Circle Round – "The Sunlight Tree" | Ep. 302 (October 28, 2025)

Podcast: Circle Round (WBUR)
Host: Rebecca Sheer
Featuring: Boston Symphony Orchestra ensemble & guest actors
Episode Theme: Examining selfishness, kindness, and the true meaning of belonging through a magical Scandinavian folktale.

Episode Overview

This Circle Round episode presents a live stage adaptation of "The Sunlight Tree," a Scandinavian-inspired folktale. Performed at Symphony Hall in Boston, with musical accompaniment by members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the story explores the perils of greed, the strength of community, and the enduring magic of kindness and generosity.

The tale follows two sisters and their magical pear tree that radiates sunlight, the greedy landlord who covets their joy, and their loyal talking starling, Lars. Audiences are prompted to consider what it truly means to "own" something, and how light—both literal and metaphorical—can flourish where it is nurtured.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Introducing the Sisters and the Sunlight Tree (01:07–06:13)

• Selma and Svea, two sisters, live together in a small hut on a wooded hill with their pet starling, Lars.
• The sisters care for a “sunlight tree”—a magical pear tree that blooms year-round and fills their hut with radiant light, regardless of weather.
  • Selma: “The bright white flowers and golden yellow pears give off this brilliant light.” (05:40)
• They generously share the fruit with their village, highlighting their kindness and community spirit.
• The starling Lars talks to the audience, revealing his secret ability to speak—unknown to the sisters. Lars infuses humor and personality, directly addressing listeners as a conspirator and comic relief.
  • Lars: “Thing is, Selma and Svea don't know that I can talk. I figured it might be kind of weird for them. So do you mind not saying anything?” (03:49)

2. The Landlord’s Greed—Wilhelm’s Plan (06:13–10:42)

• The estate’s new owner, Wilhelm, discovers the sunlight tree and, driven by envy, demands it for himself.
  • Narrator (as Wilhelm): “This is my hill... So do you know what else is mine? This tree is mine. That's why I am going to take it.” (08:02–08:12)
• The sisters plead, warning that the tree will die if uprooted—they suggest planting a clipping instead. Wilhelm dismisses their advice.
  • Selma: “If you pull this tree from the soil, it will die.” (08:43)
• Despite their warnings, Wilhelm transplants the entire tree beside his gloomy mansion.

3. Consequence of Selfishness—The Tree Dies (10:42–12:37)

• The sunlight tree withers and dies soon after the move.
• Lars, the talking starling, calls out Wilhelm’s folly with wit:
  • Lars: “No offense, buddy, but you should have seen this coming.” (10:42)
• The sisters’ clipping flourishes into a new, brighter sunlight tree on the hill, under their care.
  • Lars: “Selma and Svea planted that cutting... it sprouted into a tree. A great big beautiful tree. Even brighter than the first.” (11:35)

4. Eviction and Community Uplift (14:11–18:42)

• Wilhelm, still dissatisfied, evicts the sisters, claiming the hill’s soil must be magical and therefore his right.
  • Narrator (as Wilhelm): “It's not your home anymore because I am evicting you. I'm kicking you out.” (16:24)
• Heartbroken, Selma and Svea cling to their beloved tree as they are forced out.
  • Svea: “Oh, please, Mr. Wilhelm, don't kick us out. You can double our rent, triple it. Just don't part us from our hut or our beloved tree.” (17:43)
• The village rallies to support them, offering land, building materials, and supplies, exemplifying the theme of generosity and community.

5. The Consequences of Greed—The Trees Take Action (19:27–22:37)

• Wilhelm builds a grand castle on the hill and hosts a ball to show off the sunlight tree.
• Suddenly, all the trees—led by Lars—spring to life, flap their "wings," and fly, crowding around the castle and plunging it into darkness.
  • Rebecca Scheer: “Every single one of those maples, pines and oaks gathered up its branches and stretched them to either side, as if each tree had sprouted two mighty wings.” (20:24)
  • Lars: “Nicely done, friends. Not bad for your first flight.” (20:53)
• Guests flee in terror; Wilhelm is left trapped in the dark, lamenting his greed.
  • Lars: “You could have left Selma and Svea alone... Maybe next time you won't be such a bird brain.” (22:20)

6. Restoration and Resolution (22:37–23:44)

• At Lars’s signal, the trees return to their places—except for the sunlight tree, which soars to reunite with Selma and Svea at their new home.
• The sisters are finally restored to happiness, their hut and tree together, surrounded by the light and love of their community.
  • Rebecca Scheer (Storyteller): “And there it stood back with its kind and rightful owners, filling their home and their hearts with light.” (23:44)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lars’s secret with the audience:
  “Thing is, Selma and Svea don't know that I can talk. I figured it might be kind of weird for them. So do you mind not saying anything?” (03:49)

• Warning about greed:
  Selma: “If you pull this tree from the soil, it will die.” (08:43)

• Lars’s humor and judgment:
  Lars: “No offense, buddy, but you should have seen this coming.” (10:42)

• The magical flight of the trees:
  Rebecca Sheer: “Every single one of those maples, pines and oaks gathered up its branches and stretched them to either side, as if each tree had sprouted two mighty wings.” (20:24)

• Lars’s final lesson:
  Lars: “Maybe next time you won't be such a bird brain.” (22:20)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | 01:07 | Introduction of the sisters and sunlight tree | | 05:18 | Sisters describe generosity and the tree's magic | | 06:13 | Introduction of Wilhelm and his greed | | 08:12 | Wilhelm claims ownership and plans to take the tree | | 10:42 | The sunlight tree dies; Lars’s commentary | | 14:11 | Story resumes—Wilhelm’s next scheme and eviction | | 16:24 | Wilhelm evicts the sisters | | 17:43 | Sisters plead to keep their home and tree | | 19:27 | Castle party and trees begin to fly | | 20:24 | The magical flight scene | | 22:20 | Lars chides Wilhelm in the castle darkness | | 23:44 | Sunlight tree finds its true home with Selma and Svea |

Episode Activity & Listener Engagement (23:44–24:15)

Rebecca Sheer invites listeners to imagine a tree that produces something magical and to draw it, sharing with friends or family (and possibly with the show).

• “If you could have a tree that produced something magical, what would it be? Maybe its branches would always be bursting with ice cream cones, or its leaves would be made from picture books…” (23:44)

Tone & Style

The episode maintains Circle Round's hallmark warmth, humor, and inclusivity. The narration is inviting, with lively character voices (notably Lars’s comic asides), and the story’s lesson is accessible and engaging for all ages. Live orchestral music enhances the storytelling, adding a magical, theatrical atmosphere.

Summary

"The Sunlight Tree" is a heartwarming story about the value of kindness, the consequences of greed, and the power of community. Through magical realism and playful narration, Circle Round delivers a memorable, music-rich parable that reminds listeners: true light grows best when shared and nurtured—not taken by force. The episode ends with an interactive invitation, reinforcing creativity and continued discussion beyond the show.