Podcast Episode Summary: "The Bad Tiger"
Podcast: Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Host: Amanda Weldon
Date: September 26, 2025
Story Adaptation: Daniel Hines, from the collection by Kim Seo Eun
Theme: Cleverness and kindness triumphing over brute strength, as an old woman outsmarts a troublesome tiger in a Korean folktale.
Episode Overview
In this episode, host Amanda Weldon narrates "The Bad Tiger," a lively adaptation of a Korean folktale. The story centers on Halmoni (Moni), a spirited elderly woman living harmoniously in a village deeply connected with nature. When a ferocious tiger, Fang, begins to terrorize the community by eating their animals and crops, Moni uses her wisdom and resourcefulness to outwit the beast and restore peace to the village.
Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown
Village Life and Moni’s Character
- Setting and Tone:
The story unfolds in a picturesque, nature-embracing Korean village. Moni is introduced as "just as sweet as you'd like, but she had no trouble telling people to get out of her way when they blocked her." (03:20) - Moni’s Garden:
Her prized radishes are her pride, and she's fiercely protective, often chasing off scavenging animals with her trusty rake and a loud shout.
The Tiger’s Arrival and Village Panic
- Fang’s First Raid:
The tiger, described as “as hulking, long as a cart and muscled like a strongman, its coat the burning orange of a sunset slashed with white and black," (04:50) descends at night, devouring all the village pigs, even a pumpkin shaped like a pig. - Second Night:
Fang returns, eating all the vegetables, including Moni’s beloved radishes. This prompts calls among villagers to hunt the beast. - Villager Reaction:
Moni warns, "Don't go hunting that beast. It's a monster of the mountain and has no fear of you... You best let me handle the tiger before you get hurt." (06:33)
But Kim, the best hunter, dismissively replies, "'We've hunted tigers before. We'll be just fine.'" (07:01)
The Failed Hunt
- Encounter with Fang:
The hunters track Fang, only to find "each paw print was bigger around than your head" (08:33) and realize his immense size. Their arrows bounce harmlessly off his thick fur, and they're forced to flee. - Return to Village:
Moni admonishes the humbled hunters: "I told you that's not just a tiger. It's got the strength of the mountain. You won't get it with arrows. You need to be cleverer than that." (10:04)
Moni’s Clever Plan
- Her Unique Skill:
Moni reveals she knows the language of tigers:
"'I've lived here among nature since I was a little girl... I know how to talk to [tigers].'" (11:33) - Preparation Montage (13:08):
- Builds a fire pit and lets it burn to hot embers and ash.
- Prepares a jug of water laced with the spiciest pepper flakes.
- Stuffs sewing needles into a towel.
- Pours oil on the floor and lays a large bamboo mat outside.
Trap for the Tiger
- Invitation:
Speaking in "the language of the tigers," Moni calls Fang, calmly offering him warm radishes: "'I'd rather serve you than have you as my enemy.'" (15:53) - Sequence of Tricks:
- Hot Embers:
Moni convinces Fang to blow on the dying firepit, sending red-hot ash into his face.
(18:03) - Pepper Water:
To relieve the burning, Fang plunges his face into the water jug, but spicy pepper makes it burn more. - Needle-laden Towel:
Moni offers a towel to wipe his face; hidden needles prick Fang’s tongue and mouth, worsening his discomfort.
- Hot Embers:
- Tiger’s Realization:
Fang howls, "'Why are you doing this?'" (19:53)
Moni retorts: "'Why did you steal all our food? If we let you keep going, we would starve.'" (20:06)
Capturing and Resolving the Conflict
- The Tiger is Outfoxed:
In his panic, Fang slips on the oiled floor, lands on the bamboo mat, and is swiftly rolled up by Kim and the hunters:
"'Roll!'" shouts Kim. "'We got him!'" (21:00) - Tiger's Fate:
The tiger, tightly bound in the mat, is wheeled away to the ocean and traded to a traveling merchant. In exchange, the villagers receive pigs, and Fang is released deep into the jungle—safe from humans and free to hunt wild game instead.
Resolution and Lesson
- Village at Peace:
Moni enjoys her radishes, the villagers celebrate their new pigs, and everyone's able to "live happily ever after." - Folktale Morals:
- Wisdom and clever thinking can overcome brute strength.
- Kindness and understanding of nature are more effective than aggression.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Moni’s Warning:
"It's a monster of the mountain and has no fear of you... It weighs as much as a horse and has claws like butcher knives. You best let me handle the tiger before you get hurt."
— Moni [06:33] - Kim’s Doubt:
"Ah, old Moni, we’ve hunted tigers before. We’ll be just fine."
— Kim [07:01] - Describing Fang's Arrows:
"...the arrow thumped into Fang, the great tiger, where it bounced off his thick fur, doing him no more damage than a bee sting. 'Oh. Oh no.'"
— Kim [09:10] - Moni’s Cleverness:
"I've lived here among nature since I was a little girl... I know how to talk to them."
— Moni [11:33] - Tiger Outwitted:
"Why are you doing this?"
— Fang [19:53]
"Why did you steal all our food? If we let you keep going, we would starve."
— Moni [20:06] - Celebratory Ending:
"And they all lived happily ever after."
— Narrator [23:35]
Important Timestamps
- 00:01 – Episode introduction and story setup
- 03:20 – Introduction of village and Halmoni (Moni)
- 04:50 – First appearance of Fang the tiger
- 06:33 – Moni warns against hunting the tiger
- 09:10 – Hunters fail and flee from Fang
- 10:04 – Moni insists on cleverness over force
- 11:33 – Moni reveals she speaks "tiger"
- 13:08 – Montage of Moni’s preparations
- 15:53 – Moni invites Fang, setting the trap
- 18:03 – Fang falls for the hot ember and pepper prank
- 19:53 – Fang realizes he's been tricked
- 21:00 – Fang gets rolled up in the bamboo mat
- 23:35 – Peace is restored in the village
Conclusion
"The Bad Tiger" is a spirited retelling of a classic folktale that delights with clever twists, memorable characters, and a satisfying resolution. Through Moni's resourcefulness and understanding of her environment, the story demonstrates that brain often triumphs over brawn, and that even the fiercest adversary can be bested with wit and a little community teamwork. The episode is engaging for both children and adults, brimming with humor, action, and gentle wisdom.