Circle Round: "The Palace of Cats"

Host: Rebecca Scheer (WBUR)
Date: October 7, 2025
Live at: Pace Center in Parker, Colorado
Adapted from: Palestinian lore (similar tales from Italy and Greece)
Theme: The power and rewards of generosity

Episode Overview

This live episode of Circle Round adapts a folktale about kindness, generosity, and karma, set in a whimsical, magical world of talking cats. The story centers on Raffi, an elderly man renowned for his good heart, and explores how selflessness—no matter one's hardships—can lead to unexpected rewards. Through playful dialogue and musical performances, the episode urges listeners (young and old) to reflect on gratitude and good deeds.

Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

Introduction to Raffi: The Village’s Kind Soul

• Raffi is portrayed as an old but cheerful, beloved villager, always helping others despite his age and physical challenges.

• Notable quote (Raffi):

  "Of course, that listening ear has a hearing aid, and that helping hand has arthritis. But no matter. I'll bend over backwards for my friends. Just not literally. I'd throw my back out." (04:45)

• His days are filled with simple acts of kindness, from assisting neighbors to gifting books to local children.

A Harsh Winter and a Selfish Neighbor

• One particularly cold and wet winter, Raffi runs out of firewood.

• He asks his neighbor Idris, known for his ill-humor, for a single piece of wood. Idris refuses emphatically.

• Memorable moment (Idris):

  "Gather your own firewood, Raffi. In this weather, it’s every person for themselves." (07:19)

• Undeterred, Raffi sets out himself to collect wood.

The Magical Encounter in the Hillside

• Raffi hears a kitten’s meow and discovers a cat trapped atop a tree during the storm.

• Despite his age, Raffi bravely climbs up and rescues the kitten, only to find she’s no ordinary feline, but Princess Patches—dressed in a sparkly ball gown and crown.

• Surprised exclamation (Raffi):

  "My dear little kitty, your furry little body is dressed in a ball gown with sparkles and spangles all over. And is that a crown on your head? Jeepers creepers." (11:06)

• The princess invites Raffi to visit her home, the magical Palace of Cats.

Inside the Palace of Cats

• Raffi meets Princess Patches’s father, the Cat King, and is welcomed warmly.
• The palace is lavish and cozy, a stark contrast to Raffi’s cold cottage.
• In gratitude for saving his daughter, the Cat King offers Raffi an unusual gift: two bags—one of onion peels, one of garlic peels—with instructions to place them under his bed that night.
• Quote (Cat King):

  "One bag contains onion peels. The other contains garlic peels." (15:03)

• Though puzzled by the gift, Raffi thanks the King graciously, remarking on the peculiarity:

  "Thank you, your majesty. I shall use these onion and garlic peels in good health. Or, given my age, mediocre to middling health." (15:23)

The Magical Reward

• The next morning, Raffi finds the bags have turned into silver and gold coins.
• He immediately uses his newfound wealth to fix his cottage and spread joy, buying gifts for everyone in the village—including his formerly stingy neighbor, Idris.

The Consequences of Selfishness

• Seeing Raffi’s good fortune, Idris demands to know his secret.
• Despite initial reluctance, Raffi shares the whole tale.
• Idris, motivated by greed, seeks out the Cat King and demands the same gift, without performing any kind act.
• The King and Princess comply, giving Idris two identical bags. But this time, they remain filled with onion and garlic peels, which turn rancid overnight, filling Idris’s home with a terrible stench.
• Memorable lesson (Narrator):

  "That was the magic of the Cat King's gift. The onion and garlic peels would transform into whatever their recipient deserved. That's why Raffi, who was so rich in kindness, received riches. And that's why Idris, who was so stinking selfish, received… well. Stink." (23:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On generosity:

  “Being generous can make us feel great, but as we'll hear in today's tale, it can offer other rewards too, including some we never expected.” (Intro, 00:45)

• Raffi’s self-deprecating humor:

  “Well, blow me backwards. It's so cold in here, I nearly chipped my dentures on my morning coffee.” (05:30)

• Magical realism cue:

  "Gowns and crowns are par for the cause when you're feline royalty." – Princess Patches (11:33)

• Moral punchline:

  “That was the magic of the Cat King's gift. The onion and garlic peels would transform into whatever their recipient deserved.” (23:33)

• Closing activity prompt:

  “When people are generous to us, we can show our thanks by sending a thank you note. Think of someone who's shown you kindness. Now find some paper and write a short letter or draw a picture that expresses your gratitude.” (24:00)

Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:45-03:12 – Introduction, theme of generosity; cast and live recording details
• 03:12-05:44 – Meet Raffi; illustrations of his kindness and age
• 05:44-07:28 – Raffi seeks firewood from Idris and is refused
• 08:00-11:06 – Raffi discovers and rescues Princess Patches
• 11:33-14:17 – Palace of Cats; introduction to the King and magical gift
• 15:01-16:16 – The “unusual” gift and instructions
• 16:16-17:32 – Miracle transformation and Raffi’s generosity to the village
• 17:43-19:12 – Idris learns of Raffi’s windfall and seeks to replicate it
• 20:10-22:10 – Idris meets the cat royalty and receives his own gift
• 22:46-23:33 – Idris’s comeuppance; the bags become rotten and rancid
• 24:00-end – Moral, activity suggestion, and audience engagement

Tone and Style

• The language is playful, accessible, and layered with humor. Raffi’s jokes and commentary add warmth.
• Dialogue features theatrical, lively performances—suitable for children but with winks that adults can appreciate.
• The episode concludes with an interactive prompt, encouraging children to act kindly in their own lives.

Takeaway Message

True generosity is rewarded, sometimes in unexpected ways. The magic of kindness lies not in what you receive, but what you give.
Listeners are invited to reflect on gratitude by writing a thank-you note to someone who has shown them kindness.