Circle Round – "Python’s Drum" (Ep. 309)
Airing Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Rebecca Sheer
Featured Cast: Gabe Kunda, Natasha Rothwell
Story Origin: Baganda-speaking people, Uganda
Episode Overview
This engaging Circle Round episode adapts a folktale from East Africa, exploring the themes of friendship, honesty, jealousy, and forgiveness. Two best friends—Lizard (a remarkable singer) and Python (an impressive dancer)—share a love for music and performing, especially with Python’s rare and beautiful drum. Their harmonious relationship is challenged when Lizard, tempted by riches and praise, betrays Python’s trust after a prestigious invitation from Lion, a visiting chief. The tale unfolds with drama, cleverness, and a heartfelt resolution, ultimately celebrating the enduring value of true friendship.
Key Discussion Points & Story Beats
1. The Best Friends: In Sync with Song and Dance
- Lizard: An exuberant singer
- (02:12) Lizard singing: "Me me me me me me me me me..."
- Python: A talented, joyful dancer
- (02:22) Python: "Slither and slide. Put your tail in the air and glide."
- Annual Village Party: Both captivate the village as a dynamic duo—Lizard sings while Python drums, then switch roles for song and dance.
2. Lion's Visit: Temptation and Misunderstanding
- A Special Guest: Lion, chief from across the lake, is enchanted by the duo and especially the drum.
- Mistaken Ownership:
- (04:42) Lion: "They both played equally well... Therefore, the owner must be Lizard."
- Lion Invites Lizard: Lion mistakenly asks Lizard to perform (with "his" drum) for his own village, offering great rewards.
3. Lizard's Dilemma: Honesty or Riches?
- Internal Struggle: Lizard is tempted by Lion’s offer but knows the drum isn’t his.
- (06:14) Lizard narrates: "He couldn't take credit for his best friend's prized possession."
- Dishonesty Wins Out:
- (07:12) Lizard: "Count me in, chief."
- Attempts to borrow the drum from Python under false pretenses, saying he needs to practice.
4. Python’s Trust and Generosity
- Python Responds with Kindness:
- (08:32) Python: "You know what else is important to me? My best friend. And I would do anything for my best friend."
- Lizard’s Guilt vs. Ambition: Lizard takes the drum, suppressing guilt in favor of anticipated glory.
5. Betrayal and Realization
- Lizard Becomes a Star: In Lion’s village, Lizard enjoys success and forgets his promise to return the drum.
- Python Discovers the Betrayal:
- (13:43) Python: "What? For real? Lizard skipped town with my drum?"
- Confrontation: Upon Lizard’s return, Python demands her drum back.
- (14:42) Python: "How could you lie to me like this?"
- (15:26) Lizard (selfishly): "Why should I give it back?... I am more deserving of this drum than you'll ever be."
6. The Fall & a Plan for Justice
- Chased Up a Tree: A furious Python confronts Lizard; Lizard escapes up a eucalyptus tree with the drum.
- The Role of the Termite Queen:
- (17:17) Python confides to the Termite Queen: "I lost my drum. And even worse, I lost my best friend."
- They hatch a plan to get the drum back.
7. Clever Retribution: Termites to the Rescue
- Termites Eat the Tree:
- (20:19) Termites swarm and devour the tree’s trunk, causing Lizard and the drum to crash into the lake.
- Lizard Panics:
- (21:15) Lizard: "Somebody help me. I can’t swim."
8. Forgiveness and Restoration
- Python Saves Lizard:
- (22:06) Python: "I’m going to save you."
- (22:12) Python: "...The drum is important to me and rare, it’s nothing compared with an old friend."
- Reconciliation:
- (23:10) Lizard: "Thanks for saving my life, Python. I'm sorry I was so dishonest about your drum."
- (23:18) Python: "That's okay, Lizard. I'm sorry too."
9. The Origin of Lizards’ Bulging Eyes (Folktale Explanation)
- Why Lizards Have Bulging Eyes:
- (23:34) Lizard discovers his eyes have become comically bulbous after Python’s tight grip during his rescue.
10. Happy Harmony Reborn
- Friendship Restored:
- Both perform joyfully at the termite queen’s party, celebrating music and camaraderie.
- Final Shared Song:
- (24:07) Lizard sings: "Beat the drum, let it ring. Listen to old Lizard sing."
- (24:16) Python dances: "Slither and fly, put your tail in the air and glide."
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Friendship:
- (08:32) Python: "You know what else is important to me? My best friend. And I would do anything for my best friend."
- Temptation and Guilt:
- (09:19) Lizard (to himself): "Okay, so I lied to Python a little bit. But hey, it’ll be worth it when I play this drum in Lion’s village and get all the glory and all the riches too."
- Admission and Remorse:
- (23:10) Lizard: "Thanks for saving my life, Python. I'm sorry I was so dishonest about your drum. And I'm sorry I tried to steal it."
- The True Value:
- (22:12) Python: "...The drum is important to me and rare, it’s nothing compared with an old friend."
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Time | Segment Title/Content | |--------|---------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Show intro, theme, episode set-up | | 02:12 | Introduction to Lizard and Python’s talents | | 03:27 | Annual party and the animals’ excitement | | 04:52 | Lion arrives, admires the drum, makes assumptions | | 07:12 | Lizard gives in to temptation | | 08:32 | Python’s display of friendship | | 12:35 | Lizard basks in fame, forgets his promise | | 13:43 | Python learns of Lizard’s betrayal | | 15:23 | Lizard refuses to return the drum | | 17:17 | Python seeks Termite Queen’s help | | 20:19 | Termites bring down the tree | | 21:15 | Lizard falls—calls for help | | 22:06 | Python chooses kindness and saves Lizard | | 23:34 | Folktale origin of lizards’ bulging eyes | | 24:07 | Friends reunited, perform at the party |
Episode Activity
At the end, listeners are invited to build their own tin can drum—a hands-on, creative project that echoes the tale’s themes of music and sharing.
Tone & Storytelling Style
Circle Round maintains a warm, playful, and thoughtful tone, using lively dialogue and sound design to bring the folktale to life. The language is approachable for all ages, and the message is clear: material things pale in importance next to kindness, honesty, and the bonds of friendship.
Conclusion
"Python’s Drum" is a captivating, music-filled tale that teaches the importance of honesty, the pain of betrayal, and the healing power of forgiveness. The episode wraps up with friends restored, a creative activity for kids and adults alike, and a folkloric origin for the lizard’s buggy eyes—reminding listeners that the greatest treasures in life are often the friends we keep and the trust we share.