Bees Being Bees

Summary

Summary of "Bees Being Bees" Episode - Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages

Release Date: January 24, 2025
Host: Amanda Weldon
Based on Irish Folklore by Daniel Hines

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Introduction

In the captivating episode titled "Bees Being Bees," Stories Podcast weaves a magical tale rooted in Irish folklore. Narrated by Amanda Weldon and penned by Daniel Hines, the story follows the adventures of a young boy named Dominic who discovers the profound bond between humans and bees. This heartwarming narrative not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about friendship, responsibility, and the harmony between humans and nature.

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Setting the Scene

The story unfolds in ancient Ireland, painting a vivid picture of rolling hills and serene countryside. Dominic, the protagonist, is introduced as a curious and adventurous boy with a deep love for reading and caring for animals. His idyllic life revolves around tending to sheep and goats, but his yearning for more—more stories, more knowledge—sets the stage for his forthcoming journey.

Notable Quote:
Dominic's longing for knowledge is evident when he asks at [00:19], "Where can I find more books? Stories of travel and thunder and God and magics."

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The Journey to the Monastery

Dominic's quest for knowledge leads him to the local church, where he converses with a priest about expanding his literary horizons. The priest introduces him to the monastery across the sea, renowned for its extensive library and scholarly environment. Despite initial hesitations about leaving his beloved animals, Dominic is persuaded by the promise of a wealth of books and the opportunity to care for bees—a role deemed essential by the monastery.

Notable Quote:
The Abbot highlights the importance of beekeeping at [06:11], saying, "And we use the honey for sweetener and to make mead. In medicine. It is a job of great importance."

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Life at the Monastery

Upon arriving at the monastery, Dominic is warmly welcomed by the Abbot, a seasoned leader with a kind demeanor. Transitioning from his pastoral life, Dominic immerses himself in the study and care of bees. Initially unfamiliar with these insects, his gentle approach and genuine affection quickly endear him to the bees, transforming what could have been a daunting task into a delightful companionship.

Notable Quote:
Introducing himself to the bees, Dominic charmingly states at [06:08], "All right, friends, I'm Dominic, and I'm your new best friend."

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Building Bonds and Facing Challenges

Dominic's dedication to beekeeping blooms over the months as he learns the intricacies of managing the hives. His success leads to an abundance of honey, benefiting the monastery and nearby communities. However, as the time approaches for Dominic to return to Ireland, he faces an emotional dilemma—leaving behind the bees that have become his second family.

Notable Quote:
Expressing his reluctance to leave, Dominic poignantly says at [09:55], "I have to go home now... You'll be good while I'm gone."

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The Bees' Unwavering Loyalty

Determined to return to his homeland, Dominic attempts to sail back to Ireland. However, the bees demonstrate their loyalty by accompanying him on the journey, causing chaos on the ship and preventing his departure. Realizing the depth of the bond between him and the bees, Dominic seeks counsel from the Abbot, who offers profound wisdom about love and commitment.

Notable Quote:
The Abbot consoles Dominic at [14:04], "They have always loved you."

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A Harmonious Resolution

Through persistence and heartfelt negotiation, Dominic persuades both the Abbot and the ship's captain to allow the bees to accompany him to Ireland. Establishing his own church, Dominic ensures that the bees have a thriving environment to continue their vital work. His efforts lead to a prosperous community enriched by the sweet bounty of honey and the presence of his loyal companions. Dominic's legacy is immortalized as the patron saint of bees, symbolizing the enduring harmony between humans and nature.

Notable Quote:
Amanda Weldon beautifully concludes the tale at [17:27], "Our Dominic, he brought Ireland its bees."

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Conclusion

"Bees Being Bees" is more than just a bedtime story; it's a narrative that celebrates the beauty of connections—both human and natural. Through Dominic's journey, listeners are reminded of the importance of following one's passions, the significance of caring for the environment, and the magical bonds that can form between different forms of life. This episode serves as a delightful reminder that kindness and dedication can lead to harmonious and lasting relationships.

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Credits:

• Story Based On: Irish folklore by Daniel Hines
• Edited and Produced By: Andrew Martin
• Performed By: Amanda Weldon

Transcript

[Dominic]

Hello.

[Abbot]

Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is called Bees Being Bees, a story based on Irish folklore written for you by Daniel Hines.

[Amanda Weldon]

We have Stories Podcast merch, [e-mail] shop. We're also on Cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram Stories Podcast. If you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now, here's a word from our sponsors. This episode of Stories Podcast is brought.

[Abbot]

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[Dominic]

At the monastery across the sea.

[Abbot]

The priest said.

[Dominic]

If you'd like to study there, I can certainly make the introductions.

[Abbot]

Yes, said Dominic at once. But then his face fell. But the animals. I'd miss them a lot. Even old Betty and she sometimes chews me shirts. He held up a ragged hem to illustrate the point. The priest laughed. Plenty of animals at the monastery need caring for. And all the books you can imagine. Enough to keep you reading for years. That was enough to sell Dominic on the idea. His parents agreed it would be good for him to study at the monastery, but a very noble way of life. So they gave him their blessing and sent him off. Dominic crossed the narrow sea between Ireland and England on a small ship driven quickly by a persistent wind. He loved the idea of being at sea, the adventure of it, but the waves made him nauseous beyond belief and he was thrilled to be on dry land once more. A day later and he was at the monastery. He was met at the front gate by the leader of the monastery called the Abbot.

[Dominic]

Welcome, Dominic, the Abbot said.

[Abbot]

He was an older man with salt and pepper colored hair and a windburn face that spoke of a life lived outdoors.

[Dominic]

I've received a letter about you from your priest. I understand you like to read and tend to animals.

[Abbot]

Yes, sir, dominic said, looking around at the sprawling stone campus of the monastery. It was all low buildings and sprawling lawns. He could hear sheep bleating in the distance and the low moo of a dairy cow.

[Dominic]

That is perfect. Our beekeeper was a nun from the convent across the lane. She recently went home to France. So the bees need a caretaker. Would you be willing?

[Abbot]

The abbot knew that some people were afraid of bees, but not Dominic. It's not that he was especially brave, it was just that he had never met a bee before. Back then Ireland didn't have many bees at all, and Dominic had barely heard of them he knew so little, in fact, that he didn't even know they could sting. Oh, I'd love to work with the bees, he said. I've read about them in books. They tend to flowers and make honey in hives. That's right, said the abbot, smiling.

[Dominic]

And we use the honey for sweetener and to make mead. In medicine. It is a job of great importance.

[Abbot]

I can do it, dominic said. Show me to the bees. The abbot laughed again.

[Dominic]

First, let's get you a room and some robes. Then maybe dinner and a good night's sleep, and then we can start tomorrow.

[Abbot]

How does that sound? Sounds good, dominic said, realizing the journey across the sea had left him a little worn out. His room was a small stone room, barely large enough for a bed and a small table, but it was warm and had a window for sun in the morning. Plus, it was right next to the library. The library. He had never seen so many books in one place. The abbot directed him to the old beekeeper's journal, and he started reading it that very night, learning all he could about the little bumbling bugs. The next morning he went to the skeps. Skeps is an old word meaning a sort of portable beehive. They were buzzing with hundreds, maybe thousands of bees. Up close, Dominic thought he could feel the vibrations right in through his feet, and he could definitely smell the sweet richness of honey on the breeze. All right, friends, he said, moving slow and easy like the journal had said. I'm Dominic, and I'm your new best friend. How would you all like to go see the flowers? He knew the bees couldn't understand him, but he talked as he worked. All the same, it had been the same with the sheep. Maybe they didn't know the words, but Dominic swore that animals could understand other, deeper things. Things like the tone of your voice, the look in your eye, and the love in your heart. Soon the bees were swarming all over Dominic, flooding from their skep hives and investigating their new friend. The monks who lived at the monastery came over to help, worried their newest helper would be stung to pieces. But when they got close, they could hear Dominic laughing. The bees searched him over and over and then went happily back to their skeps. Over the next few months, Dominic and the bees grew to be good friends. He would tend to them all day and read about them all night. He even learned to write in the style of the monks so he could start his own book about tending the bees. He was so successful that the honey nearly dripped from the hives. He had to ask other monks to help him carry it, and they had plenty for mead and medicine, and even gave great crockfuls to the nuns across the way. The other monks loved Dominic for his work, especially since they themselves had all been stung in the past and were a little afraid. The bees never stung Dominic, even though they crawled over him constantly, and the monks swore he had been touched by God to work with the little creatures in this way. Dominic passed a peaceful year. The honey flowed, his writing and reading progressed nicely, and he even took training to become a priest under the abbot. Soon enough, it was time for him to return to Ireland. He was excited to go back home to his friends and family, and even his sheep. But his bees? They had become like a second family, and it pained him to leave them behind. I have to go home now, he said to them as he got their honey for the last time. They need me back in Ireland, and the monks need you here. You'll be good while I'm gone. And don't sting anyone. Well, you can sting old Bargil if he tries to steal extra honey, but that's it. Seemingly in response, the bees, every last one, swarmed out of their skep hives. They swirled and buzzed around Dominic, a cloud of bees stretching from his feet to over his head.

[Dominic]

Amazing, the abbot said. It's like they know he's leaving.

[Abbot]

The other monks shook their heads in wonder. They'd never seen anything like it.

[Dominic]

The Lord works in mysterious ways, the abbot said.

[Abbot]

Soon it was time to go. Dominic had said goodbye to his bees and made his way down the winding trail to the docks where a boat was waiting to take him back to Ireland. Now for a quick ad break.

[Amanda Weldon]

We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories, Podcast and other.

[Abbot]

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[Dominic]

They have always loved you, said the abbot.

[Abbot]

I suggest you try again in the morning.

[Dominic]

This time, go early and don't let the bees know you're leaving. I let Cap know she's to try the voyage again, and hopefully there'll be no invaders this time around.

[Abbot]

Oh, it's worth a shot, said Dominic. The next morning he woke before the sun was up. In the chilly twilight of early morning, he slipped aboard Cap's ship and they cast off for Ireland. Seems like we made it this time, said Cap when they were an hour out to sea. Good work, Dominic. Thanks. I wish I could have said goodbye again, but oh. Oh no. A dark cloud was buzzing over the water once more. This time, when the bees got to the ship. They nearly keeled over, tired from flying so far on their little wings. You'd better turn us around again, said Dominic miserably. Come on, you little delinquents, he said to the bees. It's time you went back to your home. Cap was a little annoyed, but she was being paid for each trip, so she didn't mind turning around too much. Dominic got back to shore and trudged up to the monastery, the bees following him like a buzzing, bumbling shadow. Abbot. Dominic cried when he got to the monastery. What do I do? I need to go home to Ireland, but the bees won't leave me. Please give me a little guidance. The abbot smiled and had Dominic sit with him for lunch. They ate in happy silence, and once they were finished, the abbot cleared the plates and sat back down.

[Dominic]

Dominic, the bees love you. Take them. I've never seen such loyalty. And I think they should go with you to Ireland.

[Abbot]

But the monastery, said Dominic. Honey for mead and medicine, sweet for cakes and cookies.

[Dominic]

Once you are home, we'll get new.

[Abbot]

Bees for the monastery, said the abbot.

[Dominic]

But these bees, they are bound to you. They can sense your love, Dominic, and I won't be the one to deny it. Leave again on the morrow, and if.

[Abbot]

The bees go with you again, take.

[Dominic]

Them with my blessing.

[Abbot]

It took a little more explaining to get Cap to agree. No way. I can't have bees covering my boat. Sailors don't like bees. That's why we stay on the water. We're the only bugs are in the bread.

[Dominic]

Dominic will bring a skep hives. If the bees come again, they can go into their new homes.

[Abbot]

I don't care about bee houses, cap said. We'll pay you double, plus a crock of honey. Well, maybe I could care about bees a little, cap said. You got a deal. So the next morning Dominic was up bright and early. He took two empty skeps and got on the boat once more. They cast off, but this time the cloud of bees was after them before they even left the harbor. The sailors were nervous at first, but Dominic ushered the bees into their skep hives and there they stayed, happy and buzzing and ready to go wherever. Back in Ireland, Dominic set up his own church. The bees had an entire courtyard to themselves and seemed as happy as could be to be in Ireland with their master, with their friend. Dominic worked the rest of his life as a priest there, helping anyone who needed it, performing weddings and rites and leading services for the community. His bees thrived, and his church and neighbors never lacked honey and their lives were sweet and rich. This is the true story of Dominic.

[Amanda Weldon]

Who was so generous he became a.

[Abbot]

Saint, the patron saint of bees. To this day you can visit his little church where his bees still live in peace. And if you're quiet and kind, you may hear them buzzing these words in a little boat over the rolling seas. Our Dominic, he brought Ireland its bees. The End Today's story, Bees Being Bees, was a story based on Irish folklore written for you by Daniel Hynes. It was edited and produced for you by Andrew Martin and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon.

[Amanda Weldon]

If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five star review on itunes. Check out all of our merch [e-mail] Shop Commission a special video on Cameo, follow us on Instagram oriespodcast or simply tell your friends about us. In case you missed it, Dan and I have a new show on Stories rpg. We play games just like Starsworn with all your Max Goodname friends and Giga City Guardians featuring the brilliant Firefly. Click the link in the episode description or go to patreon.com storiesrpg to get ad free episodes, play along games and coloring books. We've already got a bunch of episodes over there so check them out now. Thanks for listening.