Circle Round: "The Seamstress and the Div" – Detailed Summary

Podcast Title: Circle Round
Host: Rebecca Shear
Episode: "The Seamstress and the Div"
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Recorded At: Tanglewood, home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Lenox, Massachusetts

Episode Overview

In this enchanting episode of Circle Round, host Rebecca Shear presents "The Seamstress and the Div," a captivating folktale adapted from the rich storytelling traditions of Afghanistan and Central Asia. This 25-minute episode weaves a narrative filled with adventure, supernatural elements, and profound lessons on friendship, courage, and ingenuity. Accompanied by a stellar cast and the musical prowess of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the story promises to engage listeners of all ages.

Story Summary

Introduction to Characters and Setting
The tale follows Aminah, a dedicated seamstress, and her beloved cat, Mittens, residing in a tranquil village. Eager to explore the world beyond her village, Aminah saves enough money to embark on a sea voyage.

The Storm and Shipwreck
Amina and Mittens secure passage on a cargo ship, but their adventure takes a perilous turn when a fierce storm wrecks their vessel, leaving them stranded on an empty, desolate beach. (00:04:00)

Encounter with the Div
Desperate for food, Aminah discovers a large white shell, hoping to find clams. Instead, she inadvertently awakens a div—a supernatural creature with malevolent intentions. The div confronts them, demanding Aminah’s soul as retribution for disturbing its slumber.

Div: "You detestable human and contemptible cat." (05:52)

Amina’s Clever Bargain
Recalling legends that a div cannot seize a soul by force, Aminah negotiates with the div, offering her soul only if she becomes a queen—a highly unlikely event. The div, intrigued by the proposition, agrees, taking Aminah's promise. As hope flickers, a sailboat approaches, signaling potential rescue. The div shapeshifts into a mosquito to remind her of her promise.

Amina: "I will give you my soul on the day I become a queen." (07:52)
Div (as mosquito): "You will give me your soul. And then you will be mine." (08:59)

Arrival at the Kingdom
Rescued by sailors, Aminah and Mittens arrive at a bustling harbor where a jubilant king returns to his land. Amid the celebration, Aminah notices the king dropping his purse. Attempting to return it, she is mistakenly accused of theft and imprisoned in the palace dungeon.

Plea for Innocence and Unexpected Friendship
In the dungeon, Aminah pleads her case, and shortly after, the king personally intervenes. He acknowledges her honesty, thanks to witnesses, and offers her a position in the royal workshop as a seamstress, allowing her to regain her freedom. As Aminah begins her new life, she forms a close bond with the king, who frequently visits her workspace for various tasks. Their growing affection culminates in the king proposing marriage, which would fulfill her promise to the div by making her a queen.

The Div’s Ultimatum and Aminah’s Defiance
As Aminah grapples with the consequences of her decision, the div reappears, acknowledging that she is on the path to becoming a queen and thus liable to give up her soul. Unfazed, Aminah confronts the div, challenging its powers by forcing it to shapeshift into several forms. Finally, she cunningly transforms the div into a tiny mouse, which Mittens promptly swallows, banishing the div permanently.

Amina: "I don't know, Div. All this talk about taking people's souls and turning them into stone. I mean, are you really all that powerful?" (21:56)
Mittens: "Meow." (24:07)

Conclusion and Happy Union
With the div defeated, Aminah marries the king, becoming a beloved queen renowned for her kindness, hard work, and wisdom. Her relationship with the king flourishes, symbolizing the triumph of ingenuity and pure-heartedness over dark forces.

Key Themes and Insights

1. True Friendship and Loyalty:
   The Afghan proverb at the episode's start underscores the essence of genuine friendship—standing by each other in adversity. Amina's unwavering bond with Mittens exemplifies this theme.

2. Courage and Resourcefulness:
   Aminah's ability to navigate dire circumstances, negotiate with a formidable div, and outwit supernatural threats highlights the importance of bravery and quick thinking.

3. Goodness Triumphs Over Evil:
   The div, representing malevolence, is ultimately vanquished by Aminah's cleverness and the power of her relationship with Mittens, reinforcing the moral that goodness can overcome darkness.

4. Destiny and Free Will:
   The delicate balance between Aminah’s fate to become a queen and her active choices showcases the interplay between destiny and agency.

Notable Quotes

• Amina’s Proposal to the Div:

  "I will give you my soul on the day I become a queen." (07:52)

• Div’s Threat:

  "I will turn you both into stone." (06:13)

• Mittens Reveals His Plan:

  "I have a plan, Amina. A brilliant plan that will make all your troubles go away." (20:36)

• Amina Confronts the Div:

  "I don't know, Div. All this talk about taking people's souls and turning them into stone. I mean, are you really all that powerful?" (21:56)

Concluding Activity

At the episode's end, listeners are encouraged to engage creatively:

• Drawing Challenge:
  "If you could shapeshift into anything and not get gobbled up by a talking cat, what would it be? Get some paper and draw a line down the middle. On one side draw yourself as you currently are. On the other, draw whatever you'd like to shapeshift into."

• Sharing Creations:
  "Grown-ups snap a photo of your Circle Round fan and their drawing and email it to circleround@wbur.org. We may feature you in an upcoming edition of the Circle Round Newsletter."

Cast and Crew Highlights

• Actors:

  • Michael Bobbitt: Renowned theater director and playwright.
  • Marielle Heller: Acclaimed film and TV director, known for "The Queen's Gambit."
  • Omar Effendom: Internationally recognized rapper and poet.
  • Jorma Taccone: Member of the comedy trio The Lonely Island and author.

• Musical Ensemble:
  Directed by Eric Shimalonis, featuring members from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, including Kathy Basrak (viola) and Suzanne Nelson (bassoon).

• Adaptation and Production:
  Adapted by Rebecca Scheer and edited by Dean Russell, with beautiful illustrations by Sabina Hahn.

Listener Feedback

Dedicated listeners shared their favorite moments from various Circle Round stories, highlighting the universal appeal and emotional resonance of the tales. From "A Flame Keeper" to "The Lion's Whisker," each story finds a unique place in the hearts of young and old alike.

Final Thoughts

"The Seamstress and the Div" is a testament to Circle Round's mission of bringing global folktales to life with rich storytelling, diverse characters, and meaningful lessons. Through Aminah's journey, listeners are reminded of the power of ingenuity, the strength found in true companionship, and the enduring battle between light and darkness.

Discover More:
Explore additional Circle Round stories, join the Circle Round Club for exclusive content, and download coloring pages by visiting WBUR.org/CircleRound.