Maushop and the Shark

Summary

Circle Round Podcast Summary: "Moshup and the Shark"

Podcast Information

• Title: Circle Round
• Host/Author: WBUR
• Episode: Moshup and the Shark
• Release Date: March 4, 2025

Introduction

In the engaging episode "Moshup and the Shark," WBUR's Circle Round adapts a Wampanoag folktale to convey important lessons about using one's strengths creatively to overcome challenges. Hosted by Rebecca Scheer, the story introduces listeners to Moshup, a benevolent giant, and the conflicts he faces from his malevolent twin brother, Matadu, and a troublesome shark.

Story Overview

Characters:

• Moshup (Maushop): A kind and helpful giant who resides in the crystal-clear waters of a sparkling bay. He dedicates his life to teaching the local people how to utilize natural resources effectively ([00:08]).

• Matadu: Moshup's twin brother, whose intent is to harm the people by creating diseases, confusion, and fear. He also creates the Shark, a menacing creature disrupting the community's fishing activities ([02:11]).

• Shark: A formidable sea creature with razor-sharp teeth and tough scaly skin, created by Matadu. Unlike modern sharks, this Shark lacks a triangular dorsal fin but is a swift and destructive predator ([02:27]).

• Porpoises: Playful marine mammals that assist Moshup in devising a strategy to deter Shark from stealing the people's fish traps ([09:55]).

Plot Summary:

Moshup lives harmoniously in the bay, providing invaluable assistance to the local community by teaching them various survival skills. His twin brother, Matadu, opposes him by introducing harmful elements and creating Shark to terrorize the fishermen ([00:08] to [03:54]).

Determined to protect the people, Moshup confronts Shark, proposing an agreement that allows the shark to eat abundantly without disrupting the fish traps. Shark, influenced by Matadu, rejects the proposal and continues his destructive behavior, prompting Moshup to take more drastic measures by throwing a spear at him in frustration ([04:00] to [06:47]).

With direct confrontation failing and Matadu unwilling to help, Moshup seeks a creative solution. He enlists the help of porpoises, leveraging their natural strength—playfulness and agility—to distract and exhaust Shark. Through engaging games and relentless play, the porpoises successfully deter Shark, who retreats and ceases his attacks on the fish traps ([09:55] to [15:55]).

Themes and Insights

1. Utilizing Personal Strengths: Moshup emphasizes the importance of recognizing and leveraging individual strengths to address problems effectively. Rather than relying solely on physical might, he highlights the value of creativity and teamwork ([12:20]).

2. Creative Problem-Solving: Facing repeated rejection, Moshup shifts his strategy from confrontation to collaboration. By involving the porpoises and using their playful nature, he finds a non-violent and innovative solution to mitigate Shark's menace ([10:27] to [14:38]).

3. Resilience and Determination: Despite setbacks, including Matadu's opposition and Shark's initial refusal to cooperate, Moshup remains steadfast in his efforts to protect the community. His perseverance ultimately leads to a successful resolution ([05:55] to [07:50]).

Notable Quotes

• Moshup on the People's Appreciation:
  “You may eat as much as you'd like, provided it doesn't come from the People's traps.”
  ([04:00])

• Matadu's Defiance:
  “Look, Mashup, my spectacular new creation may eat whatever he wants, wherever he wants, whenever he wants, and you can't do a thing about it.”
  ([07:30])

• Moshup on Strengths:
  “I'm talking strength as in skill, ability, something you're especially good at. A strong suit.”
  ([12:20])

Conclusion and Activity

Rebecca Scheer concludes the episode by encouraging listeners, especially children, to identify and celebrate their personal strengths. She suggests an activity where children list their strengths using the letters of their names and share them with someone they enjoy spending time with. This exercise aims to foster self-awareness and confidence in utilizing one's abilities effectively ([15:55]).

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with credits and invitations to engage further with the Circle Round community through activities like coloring pages and the Circle Round Club. Listeners are encouraged to share their strengths and participate in the community, reinforcing the episode's themes of collaboration and personal growth.

Final Thoughts

"Moshup and the Shark" beautifully blends folklore with modern lessons, teaching young listeners the significance of recognizing and leveraging their unique strengths. Through Moshup's journey, the story demonstrates that creativity, teamwork, and perseverance are powerful tools in overcoming obstacles and protecting one's community.

Transcript

[Rebecca Scheer]

WBUR Podcasts, Boston.

Think about one of your strengths. Do you have an ear for music? A flair for telling jokes? Perhaps you have a special talent for writing or sports or baking the most delicious cookies ever. We all have special strengths, and as we'll hear in today's story, sometimes they come in handy in the most unexpected ways. I'm Rebecca Scheer, and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time. Today, our story is called Mashup and the Shark. It comes from the Wampanoag, an indigenous tribe in North America who have inhabited present day Massachusetts and eastern Rhode island for more than 12,000 years. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folktale, including Roman Zaragoza, who stars in the CBS hit comedy series Ghosts. So circle around everyone for Mashup and the Shark. Way, way back in time, there lived a kind and helpful giant named Moshup. Moshup made his home in the crystal clear waters of a sparkling bay, and he cared for the people who lived by the bay, showing them how to use the earth's gifts to make what they needed.

[Moshup]

My dear people, see how you can cut and sew deerskin to make clothing, how you can hollow out trees to make canoes. You can build houses from saplings and bark, vines and reeds. And you can use stones and wood sticks to make fish traps so you can catch and eat fish from the bay.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Moshup was all about helping the people. But Moshup had a twin brother who was all about harming them. His name was Matadu, and he made it his business to bring dangerous things to the earth. Treacherous things like disease.

[Moshup]

Yes. I shall create illnesses and ailments to make the people sick and weak. I shall create confusion to muddle and mix up their minds. And I shall create fear to unsettle and unnerve their hearts.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Among Matadu's other creations was a creature that dwelled in the sea. A big sneaky fish with razor sharp teeth and tough scaly skin, whom Matadu named Shark. Now, unlike modern day sharks, this shark didn't have a triangle shaped dorsal fin on its back. Still, Shark was a strong, swift swimmer who loved feasting on the other creatures of the sea. A swift especially the fish in the people's traps. He would swim into the bay, whiz over to a trap teeming with fish, then use his pointy teeth to tear it apart and swallow the bounty inside. The people did not like this one bit. Nor did their benevolent helper, Mashup.

[Moshup]

Oh dear, it sounds like my brutish brother has created a cold blooded bully. I think it's time Shark and I had a little chat. Perhaps I can talk some sense into him.

[Rebecca Scheer]

So Moshup went to the shore and called out, shark.

[Moshup]

Shark. I'd like a word with you, please.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Within moments, Moshup saw Shark's body skimming through the water. The creature paused, then stuck his head above the surface and fixed Mashup with a scornful sneer.

[Moshup]

Well, well, well. Look who it is. It's my brilliant creator's goody goody brother Mashup. Always going out of his way to help the people and save the people. Yes, Shark, that's exactly what I do. And that is why I am here. The People are in trouble because of little old me? No, because of big old you and your big old appetite. Listen, Shark, the people appreciate that an immense animal like you needs to eat. But they do not appreciate you tearing up their traps and gobbling up their fish. So could we please make an agreement? You may eat as much as you'd like, provided it doesn't come from the People's traps.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Shark gave Moshup a long, hard look. Hmm.

[Moshup]

That's a fascinating proposition you make, Moshup. You've given me a lot to chew on. But you know what? I'd rather chew on something else. Like the Peoples fish. So goodbye, Mashup. See you around.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Mashup's face was grim as he watched Shark dart away.

[Moshup]

Boy, oh boy, that did not go as I hoped. I'll try again tomorrow.

[Rebecca Scheer]

So he did. But after he made his impassioned plea.

[Moshup]

Will you please stay away from the People's fish?

[Rebecca Scheer]

Shark made another hasty retreat, turning his finless back on Moshup and swimming off.

[Moshup]

Toodaloo. Mashup.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The same thing happened the next day.

[Moshup]

Ta ta.

[Rebecca Scheer]

And the next.

[Moshup]

Byee.

[Rebecca Scheer]

And soon Mashup was so sick and tired of Shark blowing him off.

[Moshup]

See ya. Wouldn't want to be a that.

[Rebecca Scheer]

He reached for his spear, held it up high, then hurled it in Shark's direction. The pointy weapon sailed through the air before landing right in the middle of Shark's smooth back. Moshup could see the spear's triangular blade sticking out of the water as Shark swam away.

[Moshup]

Well, at least now the people will see Shark coming by the blade that sticks up and cuts through the waves. But that doesn't exactly solve their problem. I must figure this out. I must.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Moshup put his mind to work, pondering his options. He only came up with one.

[Moshup]

I was hoping it wouldn't come to this, but I'll go and talk with my twin brother. While I doubt he will take pity on the people, perhaps we can reach an understanding.

[Rebecca Scheer]

But the moment Matadu heard Moshup's plea. Psst.

[Moshup]

Are you kidding me?

[Rebecca Scheer]

He gave his twin the brush off.

[Moshup]

Look, Mashup, my spectacular new creation may eat whatever he wants, wherever he wants, whenever he wants, and you can't do a thing about it.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Moshup was at the end of his rope. He knew he must find a way to help the people. And as we'll soon hear, he did, by thinking outside the box and under the sea. How will Moshop solve the people's problem? What would you do if you were Mashup? We'll find out what happens after a quick break.

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I'm Rebecca Scheer. Welcome back to Circle Round. Today, our story is called Moshup and the Shark. Before the break, Moshup's twin brother created Shark, a menacing creature that kept stealing fish from the people's traps. The people asked Moshup for help. The benevolent giant tried reasoning with shark and his twin brother, but it was to no avail. So Mashup put on his thinking cap. He sat on the shore staring at the sea, hoping for a burst of inspiration. And within moments, he got one. Or rather, he got three.

[Moshup]

Last one to the shore is a rotten squid.

[Rebecca Scheer]

You are going down, buddy.

[Moshup]

You'll never beat us.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Mushup smiled as a trio of porpoises swam into the shallow waters of the shore. Porpoises are marine mammals, like their cousins, the dolphins. But porpoises heads are shorter and rounder, and their bodies are smaller and thicker.

[Moshup]

Mated. Looks like both of you are rotten squids. So which game should we play next?

[Shark]

I don't know.

[Rebecca Scheer]

How about hide and seek?

[Shark]

Or follow the leader?

[Moshup]

Or freeze tag? Or Simon says? Or how about you play jump the shark?

[Rebecca Scheer]

The porpoises were so busy Brainstorming games. They hadn't noticed the gentle giant on the shore.

[Moshup]

Oh, hi, Marshop.

[Rebecca Scheer]

What is Jump the Shark?

[Moshup]

We've never heard of that game.

[Rebecca Scheer]

And you know us, we spend all day playing games.

[Moshup]

We're some of the most playful creatures in the sea. I know you are, but Jump the Shark is a new game. Actually, I've just invented it. A new game?

[Rebecca Scheer]

Cool.

[Moshup]

How do you play? Well, to win this game, you need to do one thing. You must get Shark to stop eating the People's fish.

[Rebecca Scheer]

If you've ever seen a porpoise, then you know they have kind of a smile on their face, right? Well, when these porpoises heard Moshop's idea, their smiles vanished.

[Moshup]

Nobody messes with Shark Moshop.

[Rebecca Scheer]

That fish is so mean and nasty, he won't listen to anybody.

[Moshup]

And have you seen his teeth? Those jumpers could tear us apart nose to tail. There is no way we could fight him. But I'm not asking you to fight him. I'm asking you to persuade him to leave the People's Fish alone by using your strength. Using our strength?

[Rebecca Scheer]

But Shark is bigger than we are.

[Moshup]

And faster.

[Rebecca Scheer]

And again. Those teeth.

[Moshup]

I'm not talking about strength as in force or heft or even teeth. I'm talking strength as in skill, ability, something you're especially good at. A strong suit. And as porpoises, what might your strong suit be? What do you do best? Well, like we said before, we love playing games.

[Rebecca Scheer]

So what we do best is have fun.

[Moshup]

Yeah. We are experts in playing and having fun. Then use that strength to your advantage and convince that shark to leave the fish traps alone and find his meal somewhere else.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The next time Shark came skulking into the bay, the porpoises were ready. The moment he made a beeline for the fish traps, the porpoises made a beeline for him.

[Moshup]

Hiya, Shark.

[Shark]

Wanna play?

[Moshup]

Yeah, let's play.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Before Shark knew what was happening, the porpoises were circling around him, leaping in and out of the water and laughing with glee.

[Moshup]

Get away from me, you clowns. Can't you see I'm busy? Leave me alone. But we don't want to leave you alone.

[Rebecca Scheer]

We want you to play with us.

[Moshup]

Yeah, Shark, play with us.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The porpoises circled faster. Play with us and faster. Play with us and faster.

[Moshup]

Play with us.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Until Shark was downright dizzy.

[Moshup]

How many times do I have to tell you? I don't want to play. I want to eat. Now beat it.

[Rebecca Scheer]

But the porpoises did not beat it. Instead, they took turns Rushing at shark, here I come. Leaping over his body.

[Shark]

Here I go.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Then splashing into the water on the other side.

[Moshup]

There I went.

[Rebecca Scheer]

From there, they dove down and swam beneath him, using their dorsal fins to tickle his belly as they passed.

[Moshup]

Stop that. I'm telling you, get away.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Well, as you can very well guess, the porpoises did not get away. They kept leaping and splashing and tickling until Shark couldn't take it anymore. He plunged under the water far below the frisky, fun loving porpoises and swam as fast as he could to the deepest, farthest part of the sea. The porpoises were smiling wider than usual as they watched him go.

[Moshup]

Maybe he wants us to chase him.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Like tag or follow him like follow.

[Moshup]

The leader or seek him like hide and go seek. Or he wants you to leave him alone since your strong suit definitely is not his.

[Rebecca Scheer]

The porpoises gazed at Mashup who had come wading into the water.

[Moshup]

I was watching everything from the shore. My friends, you did an excellent job. You scared Shark off with your fun. Speaking of which, these long legs of mine have been known to run really fast. Last one to the sandbar is a rotten herring.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Thanks to the fun loving porpoises. Mean old Shark thought twice before returning to the bay and snatching the people's fish. In fact, it's been said that even now, if you head to the sea and you see porpoises playing offshore, chances are good that Shark won't be coming by anytime soon. Because as far as he's concerned, when it comes to fun and games, it's basically game over. Now it's your turn. What are some of your strong suits? Find a piece of paper and down the left hand side, write your name one letter below the next. Now use those letters as the starting point to list your strengths. So if your name is Cal, C might stand for creativity. A might stand for always willing to try hard and l could stand for loving or leader or learning new things is my jam. Share your strong suits with someone you have fun with. And if you'd like, share them with us. Have a grown up snap a photo of you and your strengths and send it to circleroundbur.org with your permission, we may feature you in the Lion's Roar, the monthly newsletter of the Circle Round Club. More on this super fun club for superfans like you in just a moment. But first, this week's episode, Moshup and the Shark was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shyamalonis. Eric's featured instrument this week was the acoustic guitar. You can learn more about this popular string instrument whose earliest versions date back over 3,000 years, and see a photo of Eric playing one on our website WBUR.org CircleRound. Circle Round's artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for every Circle Round story 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 actors Theodor Chin Zeki, Hamid, Joe Hernandez, Anthony Palmini, Jessica Rao and Roman Zaragoza, who stars as Sosatis in the hit CBS comedy Ghosts. Love Circle Round and want to Circle Round with us in even more ways? Join the Circle Round Club and get ad free episodes, bonus bedtime stories, music education videos, super fun swag, a monthly newsletter and early access to our live events. You can also add cool perks like our snuggly Circle Round lion and a personalized birthday message from me. Sign up today and support the public radio podcast you [e-mail] circlearound and grown ups. If you have a moment, please leave us a five star rating or review on whatever podcast app you're using right now. It helps other listeners find the show so we can make the Circle Round circle even 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.

[Shark]

My name's Saoirse and I live in England. And my favorite story is Fiona and the Fairies. My favorite part is when she says that they have to bring her a pot. My name is Rachel and I'm from Texas. And my favorite Circle Round story is the magic horn, the magic hat and the coin purse. Hi, my name is Abby. I live in Potomac, Maryland. And my favorite story is a biscuit basket and a basket. My favorite part is when the girl helps the tiger out of the hunting net. My name's Jude from Idaho Falls and my favorite story is Granny Snowstorm. My favorite part is when they snake like the mattress. Hi, my name is Sienna. I live in Los Angeles, California. California. My favorite Circle Round is the Basilisk is the part where the basilisk looks in its own red eyes and turns into stone. My name is Ky Rae and I live in Tennessee. My favorite suck around story is Amos and the Ogre. My favorite part is when the ogre says ready, get your butt kicked. And Amos says if compete is what you mean. My name is Dofu. I live in Tennessee. My favorite story is the three legged part and my favorite part is when the three legged parts skip the skip to the North Pole.

[Rebecca Scheer]

Did someone mention a story you've missed? Not to worry, grown ups. You can find all of our Circle Rounds stories, plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages, and oh so much more on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound.