Circle Round Podcast Summary: "The Donkey’s Tail"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Circle Round
• Host/Author: WBUR
• Episode Title: The Donkey’s Tail
• Release Date: April 15, 2025
• Duration: Approximately 16 minutes
• Target Audience: Children ages 3-103
• Description: Circle Round adapts folktales from around the world into engaging radio plays enriched with sound and music, exploring themes such as kindness, persistence, and generosity. Each episode concludes with an activity encouraging deeper conversations between children and adults.

Introduction

In the April 15, 2025 episode of Circle Round, titled "The Donkey’s Tail," host Rebecca Scheer presents a captivating folk tale from North Africa and the Middle East, featuring the beloved trickster figure, Nasruddin. This episode, enriched by the talents of Syrian American rapper and poet Omar Effendom, delves into themes of wisdom, justice, and clever problem-solving, all while maintaining the show's signature sound- and music-rich storytelling style.

Plot Summary

1. The Theft of Hoda’s Shoes

At the outset of the story, Nasruddin is depicted engaging in his morning chores—mowing the lawn, feeding his donkey Delilah, and tending to his herb garden. The tranquility is interrupted when Hoda, the new art teacher at the local school, approaches him in distress.

• Timestamp [02:02]: Hoda arrives barefoot, tearful and anxious.
  Hoda: "Oh, Nasrudin, my bare feet are the problem. My shoes are gone. I think they were stolen."

Hoda explains that during a dinner party hosted by the headmaster to celebrate the first week of classes, her newly hand-painted leather shoes vanished after she removed them outside the door upon arrival. Nasruddin empathizes and pledges to help uncover the thief.

2. Assembling the Suspects

Nasruddin convenes a meeting in his yard with all the teachers who attended the dinner: the headmaster, the math teacher, the history teacher, the science teacher, and the composition teacher.

• Timestamp [05:07]: Nasruddin states,
  Nasruddin: "Listen, Huda, you deserve to get your shoes back, and I am going to help you."

3. The First Test: Delilah the Donkey

Nasruddin devises a plan involving his donkey Delilah to identify the thief. He instructs each teacher to enter the stable, hold Delilah’s tail, and gently tug it. According to Nasruddin, if the tugger is guilty, Delilah will bray loudly.

• Timestamp [07:20]:
  Nasruddin: "If her tail is tugged by the person who's guilty, she’ll open her mouth, throw back her head and bray so loudly that all of us will know who the culprit is."

Each teacher takes their turn, but Delilah remains silent throughout, leaving everyone puzzled.

4. The Second Test: Rubbing Nasruddin’s Nose

Undeterred, Nasruddin introduces a second test. He asks each teacher to approach him and rub his nose. Unbeknownst to the teachers, Nasruddin had smeared mint on Delilah's tail, which transferred to his own nose. Innocent teachers would carry the fresh scent, while the guilty party, avoiding Delilah’s tail, would have their hands retain the scent of guilt.

• Timestamp [12:28]:
  Nasruddin: "One by one, I want you to approach me. Once you draw close enough, I want you to reach out both of your hands and rub my nose."

As each teacher participates:

• Headmaster’s hands smell of mint—innocent.
• Math Teacher’s hands are warm and comforting—innocent.
• History Teacher scratches an itch—innocent.
• Science Teacher scratches left—innocent.
• Composition Teacher scratches all over—guilty.

5. The Revelation and Resolution

After the tests, Nasruddin accuses the composition teacher based on the absence of the mint scent on her hands, indicating her guilt.

• Timestamp [13:56]:
  Nasruddin: "You, madam. You are the one who made off with Huda's shoes."

Confronted, the composition teacher admits her wrongdoing, returns the stolen shoes, and apologizes. The headmaster, acknowledging her misdeed, decides to let her go and seeks a trustworthy replacement for her position.

Nasruddin not only resolves the theft but also earns an additional role as the new composition teacher, showcasing his versatile wisdom and community spirit.

Notable Quotes

1. Rebecca Scheer [00:08]:
   "An old Persian proverb says, thinking well is wise, planning well, wiser, but doing well is the wisest and best of all."
   Context: Introduction to the episode's theme emphasizing the importance of action over mere planning.

2. Hoda [02:02]:
   "Oh, Nasrudin, my bare feet are the problem. My shoes are gone. I think they were stolen."
   Context: Hoda’s initial plea for help sets the story in motion.

3. Nasruddin [04:01]:
   "Huda, I am deeply sorry to hear your story. It appears that one of your new colleagues has swindled you."
   Context: Nasruddin showing empathy and readiness to investigate.

4. Nasruddin [07:20]:
   "If her tail is tugged by the person who's guilty, she’ll open her mouth, throw back her head and bray so loudly that all of us will know who the culprit is."
   Context: Explaining the logic behind the first test involving Delilah.

5. Nasruddin [14:32]:
   "Among the plants I grow in my garden is a particularly fragrant variety of mint... I could smell the aroma of mint on their hands. But when you did, she shot."
   Context: Revealing the cleverness behind the second test to identify the culprit.

Themes & Insights

1. Wisdom in Action:
The episode underscores the value of not just thinking and planning but taking decisive actions to solve problems. Nasruddin exemplifies this through his inventive methods to uncover the truth.

2. Justice and Fairness:
Nasruddin’s approach ensures that justice is served without direct accusation, allowing the culprit to confess through subtle yet effective means. This highlights fairness and the importance of rightful resolution.

3. Community and Trust:
The story emphasizes building trust within a community. Despite initial frustrations and suspicions, Nasruddin fosters unity by addressing the issue collectively and respectfully.

4. Clever Problem-Solving:
Nasruddin’s use of Delilah and the mint-scented nose test showcases wit and intelligence, encouraging listeners to think creatively when faced with challenges.

Conclusion

"The Donkey’s Tail" is a delightful and engaging adaptation that brings to life the timeless wisdom of Nasruddin. Through clever storytelling, enriched with sounds and music, the episode not only entertains but imparts valuable lessons on justice, community, and the power of thoughtful action. The concluding activity invites listeners to use their imagination, further deepening the narrative's impact by encouraging creativity and personal connection.

Production Credits:

• Adapted by: Rebecca Shear
• Edited by: Dean Russell
• Music and Sound Design: Eric Shyamalonis (featured Comanche instrument)
• Artwork: Sabina Hahn
• Actors: Amy Brentano, Terrence Lamont Jr., Erica Rose, and Omar Effendom

Special Note:
Listeners are encouraged to participate in creative activities inspired by the story, such as designing their own imaginative pair of shoes and sharing their creations with the Circle Round community.