Throwback: Tokki and the Dragon King

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Stories Podcast

Episode: Throwback: Tokki and the Dragon King
Host: Amanda Weldon
Date: October 7, 2025

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Episode Overview

This special throwback episode revisits a classic story inspired by a Korean folktale: Tokki and the Dragon King. Retold in the warm and engaging style of host Amanda Weldon, the tale follows a clever rabbit, a conflicted turtle, and a formidable but hypochondriacal Dragon King. With a message about wit, kindness, and problem-solving, the episode is filled with lively character performances and gentle humor—perfect for listeners of all ages.

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Main Story Breakdown

1. The Dragon King's Ailment (02:35)

• Deep under the sea, the powerful Dragon King is ill once again.
• His fearsome roars scatter all sea creatures in the southern sea, who dread his temper.
• Servants brave the King's presence to seek help for his supposed illness, described as a weak stomach and sore throat.

Dragon King (04:07): "I am sick again. My stomach is weak and my throat is sore. Find me some help immediately."

2. Seeking a Cure (04:17)

• The sea creatures find a wise old octopus healer.
• The octopus inspects the massive Dragon King and prescribes a unique cure: the liver of a rare, legendary land creature—a rabbit.
• The prospect of earning the Dragon King's favor makes all the creatures eager to help.

Octopus Healer (05:31): "Well, I see the problem. And there's a simple cure."

3. The Turtle’s Secret Knowledge (06:54)

• Unlike others, the turtle (Tao) knows rabbits aren't legendary—they live on a nearby island.
• Tao decides to fetch a rabbit, knowing exactly where to find one.

Narration (06:54): "It was the turtle. And he was one of the few creatures that spent as much time on land as he did in the sea. He knew that rabbits weren't legendary at all."

4. Tao Meets Tokki (07:25)

• Tao meets Tokki, a friendly, curious rabbit, inviting her to "meet the Dragon King" under the sea.
• Tokki is excited and agrees, not knowing the true reason behind the invitation.

Tokki (08:06): "Yes, yes, yes, yes." (her foot thumping in excitement)

5. Journey to the Sea and the Dragon King's Plan (08:14)

• Tokki is amazed by the sea’s beauty but quickly realizes her danger when introduced to the Dragon King.
• The King orders someone to fetch her liver immediately, believing it will cure him.

Dragon King (09:17): "Excellent. Now, will someone please fetch me her liver?"

6. Tokki Outsmarts the Dragon King (10:05)

• Tokki, faced with danger, thinks fast and claims she “forgot her liver at home.”
• Confused, the King asks Tao if this could be true. Tao, seizing a chance to help, confirms the ruse.

Tokki (10:05): "I forgot my liver at home."
Dragon King (10:18): "Left it at home?"
Tao the Turtle (10:44): "Yes, my King. They remove their livers frequently."

7. Escape and Forgiveness (11:09)

• Tao rushes Tokki back to land, knowing that if he returns empty-handed, he’ll be in danger too.
• Tokki forgives Tao for his initial trick, understanding that his help saved her.

Tokki (11:27): "Teo, you know I can't actually forget my liver, right?"
Tao the Turtle (11:31): "I know. I just couldn't let them eat it."

8. The Persimmon Solution (12:17)

• Tokki gives Tao a dried persimmon, suggesting he claim it’s her liver.
• Tao presents the fruit to the Dragon King, who eats it and declares himself cured.

Tokki (12:29): "It's a fruit. And if you don't know what it is, neither will the Dragon King. Just tell him it's my liver. He'll never know the difference."

9. Happy Endings (12:49)

• The Dragon King is satisfied and celebrates Tao.
• Tao lives safely on the Dragon King’s back, still visiting Tokki often.
• The story closes on themes of friendship, forgiveness, and quick thinking.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Dragon King's Outlandish Request

  Dragon King (06:03): "A legendary creature, you said. The cure was Simple."
  Humorous exchange revealing the King's unreasonable and impulsive character.

• Tokki’s Quick Wit

  Tokki (10:05): "I forgot my liver at home."
  A laugh-out-loud moment at Tokki's clever improvisation in a dire spot.

• Tao’s Redemption

  Tao the Turtle (11:31): "I know. I just couldn't let them eat it."
  Showcases themes of empathy and moral courage.

• The Persimmon Plan

  Tokki (12:29): "It's a fruit. And if you don't know what it is, neither will the Dragon King."
  A playful moment of mutual understanding between the trickster friends.

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Important Timestamps

• 02:35 — Story begins: Dragon King’s illness
• 04:07 — The Dragon King's demand for help
• 05:31 — The octopus prescribes a rabbit liver
• 06:54 — Tao the Turtle plots to find a rabbit
• 07:25 — Tao meets Tokki
• 08:54 — Tokki arrives at Dragon King’s lair
• 09:17 — Dragon King demands rabbit’s liver
• 10:05 — Tokki’s “forgotten liver” trick
• 11:09 — Tokki and Tao escape
• 12:17 — The persimmon solution
• 12:49 — Story’s resolution and happy ending

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Tone, Language, and Style

The episode maintains a gentle, imaginative, and humorous tone throughout, capturing the hearts of young listeners while sprinkling in cleverness and friendship. Amanda Weldon’s narration is lively, with distinct voices for each character and frequent moments where the storytelling pauses for interactive, child-centric engagement.

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Final Thoughts

The retelling of Tokki and the Dragon King is a delightful blend of adventure, humor, and moral lesson—showcasing the value of thinking on your feet and caring for others. Both the turtle and the rabbit are flawed yet forgiving, and the story closes with both characters safe, friends, and a little wiser.

Perfect for families seeking a smart, gentle bedtime story with a multicultural twist.

Transcript

[Listener]

Hello.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

Welcome to Stories Podcast.

[Amanda Weldon]

I'm your host, Amanda Weldon.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

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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[Stories Podcast Announcer]

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[Amanda Weldon]

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[Stories Podcast Announcer]

Thanks. Enjoy the episode.

[Amanda Weldon]

Toki and the Dragon King A long time ago, deep under the wind blown waves of the southern sea, there came a great roaring. On and on that roaring went it surged through the ocean like a tide, scattering the fish and shaking the coral. Even the biggest and toothiest of sharks turned and fled. All the creatures in the southern sea knew that sound, knew it and feared it. The Dragon King was was sick again. After what felt like days of endless roaring, a few of the King's braver servants swam out from their hiding places. It was time to try and speak with him. Speaking with the Dragon King involved quite a bit of swimming for some of the smaller fish. The King had a body like a serpent, but no snake had ever grown so long or thick. The Dragon King was so massive that while you spoke to his whale sized head, his legs and tail were lost deep in the darkness of the ocean. His beard was long and white and wavy in the water, his every tooth as big as a great white shark. Most impressive of all were his eyes. The Dragon King's eyes glowed golden as sunken treasure, sparkling in the deep. So it was with much fear and respect the other fish got his attention. Finally, he said, putting an end to.

[Dragon King]

His roars, I am sick again. My stomach is weak and my throat is sore. Find me some help immediately.

[Amanda Weldon]

The King, for all his strength, was often sick. Or at least he claimed he was. Most of the King's illnesses ended up being only his imagination. But you didn't argue with the Dragon King. Not unless you wanted to be his dinner. So when he ordered the fish to find him help, they scattered, quick as a riptide. Together they spent hours searching and searching, and they finally returned with an old and giant octopus. One who claimed to know many ways to help the sick and injured.

[Dragon King]

What have you brought me? Is it a cure for my sickness?

[Amanda Weldon]

The Dragon King asked when they returned. O mighty king, said the octopus, I.

[Octopus Healer]

Am a healer from the depths.

[Amanda Weldon]

Please let me examine you and I'll.

[Octopus Healer]

Find you a cure.

[Dragon King]

Very well then, the King said, but be quick about it.

[Amanda Weldon]

The old octopus swam all around the Dragon King's head. He swam miles down to his stomach and then miles back up again. In the end, he even swam into the King's open mouth and peered down the black well of his throat.

[Octopus Healer]

Well, I see the problem. And there's a simple cure.

[Dragon King]

Finally, grumbled the king. Well, what is it then?

[Octopus Healer]

My king, there is a legendary creature. We never see it here in the sea, but it can be caught on dry land if you are strong enough and brave enough to try.

[Amanda Weldon]

It is as fast as a marlin and as clever as a dolphin. And you, my king, need its liver.

[Dragon King]

A legendary creature, you said. The cure was Simple.

[Amanda Weldon]

Simple, yes, but not easy.

[Dragon King]

Fine. The one who fetches me this cure will have my thanks for all of their days.

[Amanda Weldon]

Hearing this, more sea creatures approached. The thanks of the Dragon King was an honor beyond dreaming.

[Dragon King]

Now, tell us, what is this legendary creature?

[Octopus Healer]

It is called a rabbit. You don't need the entire beast, though, just the liver.

[Amanda Weldon]

That, my king, is your cure. Hearing this, the creatures all swam away once more, plotting with their friends on how best to find the legendary rabbit. One creature, though, went off alone, laughing quietly to himself.

[NEX Playground Ad Speaker]

It was the turtle.

[Amanda Weldon]

And he was one of the few creatures that spent as much time on land as he did in the sea. He knew that rabbits weren't legendary at all. In fact, he knew an island that was full of them. And that's where he headed. A short swim later, the turtle pulled himself up onto the beach. As he suspected, he found a rabbit almost immediately. She was chewing on some greens near the edge of the sand, and she turned and scratched at her floppy ear as the turtle approached.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

Hey, a turtle.

[Amanda Weldon]

The rabbit said.

[Dragon King]

I've always wanted to be friends with a turtle.

[Amanda Weldon]

The turtle smiled.

[Tao the Turtle]

And I've always wanted to be friends with a rabbit.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

So we can be friends. My name is Toki.

[Amanda Weldon]

What's your name?

[Tao the Turtle]

They call me Tao. I come from the sea of the Dragon King.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

The Dragon King?

[Listener]

Wow.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

I've never seen a dragon.

[Dragon King]

Or a king.

[Amanda Weldon]

Teo smiled again.

[Tao the Turtle]

Well, this is your lucky day. The Dragon King heard of rabbits and would very much like to meet one.

[Amanda Weldon]

Would you be interested?

[Listener]

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

[Amanda Weldon]

Toki said, foot thumping on the ground.

[Tao the Turtle]

It's a bit of a swim.

[Dragon King]

You'll have to hold your breath.

[Amanda Weldon]

Toki agreed, and Tao let her climb onto his shell. Together they paddled into the ocean, staying on the surface until they were just over the waiting Dragon King. Hold your breath now, he said, and then dove into the water. Toki opened her eyes wide. She marveled at all the colors of fish and gasped as a huge manta ray sailed silently overhead. Her eyes darted this way and that, taking it all in. And then they fell upon the Dragon King and froze. Toki's jaw dropped and her floppy ears perked up in the water.

[Listener]

Wow.

[Amanda Weldon]

My king, called Tao. I have brought you a rabbit. Teo was met with cheers, but he didn't feel happy. He knew the Dragon King would take Toki's liver, and he felt bad for delivering her. But it was too late. The Dragon King grinned, eyes flashing gold.

[Dragon King]

Excellent. Now, will someone please fetch me her liver?

[Amanda Weldon]

The old octopus started forward, but Toki Realized her trouble. She was usually a very clever rabbit, but the majesty of the Dragon King had lured her down here. She started thinking fast.

[Listener]

Wait, King. Please wait.

[Amanda Weldon]

She shouted as best as she could underwater. Luckily, the power of the Dragon King let him understand her.

[Dragon King]

Speak fast, little rabbit. I am very sick and need my medicine.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

My liver isn't medicine.

[Amanda Weldon]

Of course.

[Dragon King]

That's what medicine would say. Now, no more delay.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

Bring me her liver.

[Amanda Weldon]

The octopus started forward again, But Toki was struck with a desperate plan.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

I forgot my liver at home.

[Amanda Weldon]

She yelled. The octopus froze and looked at the Dragon King. The Dragon King froze and looked at Toki. All was still for a moment.

[Dragon King]

Left it at home.

[Listener]

Yeah.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

Must be back in the old burrow.

[Amanda Weldon]

Hmm, said the Dragon King.

[Dragon King]

Turtle, you spend time on land. Is it true that land creatures can leave their livers behind?

[Amanda Weldon]

Tao thought for a moment. He knew that animals couldn't remove their livers any easier than they could remove their hearts.

[NEX Playground Ad Speaker]

But he saw an opportunity to save Toki.

[Tao the Turtle]

Yes, my King. They remove their livers frequently.

[Dragon King]

And of course, little rabbits are very forgetful. Of course, of course, agreed the king. What would you expect with such little brains?

[Amanda Weldon]

The turtle, whose brain wasn't much bigger than the rabbit's, just bowed his head to the king. Very well.

[Dragon King]

Go fetch her liver.

[Amanda Weldon]

And hurry. Teo swam with Toki towards the surface, paddling as fast as he could. When they got back to land, Toki hopped off Teo's shell and fell panting into the grass. Teo, you know I can't actually forget my liver, right?

[Tao the Turtle]

I know. I just couldn't let them eat it.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

Well, I don't appreciate you tricking me into going down there, but you did.

[Amanda Weldon]

The right thing when it counted.

[Tao the Turtle]

Thanks, Toki. I guess I better go find a new place to live. If I go back there without your liver, the Dragon King will eat me just to teach everyone a lesson.

[Amanda Weldon]

He turned and started to walk along the beach, head down and tail dragging. Toki watched him go and then sighed to herself.

[NEX Playground Ad Speaker]

He had tricked her.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

True.

[Amanda Weldon]

But without him, her trick to escape would have never worked. She hopped into the grass for a moment, then chased down Tao.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

Hey, Tao, wait.

[Amanda Weldon]

The turtle stopped at the edge of the water, looking back over his shell.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

Here, take this.

[Amanda Weldon]

She handed him an old persimmon. The dark orange fruit had been dried by the sun, making it small and wrinkled.

[Tao the Turtle]

What is it?

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

It's a fruit. And if you don't know what it is, neither will the Dragon King. Just tell him it's my liver. He'll never know. The difference.

[Tao the Turtle]

Hey, that might just work. Thanks, Toki.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

No problem Tao. Thanks again for changing your mind.

[Amanda Weldon]

So long, friend. Tao took the persimmon and brought it back to the Dragon King who ate it in one bite. The moment he swallowed it, he pronounced himself cured and the turtle was greatly celebrated by all the other sea creatures. He spent the rest of his days living carefree on the Dragon King's enormous back and of course visiting often with his friend Toki. The End Today's story, Toki and the Dragon King was an adaptation of a Korean folktale written for you by Daniel Hines and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

If you would like to support Stories podcast you can leave us a five.

[Amanda Weldon]

Star review on iTunes.

[Stories Podcast Announcer]

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.