Seven Silver Rings

Summary

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Circle Round — "Seven Silver Rings"

Podcast: Circle Round (WBUR)
Episode Date: May 19, 2026
Host: Rebecca Sheer
Featured Voices: Marielle Heller, Jorma Taccone
Episode Theme: Respecting others’ belongings, consequences of dishonesty, and the origin tale of raccoons’ markings

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Episode Overview

In this enchanting adaptation of a North American indigenous folktale, Circle Round presents the story of why raccoons have black masks and ringed tails. "Seven Silver Rings" explores themes of temptation, trickery, regret, and lasting consequences. With vibrant performances and original music, the episode guides children (and grown-ups!) through important questions about respecting others’ property and making amends.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: The Mischievous Raccoon

• [00:01-03:09]
  • Rebecca Sheer introduces the tale: Raccoon, initially all grayish-brown, is known for his "permanent borrowing" — a self-serving euphemism for stealing, especially when it comes to anything shiny.
  • Quote:

    Raccoon: "I like to think of it as permanent borrowing without asking permission or forgiveness." (02:46)

2. Temptation and the Heist

• [03:10-06:18]
  • Raccoon spies seven shimmering silver rings by Raven as she sleeps and plots to steal them.
  • He dons a black face mask, lets out a ghostly moan, and frightens Raven away, seizing the opportunity to snatch the rings.
  • Quote:

    Raccoon: "Look at that... I must have them for myself." (03:24)

  • Practical challenge: His paws are too small for the rings, so he slides them onto his tail instead.

3. Raven’s Pursuit and Determination

• [06:50-07:41, 10:06-10:55]

  • Raven returns, realizes her rings are stolen, and vows vengeance.

  • She sets out to find who’s responsible, cleverly tracking the thief by the unique ghostly moan.

  • Quote:

    Raven: "If that sneaky thief thinks they can pull a fast one on me, they are gravely mistaken... I will find them. I will track them down and make them pay." (07:18)

4. The Reckoning: Raccoon Is Found Out

• [11:00-14:06]
  • Raven asks every forest animal to reproduce the ghostly moan, but it isn’t until Raccoon’s turn that she notices something suspicious: black rings on his tail.
  • Raven explains tarnish: the silver rings, left on Raccoon’s tail, have left behind permanent black bands due to chemical reactions with the oils in his fur.
  • Key Exchange:

    Raven: "I'd like to say I caught you red handed, Raccoon, but instead, I've caught you black tailed." (13:32)

    Raccoon: "What are you talking about?" (13:51)

5. Facing Consequences and the Origin of Raccoon’s Markings

• [14:06-15:35]

  • Raccoon admits to the theft. He tries to insist it was “permanent borrowing,” but Raven isn’t having it.

  • Raven declares: The black mask and stripes will be Raccoon’s eternal reminders of his trickery, visible to all.

  • Quote:

    Raven: "Your eyes shall be surrounded by black fur, just like the mask you used to deceive me. And your tail shall be ringed with black stripes to remind you of the rings you stole." (15:00)

  • Memorable Moment:

    • Raccoon, resigned:

      Raccoon: "Don't you mean permanently borrowed?" (15:29)
      Raven: "No, I do not." (15:31)
      Raccoon: "Noted." (15:32)

6. Moral Reflection and Activity Invitation

• [15:35-16:40]

  • Rebecca wraps up, noting Raccoon “never learned his lesson,” continuing his thieving ways.

  • She poses three reflective questions for kids and grown-ups to explore together:

    1. How would we feel if someone took our belongings without asking?
    2. Why is it important to ask for permission before taking something?
    3. If we do take something, how might we apologize and make things right?

  • Quote:

    "The more you explore, the more you'll understand how our actions affect others and vice versa." (16:38)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Raccoon on stealing:

  "I like to think of it as permanent borrowing without asking permission or forgiveness." (02:46)

• Raven’s resolve:

  "If that sneaky thief thinks they can pull a fast one on me, they are gravely mistaken." (07:18)

• Raven’s cleverness:

  "I'd like to say I caught you red handed, Raccoon, but instead, I've caught you black tailed." (13:32)

• The transformation proclamation:

  "From this day forward, Raccoon, you shall bear the marks of your theft..." (15:00)

• The lasting lesson:

  "Your eyes shall be surrounded by black fur... your tail shall be ringed with black stripes..." (15:00)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:01: Episode introduction & Raccoon’s love for shiny things
• 03:25: Raccoon plans and executes his theft
• 05:44: Raccoon puzzles over how to carry the rings
• 06:50: Raven discovers her rings are missing and swears to catch the thief
• 10:06: Raven interrogates the animals by their moans
• 11:37: Raccoon discovers incriminating marks left on his tail
• 13:26: Raven explains tarnish and exposes Raccoon’s guilt
• 15:00: The curse—why raccoons look the way they do
• 15:35: Episode moral & discussion questions

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Tone and Storytelling Style

• Engaging, playful, and instructive: The episode weaves humor and suspense (“Permanent borrowing!”) with gentle but clear moral lessons.
• Clever interplay between narrator and characters: Especially in moments when Raccoon tries to jump in or get the last word.
• Encourages conversation: By ending with open-ended questions, the episode invites deeper family discussions—staying true to Circle Round’s mission.

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Conclusion

"Seven Silver Rings" delivers a delightfully imaginative folktale about how raccoons got their markings—a result of mischief, cleverness, and just desserts. With a strong moral center and interactive prompts, the episode provides both entertainment and a springboard for meaningful conversations about honesty, asking for permission, and amends.

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For more folktales and activities, including coloring pages and further story discussions, visit WBUR’s Circle Round website.

Transcript

[Rebecca Sheer]

Wbur podcasts, boston. Have you ever lost something dear to you? If so, how did it feel? Probably not so great, right? In today's tale, an unassuming bird loses a treasured possession not because it goes missing, but because a bushy tailed double crossing thief steals it away. I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round where story time happens all the time. Today our story is called Seven Silver Rings. It comes from several indigenous groups in present day North America, including the Seneca and Shawnee. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this tale and including real life couple Marielle Heller and Jorma Taccone. Actress, writer and director, Marielle Heller has directed such films as the Diary of a Teenage Girl, can youn Ever Forgive Me? And A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. You grown ups can see her in the Golden Globe winning TV series the Queen's Gambit. Writer, actor, director, musician and comedian Jorma Taccone authored the children's book Little Fox and the Wild Imagination as part of the comedy trio the Lonely Island. He co hosts the Lonely island and Seth Meyers podcast. So circle around everyone for Seven Silver Rings. If you've seen the nocturnal mammal known as Raccoon, then you know he has a stocky body, short limbs and dexterous front paws with slender little fingers. His fur is grayish brown, save for the black mask that surrounds his eyes and the black rings that go up and down his bushy tail. But once upon a time, Raccoon didn't have that mask or those rings. He was grayish brown all over. This is the story of how everything changed. It began late one night as Raccoon prepared to go out hunting.

[Raccoon]

Let's see. First I think I'll pinch some eggs from the birds. Then I'll nick some nuts from the squirrels. And if I'm still hungry, which given my appetite, no doubt I will be, I'll creep into the cornfield and filch some carbs from the farmer.

[Rebecca Sheer]

I should probably point out here that most of Raccoon's hunting actually consisted of small.

[Raccoon]

I like to think of it as permanent borrowing without asking permission or forgiveness.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Uh huh. And Raccoon's favorite thing to steal, permanently borrow, was anything shiny. Shiny rocks, shiny pebbles, shiny buttons and beads. He was wild about them all. And on this particular night, as he

[Raccoon]

set out to steal some food, permanently borrow. How many times do I have to tell you?

[Rebecca Sheer]

He spied something so shiny, so sparkly, it stopped him right in his tracks.

[Raccoon]

Look at that.

[Rebecca Sheer]

He was passing by Raven's house At the time, through the window, he could see that the jet black diurnal bird was sleeping with seven silver rings stacked by her side.

[Raccoon]

Those rings, they're silver. So beautiful. See how they glimmer and glisten, Shimmer and shine. I must have them for myself.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Raven was a big bird with pointy claws and a razor sharp beak. Raccoon knew that if he snuck into her house and woke her up, he'd be in trouble.

[Raccoon]

I must find a way to get the seven silver rings without getting caught. And I know just how. I'll do it.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Quick as a flash, Raccoon scampered back to his house. He rummaged and scrabbled around until he found just what he was looking for.

[Raccoon]

Black face mask. Check. Amazing plan to make off with Raven's seven silver rings without her noticing big time. Check.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Raccoon slipped the black face mask over his eyes and returned to Raven's abode. He crept to the window, took in a deep breath, then let out. A moan. A rather ghostly moan, so loud and scary, it roused Raven from her slumber.

[Raven]

Oh, dear. What is that horrible sound?

[Rebecca Sheer]

Raven glanced around. When she laid eyes on the moaning masked figure outside her window, she fought to keep the tremor from her voice.

[Raven]

Listen, you. I don't know who you are or what you want, but you better leave right now. I mean it. If you don't get out of here, then I'm going to. To. To get out of here.

[Rebecca Sheer]

The terrified bird gave a squawk and raced out the door. Raccoon watched with a smile as Raven sprang, spread her wings, lofted into the air and disappeared into the night sky.

[Raccoon]

Golly. That was easier than I thought it would be. Now that Raven's flown off, I can make off with her dazzling rings.

[Rebecca Sheer]

But when he tried scooping the rings into his furry, grayish brown arms, he realized he had a problem.

[Raccoon]

I can't carry all seven rings at the same time. I can't wear them either. My fingers are too small and thin.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Raccoon put his mind to work. And that's when he came up with a new plan. One by one, he began sliding the rings over his grayish brown tail.

[Raccoon]

1, 2, 3, 4.

[Rebecca Sheer]

The moment he was done.

[Raccoon]

6, 7.

[Rebecca Sheer]

He took to his heels and raced back home. By the time he got there, it was morning, and the exhausted nocturnal critter promptly fell fast asleep. Meanwhile, Raven was heading home, too. She was delighted to discover the moaning masked figure was gone. But she was dismayed to realize that something else was gone, too.

[Raven]

My seven silver rings. They're nowhere to be seen.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Raven's bright eyes roved back and forth as she tried to figure out where her rings might be.

[Raven]

Let's see. The rings were beside me when that mysterious moaner showed up. Once they scared me off. They must have scuttled in and stolen my rings.

[Rebecca Sheer]

A scowl crossed Raven's face. Anger flooded her jetpack black chest.

[Raven]

If that sneaky thief thinks they can pull a fast one on me, they are gravely mistaken. Because whoever they are, I will find them. I will track them down and make them pay. And when I do, they'll realize they messed with the wrong bird.

[Rebecca Sheer]

What do you think will happen next? Will Raven sniff out the thief? We'll find out after a quick break.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The Brains on universe is always expanding with shows about science, history, and debate. The shows are fun for kids and their adults. Brains on features kids questions about the world answered through the lens of science. What happens when you dream? Can we live on Mars? Do plants sleep? The skits, interviews, songs, and explanations will have everyone laughing and learning. Forever Ago explores the history of everything from bubblegum and surfing to the national anthem and pride flags. Forever Ago helps you explore the before on Smashboom. Best you get to judge which is cooler on topics like chocolate versus cheese, Spider man or Batman books or movies. Strong opinions and stronger arguments are encouraged and rewarded. Find Brains on Forever Ago and Smash Boom. Best Wherever you get podcasts or head to brainson.org to learn more.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Welcome back to Circle Round. I'm Rebecca Shear. Today our story is called seven Stuff Silver Rings. Before the break, Raccoon played a trick on Raven by stealing her seven silver.

[Raccoon]

Okay, I know I'm not supposed to enter the scene yet, but what did I tell you at the start of the story? I don't think of it as stealing.

[Rebecca Sheer]

I think of it as permanently borrowing. I'm sorry, Raccoon, but I don't buy it.

[Raccoon]

Fine, be that way. I'll see you in a few.

[Rebecca Sheer]

See ya. Okay, where were we? Right. Raccoon stole Raven's rings. He was wearing a mask at the time, and it was night, so Raven had no idea who the culprit was. But their ghostly moans were unmistakable. So come morning, she went out into the forest and approached each animal one by one, asking them to deliver their best moan.

[Raven]

All right, Bear, you're first. Let it rip.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Uh, okay.

[Raven]

Yeah, that's not it. How about you, Badger? No, that's not it either. Eagle? Nope. Fox? Nuh. Rabbit? Not even close. Ugh.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Raven spent all day hearing moan after moan. By sundown, there was just one moan she hadn't yet heard. Can you guess whose? Raccoon.

[Raven]

Raccoon, I need to talk to you. Open the door.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Raccoon hadn't yet woken for the night until the shouting and knocking cut through his sleep.

[Raccoon]

What's all that racket?

[Raven]

Raccoon?

[Listeners/Callers]

Let me in.

[Raven]

It's Raven.

[Raccoon]

Raven.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Raccoon's eyes snapped open. And that's when he made a troubling discovery. He was so tired when he got home that morning that he had forgotten to remove the black mask from his face and the silver rings from his tail. With trembling paws, he yanked off the mask. Then he scrambled to pull off each of the rings.

[Raccoon]

1, 2, 3, 4.

[Rebecca Sheer]

When he was done, 6, 7. He stashed the mask and the rings under his blanket, then hustled to the door.

[Raccoon]

Hiya, Raven. What can I do for you?

[Raven]

What can you do for me, Raccoon? I'll tell you what you can do for me. You can moan.

[Rebecca Sheer]

As you might imagine, this was not the response Raccoon expected.

[Raccoon]

I can do what now?

[Raven]

You can moan. Last night, someone came over to my house. They scared me away with these ghostly moans. Then they made off with my seven silver rings. So moan.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Raccoon gave his grayish brown head a shake.

[Raccoon]

No offense, Raven, but you're barking up the wrong tree. I don't even know how to moan. Is that like a maybe? Or maybe something like. I mean, I don't know how.

[Rebecca Sheer]

While Raccoon made one decidedly unmone like sound after another moon, he got so into it, so carried away that he started throwing his arms around and swishing his tail back and forth. And that's when Raven cut him short.

[Raven]

Enough. I just realized that I don't need to hear your moans, Raccoon, because I can see your guilt.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Raccoon felt a rush of panic. He glanced at his blanket, certain that one of the rings must have revealed itself. But all seven were still hidden from sight. So what guilt was Raven seeing?

[Raven]

Tell me, Raccoon, have you ever heard of tarnish?

[Raccoon]

Tarnish?

[Raven]

Yes. The black residue that forms when metals like brass, copper or silver come into contact with certain chemicals in the air or certain oils on the body. Like, say, the oils in fur. I'd like to say I caught you red handed, Raccoon, but instead, I've caught you black tailed.

[Raccoon]

What are you talking about?

[Rebecca Sheer]

Raccoon whirled around to face him. His tail. And that's when he saw it. Lining the bushy, grayish brown appendage were seven black Rings?

[Raven]

Let me guess. After frightening me with your mysterious mask and your ghostly moaning, you stuck my seven silver rings around your tail. And when you came back to your house, you. You didn't take them off. So as you slept the day away, the silver tarnished and left behind seven black rings.

[Rebecca Sheer]

Raccoon knew his goose was cooked. He hung his head, tucked his newly striped tail between his legs, then heaved a sigh and showed Raven what was under the blanket.

[Raven]

I knew it. You have the black mask and the seven silver rings. Last night's moaning ghost was you.

[Raccoon]

Yes, it was. And I'm sorry, Raven. I will never do it again.

[Raven]

No, you will not. Because I will never let you forget what you did. From this day forward, Raccoon, you shall bear the marks of your theft. Come again to remind you of your wrongdoings. Your eyes shall be surrounded by black flowers, fur, just like the mask you used to deceive me. And your tail shall be ringed with black stripes to remind you of the rings you stole.

[Raccoon]

Don't you mean permanently borrowed?

[Raven]

No, I do.

[Raccoon]

Noted.

[Rebecca Sheer]

So thus it was that Raccoon went from grayish brown all over to grayish brown with a black mask around his eyes and black rings around his tail. And yet, despite these eternal reminders of his misdeeds, Raccoon never learned his lesson. To this day, the fuzzy nocturnal critter still strikes, scuttling around like a thief in the night as he pinches, pilfers, swipes, and no two ways about it, steals. Now it's your turn. We know we should respect the belongings of others, but it isn't always easy to help us out. We can consider these three questions. One, how would we feel if somebody took one of our belongings without asking? Two, why is it important to ask for permission before we take something that belongs to someone else? And three, if we do take something that belongs to someone else and we don't ask permission, how might we apologize and make things right? Pair up with a grown up and talk over these questions. The more you explore, the more you'll understand how our actions affect others and vice versa. This week's episode 7 Silver Rings was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear, and it was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sounds design is by Eric Shimalonis, whose featured instrument this week is the harmonica. You can learn more about this aerophone or mouth organ and see a photo of Eric playing one on our website, WBUR.org CircleRound's artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for all of our Circle Round stories and you can color them in while you listen. Grown ups Download our 300 plus coloring pages at WBUR.org CircleRound Special thanks to this week's actors Igor Shimalonis, Eric Shimalonis, Marielle Heller and Jorma Taccone. Marielle Heller has directed numerous films including the Diary of a Teenage Girl, can youn Ever Forgive Me? And A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Coming up, she's set to write and direct a live action remake of the classic animated movie Fern Gully, the Last Rainforest. Writer, actor, director, musician and comedian Jorma Taccone is one third of the comedy trio the Lonely Island. He's the author of the children's book Little Fox and the Wild Imagination and co host of the Lonely island and Seth Meyers podcast. His latest film is the grown up action comedy thriller over your Dead Body. Oh, and fun fact, Muriel and Jorma are no strangers to Circle Round. You can hear one or both of their voices in a bunch of Circle Round episodes including Queen of the Forest, Milk From a Bull, the Seamstress and the Div Something Fishy Lookalike Falls, Treasure Mountain, and the Bags of Seeds. You can find all these episodes and more on our website. WB Circle Round is a production of WBUR, Boston's npr. 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.

[Listeners/Callers]

Hello, my name is James, I live in Portugal. My favorite podcast is the Bird of a Different Vet. My favorite part is when the lion tries to eat the Game. My name's Elizabeth, I'm from Minnesota and my favorite check around story is a Sticky Situation. It's because when the tree rhymes. My name is Juni, I live in Ohio and my favorite circle is Kind Heart and Strong Mind. My favorite paw is when Strong Mind gets Strong to be the Royal Advisor. My name is Gabe and I live in Sisters, Oregon, and my favorite Circle around story is the Stone Horse and my favorite part is when the horse comes to life. My name is Solely I'm from Berea, Kentucky and my favorite Circle around story is the Biscuit Basket and my favorite part is when the basket is full of mosquitoes and the innkeeper gets stained

[Raccoon]

with all of them.

[Listeners/Callers]

My name is Sally, I'm from Guilford, Connecticut and My favorite Circle Round story is Princess Persistence. I like the part where Sabatree says give me back my husband Yama. My name's Shy and I live in East Easily South Carolina. My favorite Circle Round story is a Chattering Clans. I like it because Mindy and Guy was in it. Bye. Love your shows.

[Rebecca Sheer]

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.