One Good Turn

Summary

Circle Round Podcast Episode Summary: "One Good Turn"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Circle Round
• Host/Author: WBUR
• Episode: One Good Turn
• Release Date: April 8, 2025

Overview: In the "One Good Turn" episode of Circle Round, WBUR brings to life a universally cherished folktale that explores the complexities of kindness, gratitude, and betrayal. Adapted from various global traditions spanning continents from Asia to Europe and Africa, this episode weaves a rich narrative that resonates with listeners of all ages. The story delves into the age-old adage, "one good turn deserves another," illustrating how intentions can falter and consequences can unfold when trust is broken.

Narrative Summary:

Introduction to Characters and Setting The episode opens with the cheerful voice of Rebecca Shear introducing the tale. The protagonist, Rabbit, is enjoying a serene spring morning, relishing the lush grass and vibrant clover.

• Rabbit’s Contentment:
  [01:48]
  Rabbit: "What a beautiful morning. And is it just me, or is the clover especially delectable today? Not to mention the dandelion greens."

Rabbit’s peaceful grazing is abruptly interrupted by a distressed call for help.

The Plea for Assistance A voice cries out from the bushes, capturing Rabbit’s attention.

• Snake’s Distress:
  [02:08]
  Snake: "Help me. Somebody help me."

Despite Rabbit’s natural instincts and fear of Snake—a known predator of rabbits—her compassionate heart takes over.

• Rabbit’s Decision:
  [03:33]
  Rabbit: "Snake, it's me, Rabbit. I promise I will get you out if you promise not to eat me. Do we have a deal?"

Snake agrees, and Rabbit exerts all her strength to move the heavy rock trapping him.

The Broken Promise Once freed, Snake immediately reveals his true intentions, betraying Rabbit’s trust.

• Snake’s Betrayal:
  [04:14]
  Snake: "Hello, Rabbits. Would you believe I've been stuck under that rock all week?"

• Rabbit’s Realization:
  [05:03]
  Rabbit: "Wait a minute. That mouth watering meal you're referring to isn't me, is it? After all, you made a promise."

Snake feigns forgetfulness but ultimately confronts Rabbit with his predatory nature, despite the promise.

• Snake’s Justification:
  [05:55]
  Snake: "I have. But I've also heard the expression, it's a dog eat dog world. Every creature for themselves. Though in this case, I suppose it's not so much a dog eat dog world as a snake eat rabbit world."

The Chase and the Obstacle Rabbit attempts to flee from Snake’s impending threat but encounters a physical barrier in the form of a tangled vine, slowing her down.

• Rabbit’s Plea:
  [06:56]
  Rabbit: "Please, Snake, have mercy."

As Snake inches closer to capturing Rabbit, the tension mounts, leading to a suspenseful cliffhanger just before the commercial break.

Introduction of Fox: The Wise Mediator After the brief intermission, the story resumes with the introduction of Fox, the wisest and cleverest animal in the forest, who becomes the key to resolving the escalating conflict.

• Fox’s Intervention:
  [08:47]
  Fox: "What is going on here? But Fox, I was trying to take a nap just now. Okay, Owl left behind this super snuggly nest, and it is cozy beyond belief. But how am I supposed to get any shut eye when you two are carrying on like this?"

Rabbit explains the predicament to Fox, who agrees to help mediate the dispute between Rabbit and Snake.

• Rabbit’s Explanation:
  [09:19]
  Rabbit: "Hiya, Fox. Apologies for the commotion, but see, Snake and I are having a quarrel and it's a matter of life and death."

Reenacting the Scene Fox decides to investigate by reenacting the scene to uncover the truth behind Snake’s intentions.

• Fox’s Observation:
  [12:13]
  Fox: "Like I can't move a muscle. Like I can't breathe any air. Like the life is being mashed out of me."

Through this meticulous reenactment, Fox discerns that the initial rescue was not as straightforward as Rabbit claimed. The positioning of Snake’s tail suggests that Rabbit may have exaggerated her role in freeing him.

• Fox’s Conclusion:
  [13:14]
  Fox: "Squashed? Yes. In that case, my work here is done. And next time, I hope you'll think twice before going back on your word, Snake. Because one good turn does deserve another. And Rabbit deserves a far better turn than the one she got."

Resolution and Moral With Fox’s wisdom, Snake is left literally and figuratively caught between his promises and his nature. Fox’s intervention highlights the importance of honesty, the repercussions of betrayal, and the true essence of reciprocity.

Notable Quotes:

• Rabbit on Compassion vs. Survival Instinct:
  [03:07]
  Rabbit: "Uncharitable? Last I checked, you're the one who wants to reward kindness with evil by eating the one who saved you. Haven't you heard the expression, one good turn deserves another?"

• Snake on Self-Preservation:
  [05:55]
  Snake: "I have. But I've also heard the expression, it's a dog eat dog world. Every creature for themselves."

• Fox on Accountability:
  [13:14]
  Fox: "Next time, I hope you'll think twice before going back on your word, Snake. Because one good turn does deserve another. And Rabbit deserves a far better turn than the one she got."

Key Themes and Insights:

1. The Duality of Kindness and Self-Interest: The episode juxtaposes Rabbit's innate kindness against Snake's self-serving instincts, raising questions about the limits and expectations of altruism.

2. Trust and Betrayal: Rabbit's act of saving Snake is a testament to trust, which is swiftly undermined by Snake’s betrayal, serving as a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of others’ intentions.

3. Wisdom and Mediation: Fox embodies wisdom and neutrality, demonstrating the role of a mediator in resolving conflicts and uncovering truths that might otherwise remain hidden.

4. Consequences of Broken Promises: Snake’s failure to honor his promise to Rabbit leads to his own predicament, illustrating that deceit and betrayal can have unintended repercussions.

Conclusion: "One Good Turn" serves as a multifaceted narrative that not only entertains but also imparts valuable life lessons about empathy, the consequences of our actions, and the importance of keeping one's word. Through the engaging characters of Rabbit, Snake, and Fox, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own interactions and the weight of their deeds in the lives of others.

Activity Prompt: At the episode’s conclusion, listeners are invited to engage in a reflective activity:

• Create a Two-Sided Drawing:
  • Side One: Illustrate a "good turn" you’ve done for someone.
  • Side Two: Draw the positive response you received.
• Share Your Artwork:
  • Show it to someone you enjoy spending time with.
  • With permission, submit a photo of your drawing to [e-mail] for a chance to be featured in the Lion's Roar newsletter.

This activity encourages children and adults alike to think about reciprocal kindness and the impact of their actions on others.

Credits:

• Adaptation and Hosting: Rebecca Shear
• Editing: Dean Russell
• Music and Sound Design: Eric Shyamalonis (featured banjo)
• Artwork: Sabina Hahn
• Voice Actors: Lulu Miller, Ana Gonzalez, Alan Gefinski (from Terrestrials, WNYC Studios)

Final Thoughts: "One Good Turn" is a compelling episode that masterfully blends storytelling with moral lessons, making it a valuable addition to the Circle Round collection. Whether young listeners are learning about empathy and trust, or adults are reminiscing about the lessons from their own childhoods, this episode offers a meaningful exploration of the essence of kindness and the complexities that come with it.

Transcript

[Rebecca Shear]

WBUR Podcasts, Boston. Have you ever heard the saying, one good turn deserves another? What it means is if someone helps you out, then you should find a way to help them out. But in today's story, we'll hear what happens when one good turn turns bad. I'm Rebecca Shear, and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time. Today, our story is called One Good Turn. We found versions of this tale from so many places, including. And brace yourself because this is quite a list. India, Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Yemen in Asia. Albania, Denmark, England, Finland, Greece, Italy, Norway, Romania, and. And the Czech Republic in Europe. Plus Russia, South Africa, West Africa and the American South. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folktale, including Lulu Miller, Ana Gonzalez, and Alan Gefinski, prospectively the host, producer and song bud of Terrestrials, the Radiolab for Kids podcast from WNYC Studios. So circle around, everyone, for one good turn. It was springtime, and Rabbit was hopping through the countryside, basking in the warm sun and grazing in the lush grass.

[Rabbit]

What a beautiful morning. And is it just me, or is the clover especially delectable today? Not to mention the dandelion greens.

[Rebecca Shear]

Rabbit had just stuffed her fuzzy cheeks with yet another mouthful when she suddenly heard a voice.

[Snake]

Help me. Somebody help me.

[Rebecca Shear]

Rabbits, you may know, have excellent hearing. They can swivel their long ears in every direction to pick up sound like a radar dish. And that's exactly what Rabbit did.

[Rabbit]

See?

[Rebecca Shear]

The voice seems to be coming from.

[Rabbit]

Over there, near the cluster of bushes. I must investigate.

[Rebecca Shear]

She enjoyed one last gulp of grass, then took off like a shot. When she came to the bushes, she saw something that made her legs wobble and her knees go weak. Poking out from under the bushes was a big rock. And poking out from under the rock was the tip of a scaly black tail.

[Snake]

Is somebody there? I'm trapped.

[Rebecca Shear]

Rabbit's fur prickled, for she knew that scaly black tail could only belong to one creature.

[Fox]

Snake.

[Rebecca Shear]

Rabbit's head told her to run. After all, among Snake's favorite foods were caterpillars, slugs, mice, rats, and you guessed it, rabbits. But Rabbit's heart told her something different. It was telling her to have a heart and help a fellow animal in need. Eventually, her heart won out.

[Rabbit]

Snake, it's me, Rabbit. I promise I will get you out if you promise not to eat me. Do we have a deal?

[Snake]

Absolutely, we have a deal. Get me out.

[Rebecca Shear]

The rock was too heavy to lift, so Rabbit threw her furry body against it and pushed. She pushed and she Pushed until at last the rock slid aside and there was Snake, his sinewy body in a coil, his golden eyes shining bright.

[Snake]

Hello, Rabbits. Would you believe I've been stuck under that rock all week?

[Rabbit]

I am sorry to hear that, Snake. Thank goodness I heard you crying out.

[Snake]

Indeed, thank goodness, because after being stuck all week, I haven't eaten all week, and I am famished.

[Rabbit]

I'm sure you are. How about I help you find a nice juicy caterpillar or a soft, slimy slug?

[Snake]

That's awfully kind of you, Rabbit. But why waste time searching for creepy crawlies in the ground when I already have a mouth watering meal right here?

[Rebecca Shear]

Snake flicked his tongue. Rabbit's blood turned cold.

[Rabbit]

Wait a minute. That mouth watering meal you're referring to isn't me, is it? After all, you made a promise.

[Rebecca Shear]

If I got you out from under.

[Rabbit]

The rock, you wouldn't eat me.

[Snake]

Did I promise that? I'm so faint with hunger, I. I can't remember a thing.

[Rabbit]

Well, you did. And the least you can do is follow through. After all, I am the one who saved your life.

[Snake]

And you're the one who's going to end it if you let me die of starvation.

[Rabbit]

How can you be so ungrateful?

[Snake]

How can you be so uncharitable?

[Rabbit]

Uncharitable? Last I checked, you're the one who wants to reward kindness with evil by eating the one who saved you. Haven't you heard the expression, one good turn deserves another?

[Snake]

I have. But I've also heard the expression, it's a dog eat dog world. Every creature for themselves. Though in this case, I suppose it's not so much a dog eat dog world as a snake eat rabbit world.

[Rebecca Shear]

Snake let out a menacing hiss and opened his mouth wide. But before he could strike.

[Rabbit]

I've got to get out of here.

[Rebecca Shear]

Rabbit wheeled around and started to run. She dashed across a meadow.

[Snake]

Oh, dear.

[Rebecca Shear]

She scurried up a hill. Oh, boy. But as she bolted into a deep, leafy forest, do you know what happened? Her paw got snagged in a vine dangling from a tree.

[Fox]

Oh, no.

[Rebecca Shear]

She scrambled to untangle herself. Come on. Come on. But she was still struggling when Snake caught up.

[Snake]

Ha ha. Now I've got you.

[Rabbit]

Please, Snake, have mercy.

[Snake]

Nah, I'd rather have a meal.

[Rebecca Shear]

Snake uncoiled his tail and pulled back his head. And just as he was about to close in. Oh, you know what that music means? We'll find out what happens next after a quick break. The reviews are in and superfans like you are loving the Circle Round Club, an exciting opportunity to support public radio and get cool stuff, including ad free episodes and a personalized birthday message from me.

[Listener]

What I like about the Circle Round Club is that Rebecca Shear sends extra messages and it supports the show and there are no ads.

[Rebecca Shear]

Grown ups support public radio and sign up [e-mail] CircleRound Club. Welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Today our story is called One Good Turn before the Break. Rabbit promised to get Snake out from under a rock if he promised not to eat her. But the moment he was free, he went back on his word and tried making Rabbit his meal. Rabbit scrambled to get away, but in the deep, leafy forest, her paw got tangled in a tree vine. And just as Snake was about to close in, who should come leaping down from the branches above?

[Fox]

What is going on here? But Fox, I was trying to take a nap just now. Okay, Owl left behind this super snuggly nest, and it is cozy beyond belief. But how am I supposed to get any shut eye when you two are carrying on like this?

[Rebecca Shear]

Rabbit stared into Fox's angry eyes and felt a wave of relief. Because as it happens, Fox was the wisest, cleverest animal around. And that gave Rabbit an idea.

[Rabbit]

Hiya, Fox. Apologies for the commotion, but see, Snake and I are having a quarrel and it's a matter of life and death.

[Snake]

Ugh, so dramatic. A matter of life and death. Ooh.

[Rabbit]

Seriously though, we're having a major debate, and perhaps you can help us settle it, Fox. After all, you're so very wise and clever.

[Rebecca Shear]

Fox's angry face relaxed into a grin.

[Fox]

I appreciate the praise, Rabbit. I am wise and clever. So sure, I'd be happy to help you settle your dispute. What's the deal?

[Rabbit]

Well, I told Snake I'd save his life if he promised not to eat me. He agreed, but the moment I came to his rescue, guess what? He tried to eat me.

[Snake]

That's because self preservation is the first law of life. You gotta look out for yourself no matter what.

[Rabbit]

But what about others? And showing them gratitude. Surely I deserve some thanks after I got you out from under that rock.

[Fox]

Wait a minute.

[Rebecca Shear]

Fox tilted her bright orange head.

[Fox]

Are you saying Snake was trapped under a rock?

[Snake]

I was.

[Fox]

And Rabbit, you extricated him from that rock.

[Rabbit]

Fancy word for it, but I did.

[Fox]

And where might this rock be?

[Rabbit]

It's quite a ways from here.

[Snake]

Down a hill and across a meadow.

[Fox]

I see. Listen, you two. Before I can settle this dispute, I need to lay eyes on this rock. Take me there, won't you?

[Rebecca Shear]

Rabbit was eager for justice. Snake was eager for a meal. So after Fox untangled Rabbit's paw, she followed Rabbit and Snake down the hill and across the meadow. When they reached the cluster of bushes and Fox spied the rock, her eyes went wide.

[Fox]

My, my, my. That's a very large rock. You moved it all by yourself, Rabbit?

[Rabbit]

I did. I saw Snake was in trouble and felt it was my duty to save him. Especially after he promised not to eat me.

[Rebecca Shear]

Fox leaned down toward the rock. She sniffed it. She tapped it.

[Fox]

Tappity tap, tap.

[Rebecca Shear]

She even gave it a lick. Then she fixed Rabbit and Snake with a stare.

[Fox]

I must confess, you two, this is a tricky case, even for a wise, clever creature like me. You know what might help? If we could reenact the scene. Can you show me exactly what it looked like? When all of this began, Snake and.

[Rebecca Shear]

Rabbit did as they were told. Snake slithered under the bush, and Rabbit heaved the rock over his coiled body.

[Fox]

Thank you, but I'm seeing an awful lot of your tail, Snake. Was it really poking out that much?

[Snake]

She's right. You need to slide it over more.

[Rebecca Shear]

So Rabbit pushed the rock again.

[Fox]

Terrific. But I'm still seeing a lot of tail. Snake, does that feel right to you?

[Snake]

It feels terrible, actually. This rock is heavy. But you're correct. I don't think this much of my tail was Snake sticking out.

[Rebecca Shear]

So Rabbit pushed the rock again until all that stuck out was the very tip of Snake's scaly, black tail.

[Fox]

How about now, Snake? How does that feel?

[Snake]

Like I can't move a muscle. Like I can't breathe any air. Like the life is being mashed out of me.

[Fox]

So you're exactly where you were before?

[Snake]

Yes.

[Fox]

And you're feeling trapped?

[Snake]

Yes.

[Fox]

Smushed?

[Snake]

Yes.

[Fox]

Squashed? Yes. In that case, my work here is done. And next time, I hope you'll think twice before going back on your word, Snake. Because one good turn does deserve another. And Rabbit deserves a far better turn than the one she got.

[Rebecca Shear]

And with that, Fox flicked her bushy tail and bounded away, leaving Rabbit free to do as she wished and leaving Snake stuck between a rock and a hard place. Now it's your turn. Think about a time you did something kind for someone and then they did something kind in return. Now, find a piece of paper and divide it into two sections. On one side, draw a picture of your good turn. On the other side, draw a picture of the other person's. Then show your picture to someone you have fun with. And if you like, share it with us. Ask your grown up to take a photo of you and your drawing, then email 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 One Good Turn was adapted by me, Rebecca Scheer. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shyamalonis. Eric's featured instrument this week was the banjo. You can learn more about this stringed instrument 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 single 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 Lulu Miller, Ana Gonzalez and Alan Gefinski from Terrestrials, the Radiolab for Kids podcast from WNYC Studio. Terrestrials is a show for people of all ages that explores the strangeness that exists right here on Earth. Listen for a whole new season starting April 17th. If you love Circle Round and want to Circle Round with us in even more ways while also supporting public radio, I invite you to join the Circle Round Club. You'll get a super fun welcome package ad, free episodes, bonus bedtime stories, music education videos from AIR Eric Shyamalonis, newsletters and updates from me, plus early access to our live events. Sign up today and support the public radio podcast you [e-mail] Circleround Grown Ups. If you have a moment, please leave us a 5 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 wburg, 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.

[Listener]

Hi, my name is Mia and I live in Melbourne, Australia. My favourite Circle Round stories are the 12 months and the Beggar and the Baker's Daughter. My favorite part of the Bigger and the Baker's Daughter is when Phoebe turns into an owl. My favorite part of the 12 months is when Anna and her little brother get all the fruit from the 12 months. My name's Ida and I live in Kentucky. Kentucky. My favorite silk ground is the olive jar. I like the park when the neighbors are just joking about all the things. My name's Laura. I live in Buchanan, Michigan. My favorite circle round is the Doggies in the Window and I like all of it. Hi, my name is Leo. I live in Silver Spring, Maryland. My favorite episode is Onions and Garlic. My favorite part is when the soap gets sunk. Hi, my name is Noah. I live in Silver Spring, Maryland. My favorite circle out story is Earning Peanuts because I like the part when the squirrel gives the greedy man what he deserves. Peanuts. My name is Toby. I live in Wellesley, Massachusetts. And my favorite story is the Top. And my favorite part is When Buddy Dies in the Water Saint Total. My name is Quentin and I'm from New York. And my favorite Circle round story is the Sea in the Sky. And I like the part when Kite goes.

[Rebecca Shear]

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 CircleRound.