Princess Persistence

Summary

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Circle Round: "Princess Persistence"

Host: Rebecca Sheir
Date: August 26, 2025
Episode Theme: Persistence in the face of obstacles, inspired by a Southeast Asian (Indian) legend

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Episode Overview

This story-rich episode of Circle Round, “Princess Persistence,” centers around Princess Savitri, whose adventurous spirit and perseverance are put to the ultimate test. Adapted from a classic Indian legend, the tale explores themes of love, destiny, cleverness, and above all, persistent determination—even when up against divine forces. As always, the episode ends with a thoughtful activity that encourages children and grown-ups to reflect on the importance of persistence and supporting one another.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Highlights

1. Introduction and Setting the Theme

• Rebecca Sheir introduces the idea of persistence as “pushing forward, working toward our goals, no matter the obstacles or setbacks we face” [01:00].
  • “Think about a time you persisted. When we persist, we keep going.”
• The episode promises a tale of overcoming seemingly impossible odds—the heart of Princess Savitri’s journey.

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2. Meeting the Adventurous Princess Savitri

• Savitri is introduced as intelligent, warm-hearted, and restless for adventure, contrasting her royal upbringing.
  • Princess Savitri: “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?” [02:22]

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3. A Chance Encounter and Instant Connection

• While exploring, Savitri gets lost in a jungle and meets Satyavan, the exiled son of a dethroned king.

• Their conversation, filled with empathy and curiosity, reveals a shared experience of royalty and exile, leading to a spark between them.

  • Princess Savitri: “We’re both royalty.” [05:02]

• The two connect deeply over a single day, deciding quickly to marry—Savyitri excitedly returns to tell her father.

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4. The Prophecy and the Great Challenge

• Savitri finds her father consulting with Narada, a divine messenger, who reveals a devastating prophecy: Satyavan is fated to die soon.
  • Narada: “Your beloved Satyavan is destined to die very soon.” [07:23]
• Desperate, Savitri pleads for a way to save Satyavan, and Narada suggests humility and simplicity might buy him one more year of life.
• Savitri chooses love and sacrifice, leaving her palace life behind to live humbly with Satyavan and his father in the jungle.

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5. The Day of Destiny—and the Arrival of Yama, God of Death

• After a year of happy but humble living, the foretold day arrives; Satyavan collapses and dies [09:40].
• Yama arrives, majestic and intimidating, to claim Satyavan’s soul.
  • Yama: “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.” [10:32]
• Grief-stricken but undeterred, Savitri boldly confronts him:
  • Princess Savitri: “No, Yama. You will not escort my husband's soul to your kingdom. You will leave him here and allow him to live.” [10:55]

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6. Savitri’s Relentless Pursuit

• Persistence in Action: Rather than accept Yama’s decree, Savitri follows him relentlessly across jungles, mountains, and deserts, crying, “Give me back my husband, Yama.” [13:12–14:01]
  • “And though her feet ached and her throat and her belly roared with hunger, she refused to give up.” [13:52]
• Yama, increasingly impressed (but also exasperated), offers her wishes as a compromise—except she may not wish for her husband’s life.

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7. Cleverness Meets Tenacity: The Three Wishes

• First Wish: Savitri asks Yama to restore her father-in-law's eyesight [14:49].

• Second Wish: She requests for Satyavan’s family to regain their lost kingdom [15:55].

• Third Wish: Savitri cleverly wishes for herself and Satyavan to become parents to many children [17:01].

  • Yama: “That’s it. You want children? Fine. I’ll grant you dozens of children. Hundreds even. Now go home and leave me alone.” [17:14]

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8. Outwitting Death Itself

• When Savitri presses on after her third wish—and Yama points out he’s granted all she asked—she ingeniously reveals the catch:
  • Princess Savitri: “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?” [18:12]
• Yama is stumped by her logic: to fulfill her wish, Satyavan must return to life.

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9. Love Triumphant

• Yama, out-maneuvered and impressed, revives Satyavan.
  • “The great God said no more. Because all at once he realized he had been trapped by Savitri’s clever logic.” [18:44]
• Savitri and Satyavan reunite, and their persistent love is shown to conquer even death.

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10. Reflective Activity: Encouraging Others to Persist

• Rebecca invites listeners to think about helping others persist, encouraging them to brainstorm ways they can support friends and family who are struggling [20:00]:
  • “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.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “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?”
  — Princess Savitri [02:22]

• “Your beloved Satyavan is destined to die very soon.”
  — Narada [07:23]

• “You foolish, silly mortal. I am a God. I shall do as I please. Your husband is coming with me.”
  — Yama [11:18]

• “Give me back my husband, Yama.”
  — Princess Savitri [13:12 and repeated during her journey]

• “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.”
  — Yama [14:17]

• “How could you possibly grant my wish if you don't give back my husband's life?”
  — Princess Savitri [18:12]

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Opening and theme introduction: 00:00–01:20
• Savitri’s adventurous spirit: 02:22–03:12
• First meeting with Satyavan: 03:12–05:35
• Prophecy is revealed: 06:29–08:10
• Departure from palace, year in the jungle: 08:29–09:17
• Satyavan’s death and Yama’s arrival: 09:40–10:45
• Savitri’s pursuit begins: 13:12
• Yama grants three wishes: 14:17, 15:31, 16:38
• Savitri’s clever twist: 18:12–18:44
• Satyavan restored: 19:27–19:42
• Reflection activity: 20:00

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Tone and Presentation

• Language: Warm, inviting, and accessible—suitable for kids and adults alike.
• Tone: Encouraging, magical, and adventurous; mixes suspense and emotional depth with humor, especially in the playful sparring between Savitri and Yama.

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Conclusion

“Princess Persistence” is a vibrant retelling that underscores the power of persistence fused with cleverness and love. Princess Savitri refuses to surrender, chasing Yama across impossible terrains and wielding wit as her weapon. Her steadfast pursuit and quick thinking not only reclaim her beloved, but also restore her new family’s fortunes—offering listeners a timeless lesson in never giving up, even as the odds stack high.

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Reflective Takeaway

Listeners are encouraged to draw inspiration from Savitri’s journey:

• Think of ways to encourage persistence in themselves and others.
• Discuss and create lists of supportive actions with a grown-up.

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For more activities, coloring pages, and to join the Circle Round Club, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound.

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Transcript

[Rebecca Shear]

Hi, Rebecca Scheer 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 [e-mail] circleround 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. We keep 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 Scheer, and welcome to Circle Round, where story time 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 A.P. 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, settling down made Savitri bristle.

[Princess Savitri]

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?

[Rebecca Shear]

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.

[Princess Savitri]

Excuse me, sir, can you help me, please? I'm lost.

[Rebecca Shear]

The man put down his axe and flashed Savitri a smile.

[Satyavan]

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.

[Rebecca Shear]

Savitri cocked her head.

[Princess Savitri]

Are you saying you live in this jungle?

[Satyavan]

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.

[Princess Savitri]

Exiled?

[Rebecca Shear]

The princess's eyes grew wide.

[Princess Savitri]

You mean you were kicked out of your country?

[Satyavan]

Out of my kingdom. Or rather, my father's kingdom after his brother, my uncle, usurped the the throne.

[Princess Savitri]

Your father was a king and his brother took the throne by force.

[Satyavan]

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.

[Princess Savitri]

Then let's not be strangers. My name is Savitri.

[Satyavan]

And my name is Satyavan. It's nice to meet you.

[Princess Savitri]

And nice to meet you. You know, Satyavan, the two of us have something in common.

[Satyavan]

Um, we both just had to listen to my long, sad sob story about why I live in a hut in the jungle.

[Princess Savitri]

No. We're both royalty.

[Rebecca Shear]

Satyavan's jaw fell open.

[Satyavan]

You're a princess? What on earth is a princess doing out here in the jungle?

[Princess Savitri]

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.

[Rebecca Shear]

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. When Savitri rushed home to share the news with her father, she found him deep in conversation with a sweet, surprising visitor. It was Narada, the messenger of the Gods.

[Princess Savitri]

Father. Lord Narada. What's going on? It's not every day that a Divine messenger pays us a visit.

[Rebecca Shear]

The king turned to Savitri with a frown.

[Yama]

Savitri, Narada told me about your wish to marry Satyavan.

[Princess Savitri]

Yes. He is absolutely amazing, father. So funny and gentle and kind.

[Yama]

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.

[Rebecca Shear]

What?

[Princess Savitri]

What are you talking about? Lord Narada. What is my father talking about?

[Rebecca Shear]

Narada came over and took hold of Savitri's hands.

[Narada]

There has been a prophecy, Savitri. Your beloved Satyavan is destined to die very soon.

[Rebecca Shear]

The princess felt her blood run cold.

[Princess Savitri]

That can't be true. Satyavan is so young, so vibrant.

[Narada]

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.

[Rebecca Shear]

Tears sprang to Savitri's eyes.

[Princess Savitri]

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?

[Narada]

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.

[Rebecca Shear]

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 12 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.

[Princess Savitri]

I can't believe it's been a year already, Satyavan. How am I supposed to live without you?

[Satyavan]

You won't have to live without me, Savitri. I. I'll always live on in your heart. Just as you will always live on in mine. Nothing can part us. Nothing. Not even.

[Rebecca Shear]

Not even. Satyavan stumbled and fell to the ground.

[Princess Savitri]

Satyavan. Satyavan.

[Rebecca Shear]

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.

[Yama]

Greetings, Savitri. I believe you were expecting me.

[Rebecca Shear]

Yes. Was Yama the God of death? He was draped in crimson robes with glittering gold jewels and rode astride a giant black buffalo.

[Yama]

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.

[Rebecca Shear]

As Yama pulled Satyavan onto the buffalo's back, Savitri felt a wave of grief. But then she felt a flood of rage.

[Princess Savitri]

No, Yama. You will not escort my husband's soul to your kingdom. You will leave him here and allow him to live.

[Rebecca Shear]

Yama stared at Savitri. His red eyes flickered. Then he tossed his head back and laughed.

[Yama]

You foolish, silly mortal. I am a God. I shall do as I please. Your husband is coming with me.

[Rebecca Shear]

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, very bumpy ride. 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.

[Circle Round Listeners]

I love being in the Circle Round Club because the snuggle times are perfect for when you want to listen to Circle Round. But you don't have that much time.

[Rebecca Shear]

Grown ups get your Circle Round super fan signed up [e-mail] CircleRoundClub welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Scheer. Today our story is called Princess Persistence. Before the break, Yama, God of death, came to claim the doomed soul of Prince Satyavan. 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.

[Princess Savitri]

Give me back my husband, Yama.

[Rebecca Shear]

Yama swiveled his mighty head and there was Savitri trailing him through the undergrowth.

[Yama]

Oh, please. You are out of your mind, Princess. Leave me alone and go home.

[Rebecca Shear]

But Savitri did not leave him alone or go home. Instead, she followed Yama out of the tangled jungle.

[Princess Savitri]

Give me back my husband, Yama.

[Rebecca Shear]

Across a rugged mountain range Give me.

[Princess Savitri]

Back my husband, Yama.

[Rebecca Shear]

Through a burning desert.

[Princess Savitri]

Give me back my husband, Yama.

[Rebecca Shear]

And though her feet ached and her throat and her belly roared with hunger, she refused to give up.

[Princess Savitri]

Give me back my husband, Yama.

[Rebecca Shear]

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.

[Yama]

Savitri, 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.

[Rebecca Shear]

However. He held up a hand.

[Yama]

The one thing you may not wish for is your husband's life.

[Rebecca Shear]

Savitri mopped her brow and smiled.

[Princess Savitri]

I appreciate the gift, Yama. My one wish is for my father in law to see again, for his eyesight to be restored.

[Yama]

Very well, Princess. You shall have your wish. Your father in law's eyesight shall be restored. Now go home and leave me alone.

[Rebecca Shear]

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 God came to a halt.

[Yama]

Savitri, I told you to be gone, and yet you persist in following me. I will grant you a second wish. Then you must go away. And remember, you must not ask for your husband's life.

[Rebecca Shear]

Savitri stretched her sore legs and grinned.

[Princess Savitri]

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.

[Yama]

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.

[Rebecca Shear]

But guess what? Savitri did not go home or leave him alone. Instead, the bedraggled the princess stayed hot on his heels until finally he halted his buffalo a third time.

[Yama]

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.

[Rebecca Shear]

Savitri licked her parched lips.

[Princess Savitri]

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.

[Yama]

That's it. You want children? Fine. I'll grant you dozens of children. Hundreds even. Now go home and leave me alone.

[Rebecca Shear]

Yama urged his buffalo on. They reached the edge of the desert and began their descent into Yama's underground kingdom. But as they passed through the gates. The God took a quick glance behind him and balked.

[Yama]

What for?

[Rebecca Shear]

There was Princess Savitri, disheveled, ragged and trudging behind him with every last ounce of of strength.

[Yama]

Sava Tree, 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.

[Princess Savitri]

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?

[Rebecca Shear]

A look of bewilderment swept over Yama's face. His fiery red eyes flicked to and fro.

[Yama]

But.

[Rebecca Shear]

But.

[Yama]

But.

[Rebecca Shear]

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 Satchavan'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?

[Satyavan]

Where am I?

[Rebecca Shear]

Savitri planted a kiss on her husband's cheek.

[Princess Savitri]

You're with me, my love, and I'm with you. You where we were always meant to be. Now let's go home.

[Rebecca Shear]

Satyavan 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 depth could part them. 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, 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. 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 Shimalonis. 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 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. You can find all of our coloring [e-mail] 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 A.P. 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 Round 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 use, and pre sale tickets to our live shows. You'll also get exclusive access to other perks including special tote 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 [e-mail] grown ups. 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 Round with you for years to come. Circle Round is a production of WBUR Boston's npr. I'm Rebecca Shear. 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.

[Circle Round Listeners]

My name is Luca and I live in Alberta, Canada. My favorite Circle rant stories are the Road Trip, A Feast for your Ears and Anazi and the Doe.

[Princess Savitri]

The Circle Ran exclusive story you get.

[Circle Round Listeners]

For doing the survey.

[Princess Savitri]

My favorite part is all of it.

[Circle Round Listeners]

The Circle Round Club is amazing. Love you Rebecca Shearer.

[Rebecca Shear]

Bye.

[Circle Round Listeners]

My name is Emma, I'm from San Francisco and and my favorite episode of Circle Round is Nilsa and the Troll and my favorite part is when Nilsa gets the strawberries from the troll. My name is Harrison and I live in Ohio and my favorite Circle Round 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 self around story is the back looks dance. I like the part when Natalia turns the back look this girl. My name is Augie and I live in Hanson and I like the part where the garden keeper smart. My name is Benoya I live in Wisconsin and my favorite circle round is the it likes the part when the possum gobbles up the berries. My name is Andreas, I'm from Boston, Massachusetts. My favorite circle round is a devil of a deadline. My favorite part is when the devil appears. Hi my name is Wahee and I'm from Seattle, Washington. My favorite story is grandfather. I like to pout when the man talks to the stone.

[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.