Circle Round: "The Wild Goose Chase" – A Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the December 10, 2024 release of WBUR’s beloved podcast Circle Round, host Rebecca Shear brings to life the enchanting tale, "The Wild Goose Chase." Known for adapting folktales from around the globe into engaging radio plays for listeners aged 3 to 103, this episode immerses audiences in a story of kindness, persistence, and the magical rewards of helping others. Recorded live at Symphony Space in New York City, the episode features a star-studded cast, live musical accompaniment by composer Eric Shyamalonis, and concludes with a heartwarming activity to foster deeper conversations between children and adults.

Story Overview

The narrative centers on Pavlo, a talented but humble tailor living in a quaint village. Pavlo's gift with the needle and thread not only garners beautiful garments but also endears him to his community with his generous spirit. As the village faces hard times, Pavlo's fortunes take a dramatic turn when a royal messenger arrives with an urgent commission from the Queen herself. She requests a gown crafted from special golden thread, giving Pavlo just one week to complete the task.

Excited and determined, Pavlo begins his work in the garden shed. However, his enthusiasm is abruptly interrupted by a colossal wild goose that swoops down and steals the golden thread, setting Pavlo on an unexpected adventure. Determined to retrieve the stolen thread and fulfill his royal commission, Pavlo embarks on a relentless chase across meadows, grassy hills, and winding rivers.

During his quest, Pavlo encounters three sentient elements of nature: a cluttered river, a drooping apple tree, and a grimy oven. Each of these beings, personified and facing their own struggles, beseeches Pavlo for assistance. Demonstrating his characteristic kindness, Pavlo helps clear the river of debris, trims the tangled branches of the apple tree, and cleans the soot-covered oven. In return for his generosity, each element promises to aid Pavlo in his pursuit of the wild goose.

As night falls, Pavlo finally corners the sleeping goose in a swampy marsh. Quietly retrieving the golden thread, he narrowly escapes the goose’s wrath with the unexpected help of the oven, which misleads the pursuing bird. Continuing his journey, Pavlo receives further assistance from the apple tree and the river, who continue to divert the goose away from him.

Upon returning to his cottage exhausted yet triumphant, Pavlo discovers three baskets filled with fish, apples, and bread—gifts from the river, tree, and oven, fulfilling their promise to support him. With renewed vigor, Pavlo completes the Queen’s gown within the stipulated time, earning not only royal favor but also a profound sense of fulfillment. The episode culminates with Pavlo reflecting on the true riches that come from acts of kindness.

Key Themes and Messages

"The Wild Goose Chase" weaves several important themes throughout its narrative:

1. Kindness and Generosity: Pavlo’s willingness to help others without expecting immediate returns highlights the intrinsic value of kindness.

2. Persistence and Determination: Despite the obstacles and the relentless pursuit by the wild goose, Pavlo remains steadfast in his mission to retrieve the golden thread.

3. Interconnectedness of Community: The mutual assistance between Pavlo and the natural elements underscores the importance of community support and cooperation.

4. Magical Realism: The enchanting elements of talking river, tree, and oven add a layer of magical realism, making the story engaging and memorable for listeners of all ages.

Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, several impactful quotes capture the essence of the story and its characters:

• Pavlo’s Generosity:
  "No problem, my friend. No problem at all. You can pay me back with a cup of tea sometime."
  (00:04:00)

• Wild Goose's Menace:
  "I see your golden thread, and I'm impressed. So I'm going to take it to build my nest. You can try to resist, but it's no use, for no one can defy the wild Goose."
  (06:53)

• River’s Appeal for Help:
  "Yeah, actually, I am. If you can call me a river. I mean, you know, I'm so gummed up, I look more like a pond. Any chance you could lend a hand and clean me out?"
  (08:30)

• Apple Tree’s Plea:
  "Yeah. Yeah, you bet I do. Yeah. Though not for much longer. If my branches don't get pruned, I'll never survive. Any chance you could give me a trim?"
  (09:47)

• Oven’s Request:
  "I sure am. Though in my present state, I'm a rather sorry excuse for an oven. I was made long ago for a house that was never built, so I was abandoned. And look how grubby I've become. Hey, any chance you could put in a little elbow grease and clean me off?"
  (10:56)

• Pavlo’s Reflection:
  "It wasn’t the money that made me feel rich. It was the knowledge that when you sow the seeds of kindness, you truly can reap the rewards."
  (23:25)

Interactive Activity

Following the resolution of Pavlo’s adventure, Rebecca Shear introduces an activity to encourage listeners to practice gratitude within their own communities. She suggests creating a "gratitude circle," where each participant expresses appreciation for the person to their left. This exercise aims to strengthen familial and social bonds, echoing the story’s central message of mutual support and kindness.

Behind the Scenes

Circle Round prides itself on featuring talented actors and musicians who bring these folktales to life. In "The Wild Goose Chase," the episode showcases performances by Adam Goldberg, Katherine Grody, Stephen Hauck, Gideon Irving, and Faith Salee, with music composed and performed live by Eric Shyamalonis. The collaborative effort ensures a rich auditory experience, enhancing the storytelling with dynamic vocal performances and evocative musical scores.

Listener Engagement

The episode also highlights listener feedback, showcasing how Circle Round resonates with its diverse audience. Fans from various locations share their favorite stories and moments, reflecting the universal appeal and timeless nature of the narratives. This engagement fosters a sense of community among listeners, encouraging them to connect through shared stories and experiences.

Conclusion

"The Wild Goose Chase" exemplifies Circle Round’s mission to adapt folktales into meaningful and entertaining radio plays that impart valuable life lessons. Through Pavlo’s journey, listeners are reminded of the enduring power of kindness, the importance of persistence, and the rewards that come from selfless acts. By blending engaging storytelling with memorable characters and interactive elements, Circle Round continues to captivate and inspire its audience, making it a cherished addition to the world of public radio for listeners of all ages.

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