Throwback: The Hare's Tug of War

Summary

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages

Episode: Throwback: The Hare’s Tug of War
Host: Amanda Weldon (Starglow Media)
Date: May 14, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features a retelling of the classic Central African fable, “The Hare’s Tug of War.” The story centers on a clever little hare who, despite being bullied by bigger animals like Ms. Elephant and Mr. Hippo, outsmarts them with wit and determination. The episode promotes themes of cleverness, equality, and standing up for oneself, demonstrating that brains can be just as powerful as brawn.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Scene (03:18–04:00)

• The story begins in the wilds of Africa, introducing a small, hungry hare often bullied by larger animals.
• The hare struggles to find food because animals like Ms. Elephant and Mr. Hippo chase her away from her favorite places to forage.

"She had just settled into a nice patch of dark, juicy clusters when there came a terrible trumpeting."
(03:57, Narration)

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2. Encounters with Ms. Elephant and Mr. Hippo (04:00–05:59)

• Ms. Elephant is introduced as the biggest bully, claiming berries for herself.
• Mr. Hippo similarly bullies the hare away from delicious flowers near the riverbank.

"Run along now, you fuzzy runt. These berries are for the big girls."
(04:29, Ms. Elephant)

"Run along, little squirt. Little hoppers like you don’t belong near the water."
(05:52, Mr. Hippo)

• The hare repeatedly faces unfairness and is left feeling hungry and sad.

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3. The Hare Hatches a Plan (05:59–07:20)

• After yet another disappointment, the hare decides enough is enough.

"I may not be big, but I’m clever and I’m done being pushed around."
(06:21, Little Hare)

• She plans to prove her strength, not through size, but with her smarts.

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4. Challenging Ms. Elephant (07:20–09:06)

• The hare boldly confronts Ms. Elephant and proposes a tug of war.

"Maybe I look small, but I’m just as strong as you are."
(07:20, Little Hare)

• Ms. Elephant laughs at first, but the hare sets clear terms: if she wins, she gets to eat the berries too.

"If I can prove I’m just as strong, then I get to eat the berries too. No more keeping me out."
(08:28, Little Hare)

• Ms. Elephant agrees, and the hare hurries off with one end of a long vine, feigning confidence.

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5. Challenging Mr. Hippo (10:27–12:09)

• The hare tries the same tactic with Mr. Hippo, using playful but bold language.

"You say these river flowers are only for big boys. Well, I may look small, but I’m just as strong as you. I challenge you to a game of tug of war."
(11:17, Little Hare)

• Like Ms. Elephant, Mr. Hippo is skeptical but amused. He agrees to the contest.

"You won’t last a second against a big boy, and I’m the biggest boy there is."
(11:59, Mr. Hippo)

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6. The Clever Trick: The Tug of War Begins (12:09–13:22)

• The hare ties the vine so that each large animal holds one end, unbeknownst to them, thinking they are pulling against the hare herself.
• The animals strain against each other across the thick brush, neither knowing that the real tug of war is between them, not the little hare.

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7. Memorable Musical Interlude: The Big Tug of War Song (13:22–14:21)

• The tug of war is dramatized with a catchy song highlighting the contrast between the animals’ strength and the hare’s cleverness.

“You think I’m weak? You think I’m some little pest?
Well, baby, you were wrong. Wait and see.
You underestimating me. You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
(13:51, Song by Amanda Weldon & Daniel Hines)

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8. Resolution and Moral (14:21–End)

• The vine snaps in the middle, sending both Ms. Elephant and Mr. Hippo reeling.
• The hare triumphantly shows them that the vine snapped before she could be pulled.
• The two animals agree to treat her as an equal and save her a spot at their feasts.

“See, the rope broke before you could move me. I am just as strong, just as mighty, and just as hungry as you. So now will you let me eat in peace?”
(14:30, Little Hare)

• The story ends with the hare’s peers wondering how she earned equal status among such giants, and the hare cleverly keeps her secret.

“She knew she was a giant, too. A giant brain, which in the end, turned out to be just as good.”
(14:54, Narrator)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Message of Cleverness Over Strength:
  “I may not be big, but I’m clever and I’m done being pushed around.”
  (06:21, Little Hare)

• Consequences of Underestimating Others:
  “Look at me. My plan works beautifully. And now I won the big tug of war.”
  (14:14, Song)

• Affirmation of Wisdom and Equality:
  “She knew she was a giant, too. A giant brain, which in the end, turned out to be just as good.”
  (14:54, Narrator)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:18–04:00: Introduction to the story, setting in Africa
• 04:00–05:59: Encounters with Ms. Elephant and Mr. Hippo
• 06:28–07:20: Hare’s determination and plan
• 07:20–09:06: Challenge to Ms. Elephant
• 10:27–12:09: Challenge to Mr. Hippo
• 13:22–14:21: The tug of war and the musical interlude
• 14:21–End: Resolution, moral, and story wrap-up

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Summary

This throwback episode of Stories Podcast reintroduces children and families to a vibrant, clever retelling of the Central African fable, “The Hare’s Tug of War.” Listeners follow the hare’s journey from being bullied to commanding respect through an inventive scheme, showcasing the value of cleverness and determination. With playful dialogue, a memorable original song, and a gentle moral about using your wits, this episode is both entertaining and inspiring—reminding little ones that you don’t need to be big to make a difference.

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Perfect for:
Families seeking bedtime or travel entertainment, fans of classic tales retold, and anyone who enjoys stories emphasizing kindness, equality, and cleverness.

Transcript

[Little Hare]

Hello.

[Amanda Weldon]

Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is a throwback episode. Tune in to hear one of our classic stories from the archive that you might have missed the first time around. 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

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[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks. Enjoy the episode the Hare's Tug of War Once upon a time in the untamed wilds of Africa, there was a hungry little hare. She was willing to eat most anything, but being so small, the bigger animals would bully her around. She'd no sooner start nibbling at a sweet, ripe berry than she'd be chased off, and today was no different. She had just settled into a nice patch of dark, juicy clusters when there came a terrible trumpeting.

[Little Hare]

Ho there, little hare.

[Amanda Weldon]

Bellowed Ms. Elephant. She was the biggest bully of them all, and her appetite was endless.

[Little Hare]

What do you think you're doing? Eating my favorite berries.

[Amanda Weldon]

I just wanted a few. The little hare cried. Sorry, but I can't spare them, miss Elephant replied. And then she cleared the whole bush with a great wiggle snuff of her mighty trunk. It was so strong it knocked the poor little hare into the dirt and got dust all in her floppy ears. Run along now, you fuzzy runt. These berries are for the big girls. Muttering and hungry, the little hare hopped away from the berries. Maybe I'll have better luck by the river, she said. The current was sluggish and brown, but lots of bright, tasty flowers grew on the banks. The little rabbit found a delicious looking patch and started to eat. No sooner had she nibbled her first shoot, though, than a great toothy head burst out of the water. Bwaa. It roared. Sweet jumping whiskers. The little rabbit exclaimed. The toothy head was followed by a great gray, waddling body. It was Mr. Hippo, and he looked hungry enough to stomp. Move on, little hare, he grumbled.

[Little Hare]

These are my tasty greens, strictly for big boys like me.

[Amanda Weldon]

He bowled in close, his cavernous mouth swallowing the whole flower patch in one bite. It was so aggressive it knocked into the little hare and tumbled her into the mud of the riverbank. Hey, come on. Was that really necessary?

[Little Hare]

Run along, little squirt. Little hoppers like you don't belong near the water.

[Amanda Weldon]

Shivering and miserable, the little rabbit hopped back home to her burrow. It was a cozy little home in the tall swaying grass, but that only meant her rumbly stomach echoed all around her. The sound of it seemed to fill her floppy ears and drive her mad. That's it, she said to herself when she couldn't take it anymore. I may not be big, but I'm clever and I'm done being pushed around.

[IXL and Skylight Calendar Advertiser]

She stayed up all through the night

[Amanda Weldon]

planning and slept well past sunrise. But no sooner had she blinked open her pretty little eyes than she was off hopping madly across the sun baked African morning. Hey, Ms. Elephant. She shouted after finally tracking down the big and burly beast. Yeah, down here. Miss Elephant stripped another bush of its berries. Her trunk curled to drop them into her mouth, itself bigger than the little hare's entire burrow. Oh, it's the fuzzy little runt, she said, rolling her wide hazel eyes.

[Little Hare]

I thought I told you the berries are for big girls only.

[Amanda Weldon]

You did? Then why are you here?

[Little Hare]

Get lost already.

[Amanda Weldon]

I'm here because I'm sick of you pushing me around, the little hare said, standing kinda sorta tall on her back legs. Maybe I look small, but I'm just as strong as you are. Just as strong as me? Miss Elephant burst into trumpeting laughter.

[Little Hare]

Ho ho ho ho ho. Do you need some help?

[Narrator/Singer]

Maybe.

[Little Hare]

Did you hit your little head?

[Amanda Weldon]

My head's just fine, thank you. And I can prove I'm just as strong. She hopped back a bit and lifted a heavy coil of vine. You take one end of this vine and I'll take the other through the woods so we have some space. When you feel me start pulling, you pull back.

[Little Hare]

You want to play tug of war with me? Oh.

[Amanda Weldon]

She erupted into another fit of brassy trumpeting laughter.

[Little Hare]

Oh you. Oh you can't be serious.

[Amanda Weldon]

I am serious. The little hare said, and she said it seriously. If you win, I'll never bother you again. But if I can prove I'm just as strong, then I get to eat the berries too. No more keeping me out. All right, fluffball. Miss Elephant said, and she picked up the vine in her trunk. Run along and get pulling. I can't wait around all day. Just a minute, the little hare said. Then picking up the other end of the vine, she hopped off towards the river.

[IXL and Skylight Calendar Advertiser]

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 favorite kid podcasts ad free, subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple podcasts.

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[Narrator/Singer]

Ready?

[Amanda Weldon]

Everyone follow me.

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[Little Hare]

I love it.

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Share the stories you grew up with with your kids, like Bear in the Big Blue House and Roly Polioli.

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All of these and more available this month disneyplus.com what's hey, Mr. Hippo.

[Amanda Weldon]

She shouted at the muddy waters. Get your big back tiny tail self on out here right now. A toothy head crashed up from the water, spraying mud and pebbles.

[Little Hare]

Bwaa.

[Amanda Weldon]

He roared. His big body slammed down onto the riverbank, so close that the little hare felt the musky breeze. She didn't flinch, though she knew she had to seem fearless.

[Little Hare]

Who are you calling big back tiny tail?

[Amanda Weldon]

Mr. Hippo grumbled.

[Little Hare]

I'll have you know my tail is considered quite lovely among hippos. Besides, your rear end looks like a cotton ball, so who are you to talk?

[Amanda Weldon]

I'm sick of you pushing me around on the riverbank, she said, and she threw down the vine she was carrying. You say these river flowers are only for big boys. Well, I may look small, but I'm just as strong as you. I challenge you to a game of tug of war. Mr. Hippo started laughing, and it sounded like he was gargling boulders. The little hare shouted to be heard over the terrible racket. I challenge you to a tug of war. If you win, I'll never bother you again. But if I can prove I'm strong, you have to share the riverbank.

[Little Hare]

You prove you're strong, you won't last a second against a big boy, and I'm the biggest boy there is.

[Amanda Weldon]

Then take the bet. Fine, I do, Mr. Hippo said, and he grabbed the end of the vine. Wait just a second for me to get to the other end. When I pull, then it's time to start. Mr. Hippo replied with the vine in his toothy mouth.

[Little Hare]

Got it. Hurry up.

[Amanda Weldon]

The little hare ran back into the brush, hopping along the vine she had laid. After a minute, she found the knot she had tied in the middle. One end snaked back to the river, the other deeper into the wilds. One end held by Mr. Hippo, the other in the trunk of Miss Elephant. Of course, they each thought it was the little hair they were pulling against. And the brush was so thick there was no chance they'd see otherwise. With a sly smile, the little hare tugged on the vine and then took a step back. At the same instant, the two big beasts began to pull. The vine snapped taut and hummed with tension. Both Mr. Hippo and Ms. Elephant nearly fainted in surprise when the little hare put up such a fight. But they wouldn't let themselves lose to a little thing like her.

[Narrator/Singer]

Get ready. Get set. We're gonna have a big tug of war. You think you're tough? You think you'll win this bet? You don't know what I got in store. Tug, tug, I see you feeling smug. You ain't seen nothing yet. I may be small, I may be fluffy. Hippos are big, elephants are snuffy, Rabbits are smart, and we're all hungry. Now we'll have a big tug of war. Pull harder. Do your best. Show us you're the jungle's most strong. You think I'm weak? You think I'm some little pest? Well, baby, you were wrong. Wait and see. You underestimating me. You ain't seen nothing yet. Look at me. My plan works beautifully. And now I won the big tug

[Amanda Weldon]

of war with a whip. Crack. Twang. The vine popped apart right in the middle. Miss Elephant and Mr. Hippo both stumbled back and fell onto their giant rear ends. The little hare ran to one and then the other, tail bobbing, and gave them her biggest smile. See, the rope broke before you could move me. I am just as strong, just as mighty, and just as hungry as you. So now will you let me eat in peace? In the end, Mr. Hippo and Ms. Elephant apologized to the little hare and admitted she was very strong indeed. And from that day forward, they always treated her as an equal and saved her. One of the best spots to eat. This was surprising to all the other little critters in the wilds. But when they asked her how she had earned a spot among the giants, she would just give a sly smile. She knew she was a giant, too. A giant brain, which in the end, turned out to be just as good. The End Today's story, the Hare's Tug of War was an adaptation of a Central African fable written for you by Daniel Hines and performed for your by me, Amanda Weldon with the song by Us Both. 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 Tories Podcast or simply tell your friends about us. Thanks for listening.