughtful themes, Circle Round continues to be a cherished resource for families seeking meaningful and engaging content.

For more stories, activities, and to join the Circle Round community, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound.

Transcript

[Advertiser]

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[Rebecca Shear]

Hi. Rebecca Shear here with some really Fun News. On February 8th, Circle Round LIVE is coming to Symphony hall in Boston and you're invited join us for a live recording of two new episodes featuring me, composer Eric Shyamalonis, plus Boston Symphony Orchestra players and a star studded cast. Get your tickets [e-mail] CircleRound.

[Wolf]

WBUR podcasts Boston.

[Rebecca Shear]

There's an old Italian saying in Boca Al Lupo. Translated, it means in the wolf's mouth. And it's meant to be a wish for protection and luck by being safe in the mouth of a wolf. In today's story, we'll meet a character who actually does go into the mouth of a wolf, and she uses everything she has to stay protected and lucky. I'm Rebecca Shear, and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time. Today, our story is called in the Wolf's Mouth. It's inspired by tales told in the southern European country of Portugal. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folktale, including Jennifer Hale. Jennifer has lent her voice to hundreds of animated shows, including X Men 97, the Last Airbender Star, the Clone Wars Star, the Bad Batch, and Unicorn Academy. She also holds the Guinness World Record for most prolific female video game voice actor. So circle around everyone for in the Wolf's Mouth. Of all the animals who lived in the lush and leafy forest, the biggest and strongest of all was by far.

[Wolf]

Wait, let me guess. You're talking about me, right? Surely you're talking about me.

[Rebecca Shear]

I'm about to get to that. The biggest and strongest of all was by far. Wolf.

[Wolf]

See, I told you it was me. But why stop at biggest and strongest? I am also the loveliest, the smartest, the humblest. What did you say?

[Rebecca Shear]

Nothing. Nothing. But listen, Wolf, we have a lot of material to cover, so can we please continue with the story?

[Wolf]

Only if I get to be the main character.

[Rebecca Shear]

You absolutely do.

[Wolf]

Very well then. Carry on.

[Rebecca Shear]

Thank you. Now, Wolf wasn't just big and strong.

[Wolf]

And lovely and smart.

[Rebecca Shear]

Wolf.

[Wolf]

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

[Rebecca Shear]

She was also, as you may have gathered, proud. She was constantly parading and preening through the forest as she carried on about how magnificent she was. But wolf wasn't just a braggart, she was also a bully, always bossing the other animals around.

[Wolf]

Pheasant, I'm hot. Fan me with your wings or I'll snatch you with my fangs.

[Pheasant]

Of course, Wolf will do.

[Wolf]

Wolf, Rabbit, go and fetch me some fish to eat before I eat you.

[Pheasant]

You betcha, Wolf. Absolutely.

[Owl]

Wolf.

[Wolf]

And Mouse, my fur is matted. Comb it out or I'll gobble you up.

[Pheasant]

Sure thing, Wolf. Whatever you say, Wolf.

[Rebecca Shear]

As you can imagine, Pheasant, rabbit and mouse didn't like this treatment one bit. But they never spoke up for themselves, lest wolf devour them with her razor sharp teeth.

[Wolf]

Actually, my real power lies in my jaws. Just one bite and I could easily tear through skin, muscle and bone.

[Rebecca Shear]

That is impressive, Wol. And scary.

[Wolf]

Thank you.

[Rebecca Shear]

But listen, we're getting a little off track, so why don't you go off and admire yourself in a mirror or something until we're ready for you.

[Wolf]

Oh, that is an excellent idea. I'll be back in two shakes of a wolf's tail. And what a gorgeous tail it is. Oh, look at that thing. I mean, the fluff alone, that could kill on its own.

[Rebecca Shear]

Okay, so where were we?

[Wolf]

Pheasant, Rabbit and mouse never spoke up for themselves, lest I devour them with my razor sharp teeth.

[Rebecca Shear]

Thank you, Wolf. You can go now. So anyway, basically, Pheasant, rabbit and mouse lived in constant fear of wolf. But there was one animal in the forest who eventually decided that enough was enough. The way she saw it, it was time to make a change and take matters into her own hands. Or more accurately, her talons. Who do you think has the guts to stand up to Wolf? And how will she do it? We'll find out after a quick break. If you're a Circle Round superfan, we've got a super fun opportunity for you. Join the Circle Round Club and you'll support our public radio podcast. And as this happy member raves, get cool stuff too.

[Owl]

My grandfather bought me a Circle Round membership last Christmas. I really like it because we get a stuffed lion and a reusable bag, which we use all the time for library books. I also enjoy the birthday message from Rebecca Shear.

[Rebecca Shear]

Grownups, sign up your superfan [e-mail] CircleRoundClub I'm Rebecca Shear. Welcome back to Circle Round. Today, our story is called in the Wolf's Mouth. Before the break, the smaller animals in the forest were afraid to stand up to Bossy big headed Wolf. Well, all but one Owl.

[Wolf]

Did someone say my name? Actually, that was a rhetorical question. I know you said my name. My hearing is so sharp, I can hear sounds up to 10 miles away.

[Rebecca Shear]

That is amazing.

[Wolf]

Perhaps, but I don't feel the need to brag about it. Unlike Wolf, with her bossy pants ways, I'm the biggest, I'm the strongest.

[Rebecca Shear]

Don't forget loveliest and smartest.

[Wolf]

Oh, I wish I could. But listen, owls are known for being wise, right?

[Rebecca Shear]

That's been the case with many of the stories we've told on this podcast.

[Wolf]

And thus far, I have thought it wise to steer clear of Wolf, keep my head down. But not any longer.

[Rebecca Shear]

Do you have a plan? Because the wise owls in these stories always come up with some kind of plan.

[Wolf]

I don't have one just yet. Do you mind if I fly off and concoct a scheme for how to cut that bully down a notch? Owls are solitary creatures and we do our best thinking alone.

[Rebecca Shear]

That's absolutely fine. And besides, Wolf is about to re enter the story.

[Wolf]

Oh, is it time for me to come back now?

[Rebecca Shear]

It sure is, Owl. You'd better beat it.

[Wolf]

Indeed. Toodle oo.

[Rebecca Shear]

So one evening, Wolf was walking through.

[Wolf]

The forest, parading and preening. You mean. It's one of my favorite talents.

[Rebecca Shear]

Yes. She was parading and preening through the forest, when who should she stumble upon but Mouse?

[Pheasant]

Hi, Wolf. I'm not standing in your way. Please don't eat me.

[Rebecca Shear]

Eat you? Wolf rolled her eyes.

[Wolf]

Believe me, Mouse, I can certainly find someone more worthy of my splendiferous stomach than a measly mouse. Now scram.

[Pheasant]

Sure thing, Wolf. Whatever you say, Wolf.

[Rebecca Shear]

As Mouse scurried away, Wolf sauntered on her nose stuck high in the air. Before long, she came upon Rabbit.

[Pheasant]

Hey there, Wolf.

[Wolf]

Didn't mean to block your path.

[Pheasant]

Please, please don't eat me.

[Wolf]

Eat you?

[Rebecca Shear]

Wolf shook her head.

[Wolf]

Believe me, Rabbit, I can certainly find a creature more worthy of me to eat than a runty rabbit. Now skedaddle.

[Pheasant]

You betcha, Wolf. Absolutely, Wolf.

[Rebecca Shear]

As Rabbit hopped away, Wolf strolled on her head held high. After a little while, she encountered Pheasant.

[Pheasant]

Greetings, Wolf. What a pleasure to see you. Please don't eat me.

[Rebecca Shear]

Eat you? Wolf flicked her ears.

[Wolf]

Believe me, Pheasant, I can certainly find a creature more worthy of me to.

[Rebecca Shear]

Eat than a feeble pheasant.

[Wolf]

Now shoo.

[Pheasant]

Of course, Wolf will do, Wolf.

[Rebecca Shear]

As Pheasant winged away, Wolf swaggered on, a smug step, smile on her face.

[Wolf]

Oh, I truly am the biggest and strongest, the loveliest and smartest. Why, I am the most extraordinary creature who ever.

[Rebecca Shear]

Wolf was interrupted by a hooting sound coming from a nearby tree. Ever so quietly, she stalked toward it. And there, perched on a low branch, was Owl.

[Wolf]

Greetings, Wolf. I hope I didn't disturb you. Please don't eat me.

[Rebecca Shear]

Wolf paused. She rarely saw Owl in the flesh. As she gazed upon the plump, stout bird, she decided that this. This was a creature worthy of her to eat. Wolf crouched down low. Then she let out a growl, sprang into the air and seized Owl in her mighty jaws. Owl tried to remain calm. This was all part of her plan, after all. So despite her racing heart, she sought to gather her wits.

[Wolf]

Oh, Wolf, you have caught me. May I make a feast worthy of such a great creature as you?

[Rebecca Shear]

Just as Owl had hoped, Wolf was pleased by the compliment. Instead of swallowing Owl into her belly, she held off in hopes of hearing more pretty words in her ears.

[Wolf]

Go on. I'd be happy to go on. Because surely you know, Wolf, that an owl like me isn't easy to capture. We don't fly fast, but we fly silently. We're stealthy, so nobody ever hears us coming. Nobody but you, that is.

[Rebecca Shear]

Again, Wolf held off on chomping down.

[Wolf]

Tell me more. Of course I'll tell you more. But the way I see it, what good is a compliment if no one else is around to hear it? So if I were you, I would call out to the other animals so you can show them what a precious prize you've got. Then they, too, will realize that you truly are the most amazing of all creatures. And the biggest. And the biggest. And strongest. And the strongest. And the loveliest. And the loveliest. And the smartest. And the smartest. Well, in that case.

[Rebecca Shear]

Wolf took a breath, then opened her mouth wide. But as soon as she did. Toodaloo. Owl broke free and launched herself toward the sky. And at that very moment, the other animals happened to emerge from behind the trees. They had seen everything. And Wolf was mightily embarrassed for being mightily outsmarted by Owl.

[Wolf]

Guess you'll have to show off your prize some other time, Wolf. And you'll have to find some other meal worthy of you to eat. Like, say, humble pie. Or perhaps you can just eat crow. Oh, I am a hoot.

[Rebecca Shear]

Well, I'm happy to say that Wolf learned a lot that fateful day. She still prided herself on being the biggest and strongest, but only physically. Because at long last, she finally understood that even more powerful than a big, strong body is a big, strong mind. Now it's your turn. Next time you encounter a problem, you can use your big strong mind to figure it out by asking yourself four questions. 1. What is the problem I'm facing? 2. What are some creative ways I could solve it, no matter how wacky or wild? 3. What are the advantages and disadvantages or pros and cons of each solution? 4. Given those pros and cons, which solution should I try first? And hey, if you try a solution and your problem still isn't fixed, no worries. Try another solution on your list. And don't give up. To quote the famous scientist Albert Einstein, it's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer. This week's episode in the Wolf's Mouth was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shimalonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for all 260 Plus Circle Round stories and you can print them out and color them in grown ups. Visit our website WBUR.org CircleRound and click on coloring pages. Special thanks to this week's actor. That's right, all those characters you just met were voiced by a single person, the one and only Jennifer Hale. Jennifer Hale has lent her voice to hundreds of animated shows including X Men 97, the Last Airbender, Star the Clone Wars, Star the Bad Batch and Unicorn Academy. She holds the Guinness World Record for most prolific female video game voice actor and she starred in another Circle Round episode. You may know and enjoy donkey business. You can find that story on our website WBUR.org CircleRound or wherever you're listening right now. Our featured instrument this week was the Portuguese guitar. You can learn more about this plucked string instrument with 12 steel strings and see a photo of Eric Shyamalanis playing one on our website. Again, that's WBUR.org CircleRound Grown Ups if you enjoy Circle Round, please leave us a five star review on your favorite podcast app. It helps other listeners find the show so we can make the Circle Round circle even better. Bigger Circle Round is a production of wbur, Boston's NPR News station. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Thanks for circling Round 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 Circle Round stories they like best. Take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours too.

[Owl]

I'm Juniper from Vancouver, Washington. My favorite circle round story is Far from the Other side of the World. My favorite part is when the spider fringe fire back from the other side of the world. My name is Valkyrie and I live in Kansas City in My favorite circle around star story is the Forest Folk and I like the part whenever they take the cake. My name is Anna, I live in California. My favorite turquoise story is the one where the warming forgets her walking stick. My favorite part is when the Messiah gives it back. Hi, my name is Evie, I live in California and my favorite episode is Stella and the Dragon. I like the part when the dragon gives Stella all the gold and Stella brings the gold to her family. Hi, my name is Haze, I live in Gold Canyon, Arizona. My favorite circle around is the Crystal Story Box. I like the part where Anansi grabs the python. My name is Reiko, I live in Montana St. Ignatius. My favorite circle round story is the Basilisk's Stair and my favorite part is when the Basilisk goes er er er er. My name is Alias and I'm from Detroit, Michigan. My favorite story is the 96. My favorite part is Wind Bird Ball Rose up his eyes. We love you Rebecca Shear.

[Rebecca Shear]

Did someone mention a story you've missed? Not to worry grown ups. 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 CircleRound.