The First Councilor

Summary

Circle Round: "The First Counselor"

Host: Rebecca Sheir
Guests (Voice Actors): Danielle Panabaker, James Wolk
Date: September 2, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Circle Round presents "The First Counselor," an engaging folktale adaptation based on stories from Sweden. The narrative explores the challenge of making wise decisions, highlighting the values of honesty, trustworthiness, and staying true to one’s word. The story takes listeners through the journey of a king trying to choose which of his six uniquely talented counselors should rule in his absence, with magical intervention helping reveal true character. The episode is crafted for family listening, blending humor, suspense, and heartfelt lessons, capped by a playful activity for children and caregivers to continue the conversation.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The King's Dilemma (00:00–04:51)

• Main Theme Introduced: The king, with no heirs, must select a trusted counselor to rule during his absence.
• Introduction of Counselors:
  • Nessa: Very fast ("Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today…")
  • Norvid: Very slow ("Slow and steady wins the race.")
  • Linea: Very young ("In the heart of every young person lies the potential for greatness.")
  • Ludwig: Very old ("With age comes wisdom. And arthritis. Oh, and did I mention wisdom?")
  • Astrid: Very loud ("Speak loud and clear for all to hear. And I do mean all.")
  • Anders: Very quiet ("I talk only when I have something to say. After all, we have two ears and one mouth, so we can listen twice as much as we speak." — Counselor Anders, 03:56)

2. The Fairy's Arrival and the Test (04:51–09:18)

• Magical Intervention: A fairy appears to the king and suggests a secret plan to help him choose:
  • The counselors must fetch the king’s beloved golden galley.
  • The king is to meet the fairy by the river, disguised as a poor woodcutter.
• Purpose: The king's assistance to the counselors, incognito, would reveal their character.

3. Disguised as a Woodcutter: The Test Begins (09:18–12:51)

• Crisis: The counselors, sailing the golden galley, are caught in a sudden storm.

• Resolution: The disguised king rescues them.

• Counselors' Gratitude: All six offer rewards; the woodcutter (king) only asks them to dinner at his humble cottage the next day at sunset.

  "Repay me? There's no need to repay me. I helped you out of the goodness of my heart. However, if you wish to give me something, you can give me the honor of hosting you for dinner." — The King (disguised), 12:08

4. Part Two of the Test: The Banquet Dilemma (15:18–17:07)

• New Instruction: The fairy instructs the king to invite all counselors (again as himself) to a royal banquet at the same time as the dinner at the woodcutter's cottage.
• Moral Crossroads: The counselors must now choose between their word to the woodcutter and the king's invitation.

5. The Outcome: Revealing True Character (17:07–22:44)

• Banquet Scene: All counselors except Anders attend promptly. Anders arrives late and disheveled, having tried to fulfill his promise to the woodcutter.

• Honesty and Integrity:

  • Anders admits the truth about his absence, citing his promise to the woodcutter.
  • Despite knowing he risks his position, he chooses to keep his word.

  "That is correct, your majesty. I promised the woodcutter I would dine at his cottage, and since he extended his invitation before you extended yours, I felt obligated to follow through. But when I went to the forest to see him, his cottage was gone." — Counselor Anders, 19:42

  • The king, maintaining the ruse, presses Anders, who remains steadfast.

  "I don't expect you to believe it, sir, but it's the truth. The cottage was gone, and I had to honor the woodcutter's invitation. I made him a promise. I gave him my word, and I always stay true to my word." — Counselor Anders, 20:17

• Resolution: The king reveals his secret:

  "You didn't disrespect me because the woodcutter whose dinner invitation you honored was me." — The King, 21:54

  • Anders is named First Counselor as the one who demonstrated honesty, trustworthiness, and commitment to his word.

6. Conclusion & Takeaway (22:44–23:15)

• Moral Reinforced: Anders rules the kingdom justly in the king's absence, and is honored as the permanent First Counselor for his virtues.
• Key Message: True leadership requires integrity and faithfulness to one’s promises, shown in action, not just words.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We have two ears and one mouth, so we can listen twice as much as we speak."
  — Counselor Anders (03:56)

• "Repay me? There's no need to repay me. I helped you out of the goodness of my heart..."
  — The King (disguised as woodcutter, 12:08)

• "I made him a promise. I gave him my word, and I always stay true to my word."
  — Counselor Anders (20:17)

• "If you pack your bags and leave the castle, then how will you become my first Counselor."
  — The King (21:17)

• "You didn't disrespect me because the woodcutter whose dinner invitation you honored was me."
  — The King (21:54)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Introduction & Counselor Descriptions: 00:00–04:51
• Appearance of the Fairy & Plan Set in Motion: 04:51-09:18
• River Rescue & Woodcutter Invitation: 09:18-12:51
• Fairy's Second Test & Dual Invitations: 15:18-17:07
• Banquet, Anders' Honesty & Revelation: 17:07-22:44
• Final Moral & Happy Ending: 22:44–23:15

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Episode Activity

• Would You Rather: Kids and families are encouraged to play a "Would You Rather" game to practice decision making, promoting thoughtful choices through playful scenarios.

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Tone & Language

The episode keeps a whimsical and inviting tone—addressing young listeners with humor, pseudo-mystery, and empathy. The lessons are woven into simple, memorable exchanges that resonate with both children and adults.

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Takeaway

"The First Counselor" reminds listeners that it is our actions, not just our words, that define our character. Honesty, keeping promises, and being true to one’s word are vital qualities for both good leaders and good people. Through playful storytelling, the episode encourages young minds to think critically about what makes someone worthy of trust.

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Transcript

[Rebecca Shearer]

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 faced a difficult decision. How did you make your choice? Did you list the pros and cons? Did you ask a friend for advice? In today's tale, when a king is in the dark about a tough decision, a magical, mystical being comes along and sheds sight some light. I'm Rebecca Scheer, and welcome to Circle Round, where story time happens all the time. Today, our story is called the First Counselor. It's inspired by tales from Sweden, a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folktale, including Danielle Panabaker and James Wolk. Danielle Panabaker most recently starred in the Flash on Netflix. She's appeared in a bunch of other TV series and movies, including Empire Falls and Sky High. James Wolk has had starring roles in such TV shows as Mad Men on AMC and Happy Face on Paramount. You kids can enjoy James in the action adventure comedy film sonic the hedgehog 3. So circle around, everyone for the First Counselor. There once lived a mighty king with a mighty problem. He had been invited to an important summit in a faraway land, and he couldn't decide who should rule over his kingdom while he was away.

[The King]

I never married. I have no children. So the most logical choice is one of my counselors, my royal advisors. I must name one of them. First Counselor, head of the government. But which one should I pick?

[Rebecca Shearer]

The king had six counselors, each with their own quirks. Counselor Nessa was very fast. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today, or right now or five minutes ago. Councillor Norvid was very slow.

[The King]

Slow and steady wins the race.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Counselor Linea was very young. In the heart of every young person lies the potential for greatness. I just lost a baby tooth. Councilor Ludwig was very old.

[The King]

With age comes wisdom. And arthritis. Oh, and did I mention wisdom?

[Rebecca Shearer]

Counselor Astrid was very loud. Speak loud and clear for all to hear. And I do mean all. And Councilor Anders was very quiet. Um, Counselor Anders?

[Counselor Anders]

Uh, yes.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Um, it's just that all the other Counselors piped up just now. Is there something you would like to add?

[Counselor Anders]

Not at the moment. I talk only when I have something to say. After all, we have two ears and one mouth, so we can listen twice as much as we speak.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Huh? You've got a good point there.

[Counselor Anders]

Oh, thank you.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The king knew that his first Counselor must be trustworthy, honest, true to their word. And he spent many a sleepless night trying to decide which of his six Counselors best fit that bill. Late one evening, as the king tossed and turned in bed, he received an unexpected visitor. His spacious chamber suddenly filled with a warm white light. And there, hovering in the air before him, was a fairy. Her long hair flowed past her waist, and her delicate hand grasped a twinkling crystal wand.

[The Fairy]

Good evening, you, Majesty. I am the fairy of this castle.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The king pinched himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming.

[The King]

He wasn't the fairy of this castle. I didn't know this castle had a fairy. Why have I never seen you before?

[The Fairy]

Because you've never needed me before. I have lived within these walls ever since your grandparents. Grandparents? Grandparents first built the place. But I only show myself when a king or queen is facing a particularly difficult dilemma. A quandary, a conundrum. Just like you are right now.

[The King]

It's true. I must choose which one of my six Counselors should be my first Counselor and rule in my place while I'm away. Can you tell me which one I should pick?

[The Fairy]

I'm afraid I cannot tell you which Counselor you should pick. But I can help you make your choice. First thing tomorrow morning, you must call your six Counselors together. Tell them they must travel far up the river to retrieve your golden galley.

[The King]

My golden galley? You mean the big patrol boat that was just repaired by the shipwright in the next town?

[The Fairy]

That's the one.

[The King]

But why ask my councilors to fetch my golden galley? I have sailors and servants for that.

[The Fairy]

Your councilors know how much you love that boat. Tell them that you trust them and them alone to bring it home safely. Meanwhile, you and I will have a surprise waiting for them.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The river the Counselors would take to fetch the golden Galley ran alongside a forest. The fairy told the king that after he sent the Counselors on their way, he must meet her beside the river at the spot where the trees gave way to clear land.

[The Fairy]

And then, I promise, you'll be on your way to making your choice.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The fairy flashed a mysterious smile and waved her wand over the king's face. In an instant, his eyelids grew heavy, his body grew still, and for the first time in many a night he was out cold. The next morning, he did as the fairy instructed. He sent his counselors to fetch his golden galley and row it down the river. Then he saddled up his horse and took off through the forest. When he reached the edge of the trees, the fairy was waiting.

[The Fairy]

Good day, you, Majesty. Your counselors have yet to row past this spot. Which gives me plenty of time to do this.

[Rebecca Shearer]

She waved her crystal wand and all of a sudden, the king was transformed. His elegant royal attire was replaced by a threadbare tunic and patched up breeches. His neatly trimmed hair was long and stringy. His clean shaven face bore a scraggly beard. His hand held a wood handled axe. And his magnificent steed was now a little gray donkey with a stack of freshly chopped wood on its back.

[The King]

Fairy, you've made me look like a woodcutter, complete with a beast of burden to carry my load.

[The Fairy]

That's because you are a woodcutter. For the moment.

[The King]

Okay. And this new getup will help me out? How?

[The Fairy]

You shall soon find out. For now, keep your eyes open. Your counselors will soon appear. They will need help. And you will come to their aid. With your new look, they'll have no idea who you are. And when they ask how they might reward your assistance, you shall ask them to honor you by having dinner at your cottage.

[The King]

My cottage? I have a castle, not a cottage.

[The Fairy]

Are you sure about that?

[Rebecca Shearer]

One flick of the fairy's wand and just like that, a tiny. A tiny cottage appeared with peeling walls, a moss covered roof and rickety windows that rattled in the breeze.

[The Fairy]

Invite the counselors to visit this cottage tomorrow at sunset. And soon, I promise, you'll know which counselor should be your first Counselor.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Then she smiled her mysterious smile, waved her crystal wand and WA was gone. @ that very moment, the golden galley came gliding into view with all six counselors on board. Up front was quick moving. Nessa. Can we pick up the pace, people? Behind her was slow moving. Norvid.

[The King]

Good things come to those who wait.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Behind him was youthful. I just lost another baby tooth, then. Ancient Ludwig.

[The King]

Anyone else? Is arthritis acting up right now?

[Rebecca Shearer]

Noisy. Astrid. Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream. And quiet, Anders.

[Counselor Anders]

How can we row gently with all that warbling?

[Rebecca Shearer]

The water was cold, calm. The sky was blue. Yet the moment the galley glided past the disguised king, a bank of dark clouds scudded in and unleashed a torrent of rain. The wind picked up, the river turned choppy and churning, and the galley was tossed this way and that.

[The King]

That boat will smash right up against the riverbank unless something is done. This must be what the fairy was talking about. She told me my counselors would need some help and I would come to their aid. Well, here goes.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The king raced to the bank and dove into the river. He had always been a strong swimmer and in no time flat he was heaving his dripping wet body over the galleys.

[The King]

Hiya folks. I've come to help you out.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The king was as strong a boatman as he was a swimmer. Quickly and confidently, he took hold of the rudder and steered the galley to shore. The storm blew out as quickly as it had blown in and the sky was clear and blue as the counselors gratefully stepped foot on dry land. We have no idea who you are, kind woodcutter, but you just saved our lives. Tell us, how can we repay you?

[The King]

We could give you gold, new clothing.

[Counselor Anders]

Tell us what you need. We'll give anything to such a kind, generous soul.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The so called woodcutter shook his head.

[The King]

Repay me? There's no need to repay me. I helped you out of the goodness of my heart. However, if you wish to give me something, you can give me the honor of hosting you for dinner. Come to my cottage tomorrow at sunset.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The counselors accepted the invitation. Then they climbed back into the golden galley and continued on their way. As they drifted around a bend, the fairy appeared. Without a word, she waved her crystal wand and and returned the king to his former appearance, complete with royal garments, shaven face, short hair and trusty horse.

[The Fairy]

Your Majesty, did everything go according to plan?

[The King]

Well, you could say that I saved my counselors lives and invited them to this cottage for dinner tomorrow at sunset. But I have to confess, I am no closer to making my decision than I was before.

[The Fairy]

That's because we aren't finished yet. There's one more thing you must do. Something very important. And then, your majesty, I promise you'll know exactly who your first counselor should be.

[Rebecca Shearer]

What do you think the King must do? And which counselor do you think he'll pick? We'll find out how our story unfolds after a quick break. The reviews are in and super fans like you are loving the Circle Round Club. An exciting opportunity to support public radio and get cool stuff. Including ad free episodes and a personalized birthday message from me.

[Circle Round Club Members]

What I like about the Circle Round Club is that Rebecca Shear sends extra messages and it supports the show. And there are no ads.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Grown ups support public radio and sign up [e-mail] CircleRoundClub welcome back to Circle Round. I'M Rebecca Scheer. Today our story is called the First Counselor. Before the break, the king had to choose which of his six counselors should rule in his place while he was away. The fairy of the castle arranged it so that the king, disguised as a woodcutter, would save the counselors lives. When they asked how they could repay him, he told them to have dinner at his cottage in the woods tomorrow at sunset. After the counselors agreed and continued on their way, the fairy showed up, removed the king's disguise and gave him his next instruction.

[The Fairy]

Your Majesty, now that you're back in your kingly garb, you must return to the palace. Invite your counselors to a royal banquet. Tell them you will announce your choice for First Counselor at this grand feast.

[The King]

I can do that. And when will this banquet take place?

[The Fairy]

When will it take place?

[Rebecca Shearer]

The fairy smiled.

[The Fairy]

Tomorrow at sunset.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The king was gobsmacked.

[The King]

I can't hold a banquet tomorrow at sunset. I'm not ready to announce my choice. And besides, the counselors promised to visit the woodcutter's cottage at the very same time.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The fairy said nothing. She just flashed another sly grin, waved her crystal wand and was gone. The king was stupefied. But wishing to follow the fairy's orders, he rode his horse back to the palace and called his counsellor.

[The King]

Hello, councillors. As you know, I shall soon embark on my journey. One of you will act as first Counselor and watch over the kingdom while I'm away. And I shall announce which one of you I've chosen at a banquet tomorrow at sunset.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The counselors traded an uneasy glance. The king noticed.

[The King]

Councilors, it seems my invitation has left you speechless, and I don't blame you. This banquet is a big deal. So please get all dialed up in your best finery and join me in the great hall of the castle tomorrow at sunset. I look forward to seeing you then.

[Rebecca Shearer]

And with that, he turned on his heel and bustled out of the room. The following day, at sunset, the banquet began in the castle's great hall. As a parade of servants marched in to deliver the first course, the king noticed that one counselor was missing. His quiet counselor, Anders. Anders was still missing when the second course arrived. And the third. And the fourth, fifth and sixth. It was only when dessert was about to be served.

[Counselor Anders]

Hello everyone. Sorry I'm late.

[Rebecca Shearer]

That Anders finally appeared breathless and disheveled.

[Counselor Anders]

I was just out in the forest so I could have dinner with the man who saved my life.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Anders flashed a sheepish grin. His fellow councilors exchanged a guilty look. They had agreed not to tell the king about the woodcutter. After all, the they didn't want their boss to know they had nearly sunk his beloved golden galley. And besides, they didn't actually plan on dining with a poor woodcutter instead of a king. But Anders was different. And as the king gazed into the quiet man's apologetic eyes, he heard a familiar voice.

[The Fairy]

Remember, your majesty, you want your first counselor. You to be trustworthy, honest, true to their word. And who might that be?

[Rebecca Shearer]

The king glanced around, expecting to see the fairy, but she was nowhere to be found. Yet all at once, a sudden understanding welled up in his heart, and he knew exactly what to do. For the moment, however, he acted as though he knew nothing. Instead, he jumped to his feet and shot Anders an incredulous look.

[The King]

Counselor Anders, what's all this about going to the forest to have dinner with the man who saved your life? Sounds like nonsense to me.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Anders heaved a sigh and recounted the story of yesterday's adventures. The unexpected rainstorm, the heroic woodcutter, the invitation to dinner at the cottage.

[The King]

So let me get this straight. You were going to honor the invitation of a woodcutter over an invitation from a king?

[Rebecca Shearer]

Andrews responded quietly but quickly.

[Counselor Anders]

That is correct, your majesty. I promised the woodcutter I would dine at his cottage, and since he extended his invitation before you extended yours, I felt obligated to follow through. But when I went to the forest to see him, his cottage was gone.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The king was impressed by Anders honesty, but he kept up his skeptical act.

[The King]

Councillor Anders, do you expect me to believe that you arrived late and dishevelled because you agreed to have dinner with a commoner whose cottage vanished into thin air?

[Counselor Anders]

I don't expect you to believe it, sir, but it's the truth. The cottage was gone, and I had to honor the woodcutter's invitation. I made him a promise. I gave him my word, and I always stay true to my word.

[Rebecca Shearer]

On the inside, the king was beaming, but on the outside, he frowned.

[The King]

Councilor Anders, given everything you have told us this evening, and all that has come to light, I hope you are willing to accept the consequences of your actions.

[Rebecca Shearer]

Anders gave a sad nod.

[Counselor Anders]

Of course I am, sir. I had a feeling you would fire me. I'll pack my bags and leave the castle.

[Rebecca Shearer]

With a hanging head. He turned to go, but before he could take one step.

[The King]

No, you shall not pack your bags and leave the castle.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The counselor looked up with a start.

[Counselor Anders]

I won't.

[The King]

No. Because if you pack your bags and leave the castle, then how will you become my first Counselor.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The other Counselors gasped. Anders grinned.

[Counselor Anders]

You've chosen me to be your first Counselor. But I disrespected you by showing up late for your banquet and looking in absolute fright.

[The King]

You did show up late, and you do look a fright. But you didn't disrespect me. Quite the opposite, actually.

[Counselor Anders]

I don't understand, Councilor Anders.

[The King]

You didn't disrespect me because the woodcutter whose dinner invitation you honored was me.

[Rebecca Shearer]

The other Counselors let out another gasp. Anders did too.

[The King]

A friend helped me disguise myself to help me figure out who my first Counselor should be. You see, whoever I choose must be trustworthy, honest, true to their word. And tonight, by honoring your promise to a humble woodcutter, you have proven that you are all of those things and more. You are the one to rule in my absence, Anders. I am certain I can safely place my land and people in your hands.

[Rebecca Shearer]

And he was right. Anders ruled with care and kindness and the kingdom prospered. When the King came back from his travels and returned to the throne, he decided to make Anders his preference, permanent first Counselor and from then on, whenever the King had to take his leave, he knew he could always rely on Anders, the soft spoken counselor who spoke volumes with his honest and trustworthy heart. Now it's your turn. You can practice decision making by playing Would you rather find a partner and take turns asking each other to choose between two situations? You can ask things like would you rather have a magic carpet or a crystal ball? Would you rather own a pet dragon or pet unicorn? Would you rather eat a whole raw onion or an entire lemon? The list can go on and on, and in many cases, the laughter can too. This week's episode, the First Counselor, was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shyamalonis. Eric's featured instrument this week was the top hoggleharpa. You can learn more about this bowed lyre from Northern Europe 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 Circle Round story and you can print them out and color them in grown ups. You can find all of our coloring [e-mail] Circle Round Special thanks to this week Evan Casey, Paul Date, Adalynn Phelps, Jessica Rao, Mike Truesdale, Don Ursula, James Wolk and Danielle Panabaker. James Wolk plays young Walters in the action adventure comedy film Sonic the Hedgehog 3. You grown ups can see James in such TV shows as Mad Men on AMC, Watchmen on HBO, and Happy Face on Paramount. Plus Danielle Panabaker most recently starred in the Netflix series the Flash. She also serves as a Global Ambassador for Room to Read, a nonprofit promoting children's literacy and girls education in Asia and Africa. Looking for more ways to circle round with us and to support public media? Join the Circle Round Club to show our thanks. We'll send you a welcome package with special swag plus ad free episodes, bonus bedtime stories, presale tickets to our live events, and an invitation to meet me and Eric Shyamalonis after each show. Sign up for the Circle Round Club today and show your love for public [e-mail] CircleRound Grown Ups. If you enjoy Circle Round, please tell your family and friends. And if you can, 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 even bigger. 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 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 Club Members]

My name is Rhea and I live in Ontario, Canada and my favorite Circle Round story is the Bright Yellow Hat. My favorite part is when she saves the Tree. Hi, my name is Yelene. I live in Ontario, Canada. My favorite Circle Round story is the Three Legged Pot. My favorite part is when the Three Legged Pot goes sweet. Hi, my name is Natalia. Hi, my name is Rivi. We live in Austin, Texas and our favorite Silk Round story is the Peach of Life because we like the part when the wizard says Good day. My name is Julia, I live in Hollywood, Florida. My favorite circle around story is the Zodiac 12. My favorite part is when cat finds out that rat is first and when Rebecca Shearer says that that's why cats chase mice and rats. My name is Edith and I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado and my favorite Circle Round story is the Salmon Famine and I like the part when Coyote says and my magic My name is Kaiser and I'm from Anoka, Minnesota and my favorite Circle Round is the Battleless Scare and I like the part when Natalia saves her brother Conrad by turning the Basilisk into My name is Celen and I live in Minnesota and my favorite Circle Round story is the Fairy Fart. I like the part where she plays the harp.

[Rebecca Shearer]

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. Our website, WBUR.org CircleRound.