Throwback: The Lucky Drum

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Episode: Throwback: The Lucky Drum
Host: Amanda Weldon
Date: March 4, 2026

This episode is a throwback to "The Lucky Drum," a retelling of a Ugandan folk tale. The story explores themes of friendship, envy, honesty, and forgiveness among animal friends in a vibrant animal village near Lake Victoria. The playful and musical story is suitable for children and families, featuring animal characters in a tale full of songs, lessons, and adventure.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Introduction to the Animal Village (04:50–05:50)

• The story is set in a colorful animal village along Lake Victoria.
• Each year, animals celebrate the hottest day with a feast, dancing, and music.
  • Python: Known as the best dancer, moving in rippling waves and tight coils.
  • Lizard: The best singer, surprising the audience with her bright, sweet voice.
• The "lucky drum," owned by Python, is central to their performances but shared with Lizard.

Notable Quote:

"The drum was an artfully smooth tree stump covered with a tightly stretched hide, and when played, it seemed to always find a pleasant beat."
— Storyteller (05:18)

The Monkey Song Performance (06:05–06:58)

• Lizard performs a lively, catchy "Monkey Went Up the Mountain" song with the other animals joining the chorus.

Memorable Moment:

• The community joins together, highlighting friendship and joy in music.

Lizard’s Deceit and Rising Pride (06:58–10:30)

• Lizard is invited by a neighboring village to perform.
• Knowing Python is protective of the drum, Lizard lies about her intentions, asking to "practice" with it in her cave.
  • Python: "If you're only going nearby to your cave and nowhere else, I guess it's okay. But make sure you're extra careful." (07:44)
  • Lizard: "Thank you! I'll take good care of it, I promise." (08:00)
• Lizard wows the other village; every encore boosts her pride.
• Python, missing his drum, searches for Lizard. Two chimpanzees inform him that Lizard went to perform elsewhere with the drum.
  • Boy Chimp: “I saw her with the lucky drum heading to the neighbor village. She said she was invited to perform and was going to impress them all with her voice and drumming.” (09:08)

The Confrontation and Conflict (10:30–13:12)

• Python waits for Lizard to return, overhearing her bragging song.
  • Lizard sings: “I'm up atop the mountain with all the rest below me...” (10:36)
• Python confronts Lizard:
  • Python: “Lizard, you lied to me!” (10:46)
  • Lizard (from a high tree where Python can’t reach): “No. I play it better than you do anyway... I’m better and I should keep the lucky drum. You're just jealous.” (11:11)
  • Python: “Jealous? Lizard, it's my drum. I thought we were friends. Please, just give it back.” (11:17)

The Termite Queen’s Help & The Fall (11:50–13:40)

• Python, saddened, seeks help from the Termite Queen, agreeing to dance at their party in exchange for a favor.
  • Python: “Queen, I would be happy to dance for your party, but would you do me a favor in return?” (12:07)
• Termites eat the base of Lizard's tree; the tree falls into the river with Lizard and the drum.
  • Lizard cries for help: “Help! I can’t swim!” (13:40)

Rescue & Reconciliation (13:42–15:15)

• Python rescues his drum, then Lizard, risking his own safety.
• Lizard apologizes for lying and trying to steal the drum.
  • Lizard: “Thanks for saving me... I’m sorry I lied and tried to steal your drum.” (14:48)
  • Python: “It's okay.” (14:53) (laughs)
• The story gives origin explanations:
  • Lizard’s bulging eyes: “When Python had pulled Lizard to shore, the squeezing was so tight it had made Lizard's eyes bulge out...” (14:56)
  • Snakes' distrustfulness and why they “never lend out their things... especially not to lizards.” (15:08)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Narrator: "Monkey looked high and low, oh / Looked high and low, oh / Monkey looked high and low / Searching for a banana..." (06:11)—A playful and catchy singalong.
• Python: “Lizard, you lied to me!” (10:46)—A moment of confrontation that drives the moral home.
• Lizard: “I'm the better performer and everyone loves me. I should keep the drum.” (12:30)—Highlights Lizard’s pride and the lesson on humility.
• Python: “Queen, I would be happy to dance for your party, but would you do me a favor in return?” (12:07)—Clever problem-solving moment.
• Lizard: “Thanks for saving me... I’m sorry I lied and tried to steal your drum.” (14:48)—Moment of apology and growth.

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 04:50 — Story begins: Introduction to the animal village and characters
• 06:05 — The Monkey Song performance
• 06:58 — Lizard's invitation and deception
• 08:00 — Lizard leaves with the lucky drum
• 09:08 — Python learns of the betrayal
• 10:36 — Lizard’s triumphant singing; Python’s confrontation
• 11:50 — The Termite Queen's favor
• 12:20 — Lizard taunts Python from the tree
• 13:12 — Termites fell the tree, tree falls into the river
• 13:40 — Lizard cries for help; rescue sequence
• 14:25 — Lizard is saved; reconciliation and moral
• 15:38 — Story ends; attribution and credits

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Tone and Closing Thoughts

The story is narrated in a warm and lively tone, packed with music, animal dialogue, and a gentle delivery of moral lessons. It encourages children to value honesty and humility, to apologize and forgive, and to be careful with trust. The playful animal village setting and the catchy songs make the episode highly engaging for young listeners.

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Final Message:
“The Lucky Drum” is a playful, imaginative, and heartwarming retelling, delivering important lessons through fun animal characters and vivid folktale tradition—perfect for bedtime listening for kids of all ages.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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 oriespodcast. 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 I am always on a journey to make my home work better for me and my family, and Wayfair makes it easy to find exactly what fits my style and needs. The decor in my home has always been what one might call eclectic, which is a nice way of saying none of my stuff really goes together. For the most part, my furniture has always been a combination of hand me downs from family, friends, thrift store finds and side of the road scores. But I've been wanting to streamline my aesthetic and Wayfair has really made it possible for me to hone in on what I like. And it turns out what I like is whimsical fairy princess decor. At least in my daughter's bedroom anyway. When I searched for children's bedroom furniture on Wayfair, I immediately found what I was looking for and got my daughter an adorable bed shaped like a house with a canopy on top. There were actually a few variations available and I was able to find one that fit our space and budget perfectly. It came in the mail super fast and was really easy to put together and feels really solid and safe now that it's all in one piece, just like all the five star reviews said it would. I love the way it looks, but more importantly, Birdie loves the way it looks and bedtime has been just a little bit easier since her new bed arrived. Find furniture, decor and essentials that fit your unique style and budget. Head to Wayfair.com right now to search all things home. That's W A Y-F-A-I-R.com Wayfair Every style, every Home these days I'm all about quality over quantity, especially in my closet. If it's not well made and versatile, it's just not worth it to me. That's why I love Quince. The fabrics feel elevated, the cuts are thoughtful, and the pricing actually makes sense. Quince uses 100% European linen, their cotton poplin is crisp and holds its shape. The gauze is soft without being flimsy. Their lightweight cotton cashmere sweaters are perfect for the changing seasons. Versatile, well made pieces that make getting dressed simple. Everything Quince makes is built to hold up season after season. The stitching, the fit, the fabrics. These are pieces you'll reach for over and over. Speaking of over and over, you've heard me talk about it before, but I can't say enough good things about my featherless quilted long puffer coat that I got from Quince a few months ago. Spring is right around the corner, but it doesn't feel like it right now in the Northeast. I am still wearing my cozy quince coat every day with no end in sight and it is really holding up. My favorite thing of all is that Quints works directly with safe, ethical factories and cuts out the middlemen. You're not paying for brand markup or fancy retail stores, just quality clothing right now. Go to quince.com stories for free shipping and 365 day returns. That's a full year to wear it and love it. And you will now available in Canada too. Don't keep settling for clothes that don't last. Go to quince.com stories for free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com stories as schedules fill up with activities, travel and spring events, it can be challenging to make learning consistent. IXL makes it simple to stay on track with focused, flexible practice that fits your routine. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits seamlessly into homeschooling. It offers interactive practice across math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre K through 12th grade. IXL personalizes learning for each child, keeps them engaged, and gives parents clear insight into progress. IXL's interactive practice and clear explanations make it easy to reinforce learning as you prepare for end of year assessments or milestones. Everything is organized by grade and subject so you can quickly find what each child needs without juggling multiple resources. Over 15 million students use IXL. More than 75 research studies show it delivers real results and it's been proven to improve achievement in all 50 states, giving homeschool families added confidence. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and stories. Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today with www.ixl.com dragon to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Thanks. Enjoy the episode

[Storyteller]

the Lucky Drum Once upon a time on the shores of Lake Victoria, there was a village of animals. There were giant elephants and slender Antelopes, sleek leopards and roaring lions, swinging chimps and mud rolled hippos, AP and of course, the Python and the Lizard. You see, every year, on the hottest day of the year, there would be a great feast day. All the animals would come together and celebrate, eating and laughing and watching Python and Lizard perform. Python was the best dancer. He could move his body in tight coils or long rippling waves like the sea. And Lizard was the best singer, with a voice so sweet and bright they could hardly believe it came out of her scaly body. So Python would dance and Lizard would sing, and in between, they would play a booming drum. The drum was an artfully smooth tree stump covered with a tightly stretched hide, and when played, it seemed to always find a pleasant beat. The lucky drum belonged to the python, but he would share it with Lizards so they could play for each other. Lizard would keep a good beat while Python danced, and Python would play a backing beat for the Lizard's songs. One year, Lizards sang a song for her friend Monkey, and the other animals joined in on the chorus.

[Narrator]

Monkey went up the mountain Went up to the mountain Monkey went up the mountain Searching for a banana Monkey looked high and low, oh Looked high and low, oh Monkey looked high and low Searching for a banana Monkey went up the mountain Went up to the mountain Monkey went up the mountain Searching for a banana Monkey found one growing he found one growing Monkey found one growing he found a banana Monkey went up the mountain Went up to the mountain Monkey went up the mountain Searching for a banana Monkey felt joy o Joy o Felt joy o Joy o Monkey felt joy oh joy o and he ate the banana Monkey went up the mountain Went up to the mountain Monkey went up the mountain Searching for a

[Storyteller]

banana after the song and the great feast day, a neighboring village went to find Lizard. They liked her monkey song and drumming so much that they wanted her to come and perform for them. She of course, agreed and promised to head over the next day. Lizard then went to find Python. She knew he was very protective of his drum and wouldn't let her take it on a trip to the other village. So she decided to lie to her friend instead. It wasn't a very nice thing to do, but Lizard was feeling very proud after being invited to perform, and she was too interested in herself to worry over much about Python's feelings. Hello, Python, she said when she found him practicing his dance moves among the tall grass. I was wondering if I could take your drum back to my cave for a couple of days. I want to practice so I can give you an even better dancing beat next time we perform. Well, said the python slowly, if you're only going nearby to your cave and nowhere else, I guess it's okay. But make sure you're extra careful.

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Storyteller]

Cried Lizard, already picking up the drum. I'll take good care of it, I promise. Lizard took the drum and headed off to the neighboring village. Python watched her go, nervous but trusting his friend. The Lizard made it to the neighboring village and put on a show of drumming and singing for them. The animals loved it so much they made her perform it again and again and again. With every encore, the Lizard grew prouder and prouder, and soon she thought to herself that she must be the greatest performer in all of Uganda. Meanwhile, back home, three days had passed. Python went to find Lizard to get his drum back. She wasn't in her cave under the hot rock, though, and she wasn't in the shade of her favorite tree. And she wasn't by the waterfall or the shores of Lake Victoria either. The Python looked all over until he ran into two chimpanzees, the mother chimp picking bugs out of her son's fur and popping them into her mouth. Hello, friends, said the Python. I'm looking for Lizard. Have you seen her? The mother chimp shook her head, but the boy spoke up right away. I saw her with the lucky drum heading to the neighbor village. She said she was invited to perform and was going to impress them all with her voice and drumming. The python was surprised. Would his friend really lie to him? To find out for sure, he went to the path along the river that led to the other village.

[Amanda Weldon]

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[Storyteller]

There. He waited for hours until he heard Lizard coming down the trail and singing as she went.

[Narrator]

I'm up atop the mountain up atop the mountain I'm up atop the mountain with all the rest below me Lizard,

[Storyteller]

you lied to me. Shouted Python. Lizard was so startled that she bolted up the nearest tree. Python came after her. So she went far, far up in the branches that hung over the water. They were long and thin and spindly, so. So she knew the heavy python wouldn't be able to follow her. Get down here and give me back my lucky drum called Python. Lizard was feeling very full of herself from her performance in the neighboring village. No. I play it better than you do anyway. I can use my hands and tail both to drum, and you can only use your tail. I'm better and I should keep the lucky drum. You're just jealous. Jealous? Lizard, it's my drum. I thought we were friends. Please, just give it back. But Lizard didn't give it back. Instead, she played it in the tree, taunting her friend. Python was sad to lose his drum, but even sadder to lose his friend. He turned and started home. But he was stopped on the way by the termite queen. Python.

[Narrator]

So good to see you.

[Storyteller]

She said. All of us termites are having a party. Would you do us the honor of dancing for us? Python started to say no, but then an idea occurred to him. Queen, I would be happy to dance for your party, but would you do me a favor in return?

[Amanda Weldon]

Of course.

[Storyteller]

The termite queen agreed, and a short while later, the python returned to the lizard's tree. She was still there, playing the drum and singing to tease the Python.

[Narrator]

I'm up here in the trio up here in the trio I'm up here in the trio and you can't get me, no so just let me be O Just let me be O so just let me be O the drum

[Storyteller]

belongs to me O Python sighed. I'll ask you one more time, and only because we were good friends for so long. Please give me back my lucky drum. No way. Lizard said back. I'm the better performer and everyone loves me. I should keep the drum. All right then, if that's what you want. Python then called out for the termite queen. Like an amber wave, they boiled out of the ground, a dozen termites, a hundred, a thousand. They flowed up the base of Lizard's tree and began to eat and eat and eat. Hey. Lizard called.

[Narrator]

Cut that out. What are you doing?

[Storyteller]

The termites ate and ate, and soon the tree began to groan and crackle, the termites eating away the wood of its trunk until it burst under its own weight. With a sharp crack. The tree fell into the river, taking Lizard and the lucky drum with it. Python struck out with that lightning speed that all snakes have. Quick as blinking, he had wrapped his tail around his drum and and pulled it back to shore.

[Narrator]

Help. I can't swim.

[Storyteller]

Python looked into the river and there was Lizard, splashing miserably in the current. If no one helped, Lizard would soon be washed downstream and pulled under the swiftly flowing water. Python hesitated a second. He hadn't known Lizard couldn't swim. He was still mad about her trying to steal his drum. But he couldn't just let her be washed away. Hold on. Python struck out again, this time wrapping himself around Lizard and trying to pull hard ashore. Unfortunately, Lizard was heavier than the drum and Python had trouble. For a moment it seemed that they would both be pulled under the swiftly flowing river.

[Narrator]

Hold on.

[Storyteller]

Python stretched and wrapped the other end of his body around a thick tree trunk and then pulled with all his might. Lizard let out a little squeak as she was squeezed in Python's coils, but eventually she was dragged onto shore. She lay there with Python for a moment, both of them panting and breathless. Thanks for saving me, lizard said when she got her breath back. I'm sorry I lied and tried to steal your drum. It's okay, python said, laughing a little. Sorry about your eyes. You see, when Python had pulled Lizard to shore, the squeezing was so tight it had made Lizard's eyes bulge out. That's why today, still, many lizards have big, bulging eyes. They're all related to the lizard who tried to steal the lucky Drum. It's also why today, still, snakes are very distrustful. They watch anyone who approaches very, very carefully. And they never lend out their things, especially not their drums. And especially not to lizards. The End Today's story, the Lucky Drum,

[Amanda Weldon]

was an adaptation of a Ugandan folk tale written for you by Daniel Hines and performed for you by Kelsey Lee. 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 Stories Podcast or simply tell your friends about us. Thanks for listening.