The Salmon Famine

Summary

Circle Round: "The Salmon Famine" – Detailed Summary

Podcast Information

• Title: Circle Round
• Host/Author: WBUR
• Description: Circle Round adapts folktales from around the world into rich, sound- and music-filled radio plays for children and families. Each episode tackles important themes such as kindness, persistence, and generosity, concluding with an engaging activity to spark deeper conversations between children and adults.
• Episode: The Salmon Famine
• Release Date: February 18, 2025

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Live Recording at Symphony Hall The episode was recorded live in February 2025 at Boston's Symphony Hall, the prestigious home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. This live setting added a vibrant energy to the storytelling experience, with a stellar cast of actors and the orchestral accompaniment enhancing the narrative’s depth.

Cast and Musical Contributors

• Actors: Josh Gondelman, Hari Kondabolu, Faith Salee, and Bethany Van Delft
• Musical Accompaniment: Directed by Eric Shyamalonis, featuring a sextet from the Boston Symphony Orchestra:
  • Kathy Basrak on viola
  • Chris El Chico on clarinet
  • Flint Foreman on flute
  • Ben Levy on double bass
  • Suzanne Nelson on bassoon
  • Austin Ruff on horn

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Story Overview: "The Salmon Famine"

Introduction to the World and Characters The tale unfolds in a time when animals ruled the world. The protagonist, Coyote, is depicted as the craftiest and cleverest of all creatures, known for his mischievous tricks and cunning nature. Coyote resides along a wide, winding river, eagerly anticipating the annual Running of the Salmon—a crucial event where salmon migrate upstream from the ocean to their birthplace.

Coyote (00:10): "This Circle Round episode was one of two recorded in February 2025 at Boston's Symphony Hall..."

The Crisis: Absence of Salmon This particular summer, the salmon fail to appear, leading to a looming famine. Coyote, along with other riverine animals, grows concerned as the expected feast of plump, delicious salmon does not materialize.

Narrator (03:53): "However, this particular summer, something unexpected happened. The salmon didn't show up."

Discovery of the Dam Determined to uncover the mystery behind the missing salmon, Coyote transforms into different creatures to investigate. His journey leads him to discover a massive dam constructed from logs and stones, effectively trapping the salmon and preventing them from reaching the river's upper reaches.

Narrator (04:51): "The dam is catching the salmon as they swim upstream. And look. It's trapping them so they can't move."

Introduction of the Giant Sisters Emerging from the forest are three giant sisters—each unique in stature and demeanor. They are seen hoarding the salmon for themselves, using their immense strength to capture and cook the fish.

Giant Sister 1 (05:34): "Look at all these yummy salmon we've caught."

Coyote's Plan: Shape-Shifting and Deception Realizing the necessity of his cunning to free the salmon, Coyote employs his shape-shifting abilities. He initially transforms into a baby giant to gain the sisters' trust, convincing them to take him into their household to serve them.

Coyote (06:37): "Coyote was a shape shifter. He could magically transform into any creature he wanted."

Giant Sister 1 (07:55): "Aw, little baby."

Escaping the Cave and Attempting to Break the Dam After being brought to the giants' cave, Coyote awaits the right moment to act. Once the sisters depart to gather supplies, he reverts to his true form and attempts to dismantle the dam. His initial efforts are insufficient, leading him to adopt stronger forms—a wolverine, wolf, moose, and bear—to enhance his strength and effectiveness.

Narrator (13:19): "Coyote wrenched a log from the dam. Then he tore out a stone... But the dam was so large that even after hours of work, Coyote could hardly see a difference."

Confrontation and Resolution As Coyote perseveres, the giants return, discovering his attempts to destroy the dam. A confrontation ensues, where the giants attempt to thwart Coyote's efforts. However, Coyote's clever use of wooden spoons as makeshift helmets protects him from their blows, allowing him to complete his mission. The salmon are finally freed, and Coyote confronts the giants about their selfishness.

Coyote (19:10): "I'm not stealing anything. I'm giving these fish back to the other animals along the river who need the salmon to survive."

Lesson on Sharing and Generosity Through his trials, Coyote imparts a vital lesson to the giant sisters about the importance of sharing resources for the greater good. The episode underscores themes of generosity and the consequences of hoarding.

Coyote (19:05): "You must learn to share. Gosh."

Activity Segment: Encouraging Personal Growth The episode concludes with an activity encouraging listeners to reflect on their achievements. Children and grown-ups are prompted to create "I can" strips, recognizing and celebrating personal accomplishments to foster a sense of achievement and confidence.

Coyote (19:35): "Now it's your turn. Think about some of the great things you've achieved..."

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Key Takeaways and Insights

1. Importance of Sharing: The central theme revolves around the necessity of sharing resources. The giant sisters' refusal to share the salmon leads to a famine that threatens the entire community.

2. Cunning and Persistence: Coyote's intelligence and persistence are pivotal in overcoming obstacles. His ability to adapt and change strategies illustrates the value of flexibility in problem-solving.

3. Community and Cooperation: The story emphasizes that communal well-being depends on cooperation and equitable distribution of resources.

4. Responsibility and Consequences: Actions have repercussions not just for individuals but for the entire ecosystem. The giants face consequences for their greed, highlighting moral responsibility.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Coyote (05:08): "The moment Coyote asked that question, he heard the sound of thundering footsteps..."

• Narrator (13:42): "Boy, oh boy, this job is bigger than I thought. But I should call it a day."

• Giant Sister 1 (19:02): "How dare you steal them from us, Coyote."

• Coyote (19:10): "I'm not stealing anything. I'm giving these fish back to the other animals along the river who need the salmon to survive."

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Conclusion "The Salmon Famine" is a compelling folktale adaptation that combines traditional storytelling with rich auditory experience, making it accessible and engaging for listeners of all ages. Through Coyote's adventures, the episode imparts valuable lessons on sharing, cooperation, and the impact of individual actions on the community. The live orchestral accompaniment and talented voice actors enhance the narrative, creating an immersive and memorable experience. The concluding activity fosters personal reflection and growth, aligning with the podcast's mission to inspire meaningful conversations between children and adults.

For more stories and activities, visit WBUR.org/CircleRound.

Transcript

[Rebecca Shear]

WBUR podcast Boston.

[Coyote]

This Circle Round episode was one of two recorded in February 2025 at Boston's Symphony hall, home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. To be first in line for upcoming Circle Round events, including our annual Tinklewood show this summer, join the Circle Round Club Grown ups. Sign up your super fans [e-mail] circleroundclub and now, on with the story. Think about a time you shared with someone. Maybe you shared a toy or some food. Maybe you shared some time. Sharing with others can make everyone feel good. But in today's story, we'll meet three giants who refuse to share until a clever coyote does his share to teach them a giant lesson. I'm Rebecca Scheer and welcome to Circle Round live at Symphony hall in Boston, Massachusetts. Today, our story is called the Salmon Famine. It comes from indigenous tribes of the present day Canadian and American Pacific Northwest. Joining me on stage is a star studded cast of actors Josh Gondelman, Hari Kondabolu, Faith Salee and Bethany Van Delft. Providing musical accompaniment under the direction of our own Eric Shyamalonis is a world class sextet from the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Kathy Basrak on viola, Chris El Chico on clarinet, Flint Foreman on flute, Ben Levy on double bass, Suzanne Nelson on bassoon and Austin Ruff on horn. So circle round everyone for the salmon famine. Long, long ago, when the world was ruled by animals, the craftiest and cleverest of all creatures was Coyote. The wild and wily dog was always playing tricks. Sometimes he used his cunning to get something he want. Sometimes he used it to teach a lesson. This story is about a time he did both. Coyote made his home along a wide, winding river. And like the other animals who lived by the riverside each year, coyote eagerly awaited the running of the salmon. The running of the salmon happened every summer when the big sleek fish known as salmon left the saltwater of the ocean and swam upstream to the fresh water of the river where they had first been born.

[Narrator]

And what a feast those salmon make. The minute we animals spot those plump, delicious fish muscling against the current, we reach into the river, snatch them out of the water and enjoy a mouth watering meal. Mm, mm, mm.

[Coyote]

However, this particular summer, something unexpected happened. The salmon didn't show up. And though Coyote and the other animals waited here, fishy fishies and waited nice fishy fishies, the salmon never appeared.

[Narrator]

What is going on? The salmon should have started running by now. If the salmon don't come, a long hungry famine will. I must get to the bottom of this mystery.

[Coyote]

Coyote bolted Toward the water and dove in.

[Giant Sister 1]

Whee.

[Coyote]

He floated downstream for hours, keeping his eyes peeled for salmon. At last, as he drifted past a thick tangled forest, what should he spy in the river stretching all the way from one side to the other, but a dam?

[Narrator]

A big wall of logs and stones. The dam is catching the salmon as they swim upstairs. Stream. And look. It's trapping them so they can't move. Who would do such a thing? Who would build a giant dam and hoard the fish for themselves?

[Coyote]

The moment Coyote asked that question, he heard the sound of thundering footsteps, Followed by the sound of thundering voices. Coyote leaped from the river and sprang behind a bush just as three giants sisters actually burst out of the forest. One was especially tall. It's time to eat, sisters. One was especially wide.

[Giant Sister 1]

Look at all these yummy salmon we've caught.

[Coyote]

And one was especially hairy.

[Rebecca Shear]

They're going to be absolutely delish.

[Coyote]

All three giants were carrying big wooden clubs. And before Coyote's very wide eyes, each of the sisters seized a flip flopping fish by the gills. Come here, little slippery. Pulled it from the water. You're gonna get away from me. Then stunned it with a club blow to the head. With their dazed dinners and their jumbo hands, the sisters lumbered back into the forest. Coyote waited till they were out of sight before emerging from his hiding place.

[Narrator]

I can't believe it. Those giant sisters are hogging all the salmon by trapping them in their dam. I must find a way to free those fish by using my cunning, my wiles and my magic.

[Coyote]

Something we didn't mention before about Coyote. He was a shape shifter. He could magically transform into any creature he wanted. And as he plotted a way to free free the salmon from the giant sisters, he suddenly got an idea. He twitched his ears, wiggled his nose, and in no time flat, he transformed into a baby. A baby giant, as it happens. Sort of a mini version of the three sisters. Only nowhere near as tall, wide or hairy. In fact, he was downright adorable. He plopped down on his little behind. Then he opened his cute little mouth and let out a big whopping cry. Within moments, who should come trundling from the forest, their surfboard sized arms waving in alarm. But the three giant sisters. Is that a baby?

[Giant Sister 1]

Why is he all alone by the river?

[Rebecca Shear]

I don't know. But I do know this. He's totally adorable.

[Giant Sister 1]

Aw, little baby.

[Coyote]

Delighted that the sisters were falling for his trick, Coyote smiled his cutest smile and cooed his sweetest coo coo. I say we take him home and raise him.

[Giant Sister 1]

Once he gets big enough, he can help us collect salmon.

[Rebecca Shear]

Or he can collect it for us and cook it, too. Maybe he'll even tidy up our house. We'll never have to lift a finger again.

[Coyote]

The sisters scooped up their future servant and carried him to their deep, dark cave in the forest. After Coyote's long trip down the river, he was faint with exhaustion and hunger. So when the sisters offered him a bite of fresh cooked salmon, he eagerly gulped it down. Then he snuggled up beneath a blanket and dropped off to sleep. The next morning, he was awoken by his siblings booming voices. Get up, little one.

[Giant Sister 1]

The three of us are going out to gather roots and vegetables to make a scrumptious salmon stew.

[Rebecca Shear]

Don't even think about leaving while we're gone.

[Coyote]

We wouldn't want to lose our future.

[Rebecca Shear]

Fisherman and cook and housekeeper.

[Coyote]

Good plan. The sisters grabbed their baskets and fishing clubs, then shambled away. Once they were gone, Coyote slipped out from the blanket, twitched his ears, wiggled his nose, and transformed into that's More like it himself.

[Narrator]

Those three sisters are really a handful. Not only are they taking all the salmon, they're raising me to be their servant. Little do they know, but I'm about to serve them a lesson one they will never forget.

[Coyote]

What do you think Coyote is plotting? What would you do if you were the wily trickster? We'll find out what happens after a quick break.

[Advertiser]

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[Coyote]

Circle Round superfans have been raving about the Circle Round Club, an exciting way to support our public radio podcast and get ad free episodes, exclusive swag, early access to events and bonus bedtime stories. Check out this rave review.

[Listener]

One thing I like about Circle Round Club is all the bedtime stories. It's really fun and they're almost like a mini sort of Circle Round story, except they're much shorter.

[Coyote]

Grown ups get your Circle Round superfans signed up [e-mail] CircleRoundClub I'm Rebecca Shear. Welcome back to Circle Round live at Symphony Hall In Boston, Massachusetts. Today, our story is called the Salmon famine. Before the break, clever Coyote discovered that three giant sisters had built a dam across the river so they could keep all the salmon for themselves. Coyote used his magic to shape shift into a baby. The sisters found him so irresistible and so promising as a future fisherman, cook, and all around servant that they brought him to their cave in the woods. The next morning, after the giants left to pick roots and vegetables and gather more fish, Coyote cooked up a plan. He transformed back into himself, then headed straight for the dam.

[Narrator]

My goodness. There must be thousands of pink and silver salmon trapped in this damage. Desperate to get past, these salmon need to swim upstream and the animals need these salmon. So I'm going to fix this problem by breaking it apart.

[Coyote]

Coyote wrenched a log from the dam. Then he tore out a stone. Then another log, Then another stone. The dam was so large that even after hours of work, Coyote could hardly see a difference.

[Narrator]

Boy, oh boy, this job is bigger than I thought. But I should call it a day. The sisters will be here any minute to collect fish for their stew. If they discover my secret, I'll be up the river without a paddle.

[Coyote]

Coyote chucked to his heels and scampered to the cave. Then he twitched his ears, wiggled his nose, and transformed into a baby goo. He had just crawled beneath the blanket when the sisters returned with their vegetables, roots and fish. It's time to cook up some stew.

[Giant Sister 1]

Let's make sure our new baby brother has plenty to eat.

[Rebecca Shear]

Yeah, he's gotta be big and strong if he's gonna do all the work around this place.

[Coyote]

Everyone ate very well that night, and the following morning, the sisters had a hankering for salmon with huckleberry sauce. Once they left the cave with their berry baskets and fishing clubs, Coyote twitched his ears, wiggled his nose, and transformed into a wolverine.

[Narrator]

I'm pretty strong as a coyote, but I need to be even stronger if I'm gonna tear this dam apart. Hopefully this getup will do the trick.

[Coyote]

Coyote bounded to the dam and got down to business. His new brawny body made him much more efficient. But by the time he had to head back to the cave, he still hadn't broken the dam. So the next morning, after the giants left to gather food, Coyote shape shifted into a wolf. The next day he became a moose. And the next day, a bear. Roar. He kept this routine up for a week. He shape shifted into bigger and bigger animals. He worked on the dam for a few hours. Then he hurried to the lair and became a baby again. Coyote was busting his Tail to bust the dam apart. The progress was slower than he would have liked.

[Narrator]

Okay, that settles it. I need a new plan. And if it means being discovered by those salmon stealing sisters, then so be it.

[Coyote]

The following morning, after the giants bid their baby brother farewell and headed to the woods with their baskets and clubs, Coyote transformed back into himself.

[Narrator]

That always feels good.

[Coyote]

And jumped into action. Each of the sisters had a sturdy wooden spoon that they used for snarfing down soup and stew. Of course, the giants were so gargantuan that in Coyote's eyes, their spoons looked a lot more like bowls. Coyote gathered up the big wooden spoons. Then he set to work, stacking them on his head, one on top of the other.

[Narrator]

1, 2, 3.

[Coyote]

Once all three spoons were in place, Coyote hightailed it to the dam and got to work heaving and hauling stones and logs. Coyote worked hard. So hard that after a few hours, he had actually managed to create a gap.

[Narrator]

This gap's not quite big enough for a salmon to swim through, but I'll keep at it. And any minute now, those fish could be free.

[Coyote]

Coyote was so immersed in his task that he didn't hear thundering footsteps plodding from the forest. But he did hear thundering voices. Is that Coyote?

[Giant Sister 1]

That shaggy rascal is tearing our dam apart.

[Rebecca Shear]

So I say we tear him apart.

[Coyote]

The sisters gnashed their teeth and charged toward Coyote. Next thing he knew, the first sister lifted her club and smashed him over the head. But remember, Coyote was wearing three huge wooden spoons, like three sturdy helmets. So when the club came plummeting down, all it did was crash into his top helmet and splinter it apart.

[Narrator]

Nice try, but you'll have to try harder than that.

[Coyote]

Now, the second sister raised her club and brought it down on Coyote's noggin. But like her sister before her, all she did was break Coyote's middle helmet to pieces.

[Narrator]

Not bad. Not too good either.

[Coyote]

Now it was the third sister's turn. She hoisted her club high and gave Coyote's head a wallop.

[Rebecca Shear]

Gaw.

[Coyote]

But as you can probably guess, all she succeeded in doing was breaking Coyote's bottom helmet Just as he yanked one more stone from the dam. And the gap opened wide.

[Narrator]

Sorry to burst your bubble, ladies. Or your damn.

[Coyote]

The sisters watched in horror as their precious salmon pushed through the hole and surged up the river. Our fish.

[Giant Sister 1]

They're swimming away.

[Rebecca Shear]

How dare you steal them from us, Coyote.

[Narrator]

Steal them?

[Coyote]

Coyote sprang out of the water and onto the opposite bank.

[Narrator]

I'm not stealing anything. I'm giving these fish back to the other animals along the river who need the salmon to survive. The three of you have been hoarding the fish for yourselves. So now you must learn to share. Gosh. And here I was thinking it's the big sisters who should teach their baby brother a lesson, not the other way around.

[Giant Sister 1]

Big sisters baby brother.

[Narrator]

Whoa.

[Rebecca Shear]

Are you saying that all this time you were actually.

[Narrator]

But.

[Coyote]

But that's all Coyote heard. Because now that he had taught the sisters their lesson, he broke into a sprint and bolted up the riverbank. Mile after mile, the clever canine raced alongside the salmon as he and the fish made their long awaited way back home. Now it's your turn. Think about some of the great things you've achieved. Cut out some strips of paper and on each one write the words I can and finish that sentence with something you've proven you can accomplish. Put your I can strips in a jar, box or basket and each time you rise to a new challenge or learn a new skill, fill out another strip, drop it in. Then watch your achievements grow. This week's story, the Salmon Famine was adapted by me, Rebecca Scheer. It was edited by Dean Russell. Circle Round's composer is Eric Shyamalonis who conducted our world class sextet from the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Kathy Basrak on viola, Chris El Chico on clarinet, Clint Foreman on flute, Ben Levy on double bass, Suzanne Nelson on bassoon and Austin Ruff on horn. Special thanks to everyone at the BSO including Chad Smith, Tony Fogg, Mark Rulison, Angie Di Sosio, Dana Falloon, John Stanton, Stephen Ponchack, Amy Aldrich and Jason Lion. And a big circle round of applause for our actors at Symphony Hall, Josh Gondelman, Hari Kondabolu, Faith Salee and Bethany Van Delft. Josh Gondelman is a stand up comedian and Emmy award winning writer who can often be heard on the NPR News quiz Wait, Wait, don't tell Me you grown ups can find his comedy special People Pleaser streaming online. Hari Kondabolu is also a regular panelist on Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. His comedy specials include Vacation Baby on Hulu and Warn your Relatives on Netflix. Most recently he hosted the Netflix food competition show Snack vs Chef. Faith Saley is a writer, actress, comedian and Emmy award winning contributor to CBS Sunday Morning. She is also a regular on NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. Her one woman show approval Junkie is available on Audible. Bethany Van Delft is an award winning stand up comedian and a regular host Anthony Storyteller for the Moth. She also co hosted the Nova series Parental Logic. Circle Round's artist is Sabina Hahn. Sabina has created a black and white coloring page for all of our Circle Round stories and you can print them out and color them in grown ups. Visit our website WBUR.org CircleRound and click on Coloring pages. Love the stories you hear on Circle Round. Leave us a five star rating on your favorite podcast app and please tell your friends about the show. Circle Round is a production of wbur, Boston's NPR News Station. 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 around stories they like best. Take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours too.

[Listener]

Hello, my name is Scarlett. I'm from Melbourne, Australia. And my favourite Circle around story is the Spotted Goat. My favorite part is when the queen takes the spotted goat to the castle to see her gold. My name is Gabe. I live in Newton, Massachusetts. I yank Home sweet Home because the part I yank is where the bunnies took the Yep. Hi, my name is Rowan and I live in Seattle, Washington. And my favorite Circle Rod story is the Clockwork. I like the part when the bird tries to stick his whole body into the rock. My name is Ellen. Hi, I'm Nora and I'm recording from Menlo Park, California. And my favorite story is the Basilisk Stare. Hi, my name is Vivian and I live in Washington. And my favorite Circle around stories is the Bird of a Different Feather. I like the part when the lion says he always sticks his tail out from the tree. But where is it now? Hi, my name is Zoe. I live in Woodbury, Minnesota. My favorite Circle Round story is the Giant Steps. And my favorite part is when the giant hops around the house. I'm Nora, I'm from Washington. And my favorite story is Granny Snowstorm. I like it because the brother and sister go down the well and Granny Snowstorm and see her garden and shake her masters for her.

[Coyote]

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.