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

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.

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.

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]

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.

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.

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]

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.

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]

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.

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.

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.”

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]

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

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.

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.

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.

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