Throwback: The Sacred Squirrel

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Throwback: The Sacred Squirrel" Episode from Stories Podcast

Introduction

In the "Throwback: The Sacred Squirrel" episode, released on February 25, 2025, the Stories Podcast delves into Norse mythology to narrate the tale of Ratatoskr, the playful yet troublesome sacred squirrel of Yggdrasil. Hosted by Amanda Weldon and authored by Daniel Hines, this episode offers a rich, engaging story suitable for children and families, seamlessly blending classic mythological elements with original storytelling.

Story Setup

The episode opens with a refresher on Yggdrasil, the World Tree central to Norse cosmology. Amanda Weldon sets the scene:

"There was once a tree called Yggdrasil, and if you think that sounds weird, you should try spelling it." [00:36]

Yggdrasil connects nine realms, each with its unique inhabitants, but the focus remains on three key creatures: the Great Eagle at the top, Nidhogg the serpent at the roots, and Ratatoskr, the sacred squirrel. The sacred tree's grandeur is vividly described:

"Yggdrasil, the world tree, stretched all the way from the lowest low to the highest heavens. Its branches wove and turned and bloomed in such beautiful patterns that they'd make an artist cry with shame." [00:36]

Character Development

• Ratatoskr: Born with unique traits—fox-red fur and elegant horns—Ratatoskr was chosen by Odin to be the messenger between the Great Eagle and Nidhogg. However, his inherent mischievousness often leads him to neglect his duties. Amanda describes him as:

  "A strange, bushy squirrel with elegant horns and fox red fur, to be sure, but a squirrel nonetheless." [00:36]

• Great Eagle: Residing at Yggdrasil's crown, the Great Eagle embodies authority and nobility. She expects promptness and respect from Ratatoskr, setting the stage for their dynamic.

• Nidhogg: Dwelling deep within Yggdrasil's roots, Nidhogg is depicted as a formidable serpent tasked with punishing the tree's worst offenders. Despite his menacing role, he becomes a victim of Ratatoskr's pranks.

Main Plot

The central conflict arises when the Great Eagle summons Ratatoskr to deliver a seemingly trivial message:

"Tell him there is nothing important happening up above today." [06:15]

Frustrated by the monotonous task, Ratatoskr decides to infuse his delivery with mischief. Instead of a straightforward message, he opts for a "singing telegram," altering the content to insult both Nidhogg and the Great Eagle:

"Nidhogg, you're a loser who's never up to snuff. A bully and a bruiser. A worm who thinks he's tough. Na na na na na." [08:23]

Nidhogg angrily responds:

"The Great Eagle dares to say that to me?" [09:02]

Unfazed, Ratatoskr escalates his antics by delivering a similar insult to the Great Eagle:

"They say you're great and mighty. Don't seem so great to me. Feathers looking flighty, beak like a turkey. Na na na na na na." [10:22]

This back-and-forth ignites tension between the sacred creatures, threatening the harmony of Yggdrasil.

Climactic Events

As Ratatoskr's pranks continue, both Nidhogg and the Great Eagle prepare to confront him with lethal intent. Realizing the gravity of his actions, Ratatoskr experiences a moment of fear and remorse. Just as the situation reaches a boiling point, Odin intervenes:

"Odin, he said, leaping into the God's lap. You saved me." [20:18]

Odin reprimands Ratatoskr for his irresponsibility, emphasizing the importance of his role in maintaining balance within Yggdrasil.

Resolution

With Odin's authoritative presence, the immediate threat against Ratatoskr is averted. The Great Eagle and Nidhogg agree to spare the squirrel but issue stern warnings:

"I told Nidhogg and the Great Eagle not to eat you. But you're a little too much fun for your own good." [20:47]

Ratatoskr promises to behave, accepting the consequences of his actions while pondering future mischief:

"I know he'd sleep sweetly. He'd caused his trouble for the day, and it was time for him to dream up new mischief to get into tomorrow." [21:28]

Notable Quotes

• Ratatoskr’s Frustration:

  "You got me up early out of my nice warm bed so I could send the message that nothing happened." [06:36]

• Ratatoskr’s Mischief:

  "Nidhogg, you're a loser who's never up to snuff. A bully and a bruiser. A worm who thinks he's tough. Na na na na na." [08:23]

  "They say you're great and mighty. Don't seem so great to me. Feathers looking flighty, beak like a turkey. Na na na na na na." [10:22]

• Odin’s Intervention:

  "You saved me." [20:18]

  "I won't let them eat you, but maybe that's what you deserve." [20:26]

Key Takeaways

• Responsibility vs. Mischief: Ratatoskr's character highlights the balance between duty and personal inclinations. His misdeeds serve as a lesson on the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities.

• Impact of Words: The episode underscores how words can escalate conflicts, emphasizing the need for mindful communication.

• Authority and Balance: Odin's role illustrates the necessity of authority in maintaining harmony within a community or system.

Conclusion

"Throwback: The Sacred Squirrel" masterfully blends mythological storytelling with engaging narratives, delivering both entertainment and moral lessons. Through Ratatoskr's adventures and misadventures, young listeners are introduced to the rich tapestry of Norse mythology while learning valuable life lessons about responsibility, the power of words, and the importance of maintaining balance.

Engagement and Learning

This episode not only entertains but also encourages listeners to explore mythological stories, fostering imagination and critical thinking. By presenting complex characters and moral dilemmas in an accessible manner, Stories Podcast effectively bridges ancient tales with modern-day lessons, making it a beloved addition to family listening routines.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Hello.

[Amanda Weldon]

Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon.

[Daniel Hines]

Today's story is a throwback episode.

[Amanda Weldon]

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.

[Daniel Hines]

This episode of Stories Podcast is sponsored by Squarespace. Squarespace is the all in one website platform for entrepreneurs to stand out and succeed online. Whether you're just launching a new venture or managing a successful business, Squarespace makes it possible to create a beautiful website and engage with your audience. And Squarespace makes it so easy to sell anything from products to content to time, all in one place, all on your terms. With Squarespace payments, onboarding is fast and simple. Get started in just a few clicks and start receiving payments right away. It's even easy to invoice clients and create proposals, estimates and contracts. Simplify your workflow and manage your business on one platform. Also, Squarespace has integrated SEO tools. Every Squarespace website is optimized to be indexed with meta descriptions, an auto generated sitemap, and more, so you show up more often to more people in global search engine results. Head to squarespace.com for a free trial and when you're ready to launch squarespace.com dragon to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain, that's squarespace.com dragon for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks. Enjoy the episode. The Sacred Squirrel There was once a sacred squirrel. No, that's too specific. Let me back up a little bit. Okay, so there was once a tree that was also the world. I guess that's a confusing place to start too. You know what? Let me give you some background. Okay, so there was once a tree called Yggdrasil, and if you think that sounds weird, you should try spelling it. According to the ancient Norse it was the Tree of Life, the tree of the world, and its sacred bark touched each of the nine realms. The realms are interesting enough to merit their own story, so I won't go into them here. But there were nine. They were realms, and some of them even had frost giants. Today's story, though, is about that sacred tree. To be specific, it's about the sacred animals that lived on the Sacred tree. And to be extra super specific, it's about Ratatoskr, the prankster, sacred squirrel and a messenger of the gods. You see, Yggdrasil, the world tree, stretched all the way from the lowest low to the highest heavens. Its branches wove and turned and bloomed in such beautiful patterns that they'd make an artist cry with shame. And at its roots deep in the dark where the daring dead dwell, lived the great serpent, Nidhogg. He was a mean sort, but since his job was to punish the worst, nastiest criminals, he was well suited to it. At the top of the great Yggdrasil, high in the sky where the Valkyries fly, lived the great Eagle. She had no name, at least none that could be spoken without a beak and some attitude. Between the Bird of Prey and the serpent betwixt the dreaded Nidhogg and the great Eagle lived the squirrel Ratatoskr. When Ratatoskr was just a baby, Odin, father of the gods, had come from the heavens and laid his hands on the newborn squirrel. In that instant, the squirrel's fur turned red as a fox's and he sprouted long, elegant horns. That was the sacred sign. And from that day forth, the squirrel was the only creature who was able to climb the sacred tree, Yggdrasil. His job was to run all the way from the eagle at the top to the serpent at the bottom. Passing news from the worlds above to the worlds below. He was, if we're being honest here, terribly bad at his job. Sacred. And chosen as he was, little Ratatoskr was still a squirrel at heart. A strange, bushy squirrel with elegant horns and fox red fur, to be sure, but a squirrel nonetheless. So when he was tasked with messages, he usually forgot to deliver them entirely. He'd listen to the great eagle go on and on, blah, blah, blah. But then on his way down to Nidhogg the serpent, he'd get distracted by a nut shaped like a leaf. Or a leaf shaped like a nut. Or a funny joke Thor had told him once. And then the message would just sort of slip his mind. Ratatoskr was also a prankster and loved to play jokes on Nidhogg and the Great Eagle. He was always tying the serpent's tail to a rock. Or plucking an eagle feather and pretending it was a mustache just to annoy them. Being a messenger was terribly boring work, after all, so it's hard to blame him. Still, it was this habit that got little Ratatoskr into trouble one day. And Nearly turned him into dinner. It was early morning, and the Great Eagle had summoned Ratatoskr to the top of the tree to give him a message. Hey there, your secret featherness, the squirrel said, still grumpy from being woken up so early. What was so important you had to drag my fuzzy tail out of bed? The Great Eagle puffed herself up, not bothering to spare Ratatoskr a glance.

[Great Eagle]

Squirrel, she said, do your job promptly for once. And deliver a message to the serpent Nidhogg.

[Amanda Weldon]

And what shall I tell him?

[Great Eagle]

Tell him there is nothing important happening up above today.

[Amanda Weldon]

Ratatoskr blinked at the Great Eagle and then stomped one little paw. Now let me get this straight, he said. You got me up early out of my nice warm bed so I could send the message that nothing happened.

[Great Eagle]

Are you still here?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked the Great Eagle.

[Great Eagle]

I thought I asked you to be prompt for once in your furry little life.

[Amanda Weldon]

The squirrel scowled. Prompt? I'll show you prompt. But then he paused. A prank had begun to form in his mischievous little mind, swirling and spinning like leaves in the wind. I'm so sorry, my great feathered lady. I'll go now with all haste and deliver this most important of messages. See that you do, she called after him. For once, Ratatoskr the squirrel did his job well. Fast as the falling rain, he ran down the tree and wove through the branches until he reached the dank, dark domain of Nidhogg the serpent. He found the beast tangled with the base of Yggdrasil. His vast body writhing in the roots like a bowl of noodles. Ah, a little squirrel, he said hypnotically. His voice had an oily quality that always made Ratatoskr want to take a bath. A hot one with lots and lots of bubbles.

[Narrator]

Have you come with a message for me?

[Amanda Weldon]

Speak up now. Ratatoskr remembered the message. It was that nothing important was happening. But that was so boring. Being a messenger was so boring. Except the sacred squirrel had thought of a way to make it fun. One that would show the eagle and the snake who was really in charge. Of course. Excellent, Nidhogg. He chirped. The message was sort of a singing telegram sort of thing.

[Narrator]

Oh, a singing telegram.

[Amanda Weldon]

It's something the humans on Midgard do. But that's not important. Just listen to me, okay? He stood atop a dirty root and cleared his throat dramatically. Nidhogg, you're a loser who's never up to snuff A bully and a bruiser A worm who thinks he's tough Na na na na na Na, you'll never be as regal as the kind and mighty eagle. When he finished, Nidhogg, the serpent coiled so tightly he snapped a sacred branch.

[Narrator]

The Great Eagle dares to say that to me?

[Amanda Weldon]

Well, she must be having some kind.

[Narrator]

Of a day to stoop to such insults. You tell her that I'll be having none of her games and not to send another message. If she doesn't have anything nice to say, then best not to say anything at all.

[Amanda Weldon]

Ratatoskr nodded, tail bouncing, and then ran back up the tree. He was disappointed with all the teasing he made up from the Great Eagle. He had hoped Nidhogg would take the bait. Oh well, though, thought the squirrel, if that old snake won't insult the eagle, then I guess I'll have to do it myself. He ran back to the top of the tree faster than a frost giant with his breeches on fire. When he reached the glorious crown of branches, he leapt nimbly from limb to limb until he stood before the Great Eagle herself. Ah, Squirrel, she said, looking down her beak.

[Great Eagle]

Have you delivered my message?

[Amanda Weldon]

I have, your wonderful beakedness, he replied.

[Great Eagle]

And do you have a return message?

[Amanda Weldon]

I do, but you're not gonna like it. Just get on with it, said the great Eagle.

[Great Eagle]

I have a lot of important eagle things to do up here, you know.

[Amanda Weldon]

Well, if you insist, Ratatoskr said, eyes gleaming with mischief. Here it goes. They say you're great and mighty. Don't seem so great to me. Feathers looking flighty, beak like a turkey. Na na na na na na. You can't go toe to toe with the serpent down below. When he finished, the great eagle clenched her talons so tightly that she snapped her branch in half.

[Great Eagle]

The low down serpent dares speak to me that way. He dares. You tell him that I won't speak to him again until he apologizes.

[Amanda Weldon]

Of course, right away, said Ratatoskr. But inside he laughed and laughed all the way back down the tree, around the trunk and through the branches. He wound deeper and deeper into the sunless dark. Soon he was standing in front of Nidhogg, the serpent again, hanging upside down from a root. Just for the fun of it. Hey, snakey, he said.

[Narrator]

You know I hate it when you call me that.

[Amanda Weldon]

The serpent sniffed.

[Narrator]

Do you have a message from the eagle for me?

[Amanda Weldon]

I do, and it's a doozy.

[Narrator]

Well, if it's not an apology, I don't want to hear it.

[Amanda Weldon]

Ratatoskr's ears twitched as he fought down a laugh. Oh, it's an apology of sorts.

[Narrator]

Get on with it then.

[Amanda Weldon]

Here goes nothing, the squirrel said, and then he started to sing. I'm sorry that you're squishy, they freed you from a zoo. Your scales look like a fishy, you're smelling like one too. Na na na na na na. You'll never be as regal as the kind and mighty Eagle.

[Daniel Hines]

Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this.

[Amanda Weldon]

If you'd like Stories Podcast and other.

[Daniel Hines]

Favorite Kid Podcasts ad free. Subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts. This episode of Stories podcast is sponsored by Squarespace. Squarespace is the all in one website platform for entrepreneurs to stand out and succeed online. Whether you're just launching a new venture or managing a successful business, Squarespace makes it possible to create a beautiful website and engage with your audience. And Squarespace makes it so easy to sell anything from products to content to time, all in one place, all on your terms. With Squarespace payments, onboarding is fast and simple. Get started in just a few clicks and start receiving payments right away. It's even easy to invoice clients and create proposals, estimates and contracts, simplify your workflow and manage your business on one platform. Also, Squarespace has integrated SEO tools. Every Squarespace website is optimized to be indexed with meta descriptions, an auto generated sitemap, and more, so you show up more often to more people in global search engine results. Head to squarespace.com for a free trial and when you're ready to launch squarespace.com dragon to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain, that's squarespace.com dragon for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

[Amanda Weldon]

When he finished singing, the serpent was so mad he couldn't even speak straight. He sputtered and stammered and coiled and roiled and rolled so mad he nearly tied himself in a knot. Ratatoskr thought it was so funny he broke down laughing. He couldn't help it. But that just made old Nidhogg even angrier.

[Narrator]

That's it. If that bird thinks she can insult me like that and get away with it, she has another thing coming. I'm going to give her a piece of my mind.

[Amanda Weldon]

Ratatoskr suddenly realized that if Nidhogg and the great Eagle talked, they'd surely figure out that he had made up the whole fight just for fun. And once they did, he'd get eaten faster than a chicken leg at Thor's house. He couldn't let that happen Whoa, whoa, buddy, he said. Slow down, Nidhogg. My man, my guy. Let's not get into a big. Whoa. The squirrel yelped as the serpent pushed past him.

[Narrator]

Out of my way, fuzzball.

[Amanda Weldon]

He hissed.

[Narrator]

I'm going to show that eagle what I think.

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, no.

[Narrator]

Oh, no.

[Amanda Weldon]

Ratatoskr said to himself. Gotta beat him up there. He began to climb up the tree, leaping wildly, his daring paws never failing. Nidhogg was bigger, but he wasn't the sacred squirrel. And Ratatoskr soon pulled ahead. Up and up he practically flew, whizzing into the air like a fish caught by the gods. Soon he was back in the sun. Near the middle of the tree, a shadow fell. Ratatoskr looked up just in time to collide with the eagle as she streaked down from the sky.

[Great Eagle]

Oof.

[Amanda Weldon]

Hey, what's the matter with you? He said, spitting feathers. Why aren't you at the top of the tree? The great eagle puffed herself up, feathers proud.

[Great Eagle]

I couldn't stop thinking about what that nasty serpent said. I've come to give Nidhogg a lesson in respecting other sacred animals.

[Narrator]

Give me a lesson?

[Amanda Weldon]

Panted the serpent, just then catching up.

[Narrator]

I should give you a lesson, you big nasty bird.

[Amanda Weldon]

Hey, friends, let's just relax, said Ratatoskr, jumping in between. We all said things we didn't mean. Let's just forgive and forget and go back to where we belong. And definitely not fight or talk anymore about anything, okay? The other two ignored him. The great eagle flashed her razor sharp talons. The serpent coiled and bared his needle fangs.

[Great Eagle]

How dare you insult my feathers.

[Amanda Weldon]

Spat the eagle.

[Great Eagle]

I'm a sacred animal of Yggdrasil, same as you.

[Narrator]

How dare I?

[Amanda Weldon]

Said the serpent, voice dripping with a venom that had nothing to do with his fangs.

[Narrator]

You dared to insult my shape.

[Amanda Weldon]

The eagle puffed herself up like the giant sacred bird she was.

[Great Eagle]

You maligned my beak.

[Amanda Weldon]

I won't have it. The serpent rose on his coils. No small sacred beast himself.

[Narrator]

You said my scales looked like a fish. A fish?

[Great Eagle]

Well, you called me.

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, wait, said the eagle.

[Great Eagle]

I didn't say anything about your scales. Or about you at all, for that matter.

[Narrator]

Yes. Yes, you did. I'm the innocent one here. You started this. I never said a word about your feathers.

[Great Eagle]

You certainly did so. I heard it straight from the messenger.

[Narrator]

Well, so did I, of course.

[Amanda Weldon]

Ratatoskr started to edge away, eyes darting back and forth.

[Narrator]

Wait. If you didn't insult me.

[Great Eagle]

And you didn't insult me.

[Amanda Weldon]

They both turned to look at the sacred squirrel, who was starting to slip away among the branches.

[Narrator]

Not so fast.

[Amanda Weldon]

Cried Nidhogg, his serpent body snapping out and coiling around the little squirrel.

[Great Eagle]

Looks like we've found the problem, said the Great Eagle. I think the messenger of the gods may have a message to deliver to the inside of my belly.

[Amanda Weldon]

Hmm.

[Narrator]

Yes. As long as I get half.

[Great Eagle]

It's a deal.

[Amanda Weldon]

Agreed the Eagle.

[Great Eagle]

Now let's eat this little prankster before he starts any more trouble.

[Amanda Weldon]

They both leaned in, fangs gleaming, beak glistening, eyes wide and hungry. Ratatoskr squeezed his own eyes shut, squealing. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. He shrieked. I just thought it would be funny. I didn't mean to cause a fight. I'll never make stuff up again. I promise. Please don't eat me. You know I'm funny. I'll taste funny, too. I swear. If you so much as bite me, I'll use my horns. You'll have a sore throat for weeks, you punks. Wait. I'm sorry I said that. Please, just let me go. Please. Just. Just. Hello? Realizing he hadn't been eaten, Ratatoskr stopped talking and peeked open first one eye and then both. Nidhogg and the Great Eagle had let him go. And were sitting on a branch. Between them, glowing with power, sat Odin himself. The godly All Father of the Norse humans and animals. He looked like a human himself, with snowy hair and a beard. He had that knowing smile on his face that usually made the squirrel roll his eyes. But today he was happy to see it. Odin, he said, leaping into the God's lap. You saved me. Odin laughed and scratched Ratatoskr behind the ears. After a moment, the laughter faded. And his kindly face got too serious for the squirrel's liking.

[Great Eagle]

Don't worry. I won't let them eat you, he said. But maybe that's what you deserve.

[Amanda Weldon]

He paused for a moment to let the words sink in, and Ratatoskr gulped.

[Great Eagle]

I'd say he looks guilty as sin.

[Amanda Weldon]

Said the Great Eagle.

[Narrator]

I'd say he looks like dinner, said Nidhogg.

[Amanda Weldon]

The serpent. The little squirrel squeaked and hid behind Odin's beard.

[Great Eagle]

Relax, little messenger. I told Nidhogg and the Great Eagle not to eat you. But you're a little too much fun for your own good. You understand?

[Amanda Weldon]

Yes, Odin, the squirrel said, looking down at his paws.

[Great Eagle]

And you can't cause trouble just because you're bored. Next time there'll be a fight for real. And I'll let them eat you for real. Now, do you promise to behave?

[Amanda Weldon]

I promise, I promise. Good, odin said, clapping his hands.

[Great Eagle]

Now everyone back to your places in the tree. Quickly, before the Nine Realms fall out of balance.

[Amanda Weldon]

The serpent Nidhogg huffed, nodded to Odin, and slithered back down Yggdrasil to his home among the roots. The great eagle bowed with her wings spread wide, then soared up and over Yggdrasil to her home atop the branches, and the little squirrel slipped inside of Yggdrasil to his home within the tree. There he stretched deeply, changed into his pajamas, and laid himself down to bed. He knew he'd sleep sweetly. He'd caused his trouble for the day, and it was time for him to dream up new mischief to get into tomorrow. The End Today's story the Sacred Squirrel was an adaptation of a Norse myth written for you by Daniel Hines and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon, with songs 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 or 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 Gigacity 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.