The Crowning Achievement | Ep. 226

The famous leader Nelson Mandela once said: “A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”

What did he mean? Well, “formidable” means impressive in strength and power. So, you’re at your strongest and most powerful when your head and your heart are in the right place. In today’s tale, a princess learns this very big lesson – from a very small creature!

Our story is called “The Crowning Achievement.” Versions of this Jewish legend come from parts of Africa, Asia and Europe. Voices in this episode include Erika Rose, Alexia Trainor and Faith Salie.

Faith Salie is an Emmy-winning contributor to CBS Sunday Morning and the host of PBS's Science Goes to the Movies. She’s also a regular panelist on Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, the NPR news quiz. Grown-ups: you can find Faith’s book of essays, Approval Junkie, wherever you get your books.

And kids, you can hear Faith in a number of other Circle Round episodes, including “The Unfair Share,” and our live 2022 Tanglewood stories: “Fighting Like Cats and Dogs,” “Fair-Feathered Friends,” and “One Wish.”

This episode was adapted for Circle Round by Rebecca Sheir. It was edited by Sofie Kodner. Original music and sound design is by Eric Shimelonis. Our artist is Sabina Hahn.

ADULTS! PRINT THIS so everyone can color while listening. We’re also keeping an album so share your picture on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest, and tag it with #CircleRound. We'd love to see it! To access all the coloring pages for past episodes click HERE. Our resident artist is Sabina Hahn and you can learn more about her HERE.

Now It’s Your Turn!

Can you think of a time when you listened to your head and your heart?

Try to remember at least one occasion, then tell a grown-up all about it.

After that, ask them to tell you about a time when their head and heart were in sync!

Musical Spotlight: Baroque Flute

The baroque flute rose to prominence between the 1670s and 1900s. Unlike the modern flute, the baroque flute is made from wood - most typically boxwood, ebony, or grenadilla (i.e. the wood from the African blackwood tree).

The baroque flute has six finger holes plus a seventh hole on the far end that is closed unless opened by a single key. Its body is divided into three or four joints: a head joint that contains the embouchure hole (i.e. where you blow), one or two middle joints with six finger holes divided among them, and a foot joint with a seventh hole and key. As a result, the baroque flute has a very supple, flexible sound that flips easily from one register to another.

Story Transcript:

NARRATOR: The hoopoe is a rather distinctive-looking bird. Its beak is long and thin. Its body is pinkish-brown. And its broad wings are striped with black and white.

But what makes the hoopoe truly stand out… is its crown.

Not an actual crown, but a crown… of feathers! Bright orange feathers, patched with white and tipped with black. And when the hoopoe gets excited, it raises these feathers up and fans them out, so they look like a crown!

But… according to legend… once upon a time the hoopoe didn’t have a crown. Its feathered head was round and smooth.

So, how did the hoopoe’s crown come to be?

Well… it all began with a queen: a beloved monarch who was renowned for her wisdom. The queen had one daughter, a bright and curious princess, whom she was always testing… with riddles.

QUEEN: (sounding younger than in later line) Try this one, dear daughter. “What is always standing still, yet moves to a beat? What runs day and night, yet has no feet?”

PRINCESS: (sounding younger) Hmmm… Could it be… a clock?

QUEEN: That’s right! Now give this one a try; it’s a real brain-tickler! “What is alive in the winter, but in the summer is gone? Its root faces up and its head faces down.”

PRINCESS: Ummmm… is it… an icicle?

QUEEN: That is correct!

NARRATOR: The Queen was proud of her daughter’s cleverness and quick wit. But as she was constantly reminding her one and only heir…

QUEEN: (again, sounding younger than in later line) …You can be the quickest and cleverest person in the room – on the planet, even! But trust me, Princess. True wisdom doesn’t just come from a strong, keen mind. It comes from a warm and open heart. (beat) And all the more so when you’re a leader! Like you will be, once I’m gone. Please promise me that when the day comes for you to wear my queenly crown, you will rule with both your head and your heart?

PRINCESS: Of course, Mother! I promise!

NARRATOR: The years went by. The princess grew older; the queen did, too. Her face grew wrinkled, her body grew frail, and the hair beneath her bejeweled crown grew wispy and white. And when the queen passed away, the royal advisors brought her final will and testament to the princess, who came across a rather interesting passage as she read.

PRINCESS: She says here… “Now that I am gone… I leave all my earthly belongings to my one and only heir, the princess. All… but ONE...

QUEEN: (sounding more like an old woman than earlier lines)  …I cannot allow my daughter to wear my queenly crown unless, or until, she can prove her wisdom. (beat) To that end, I issue her a challenge. A challenge to build a palace made from all the bird beaks in the world!”

NARRATOR: Well… as you can imagine…

PRINCESS: “A palace made from all the bird beaks in the world”!???

NARRATOR: …the princess was gobsmacked!

PRINCESS: I know my mother was always one for posing riddles, but she’s taking things to a whole new level with this one! (beat) Still... I never shied away from her riddles before, so why should I shy away now?

NARRATOR: The princess raced down the palace corridor, her hurried footsteps echoing on the gleaming marble as she ran. At the end of the corridor, she bounded up a set of winding, narrow stairs until she reached the top of the tallest tower in the palace. She took a breath, then cupped her hands around her mouth.

PRINCESS: (calling out) Birds! Oh birds! Please! Come to the palace! I have some news for you!

NARRATOR: Word of the princess’s invitation traveled swiftly. The birds inside the kingdom told their friends outside the kingdom, who told their friends, who told theirs...

NARRATOR: … and before long the air was thick with hoots, chirps, chitters and trills, as thousands of birds came flocking from near and far. The princess went down to meet them as they glided to the ground outside the palace doors.

PRINCESS: Greetings, my feathered friends! As you may know, my mother, the queen, has passed away. I am determined to make her proud, and prove that I am worthy of wearing her queenly crown. (beat) And that’s where you come in. I have invited you here because I am going to need… your beaks.

NARRATOR: The birds exchanged nervous glances; this was not the news they’d expected!

PRINCESS: I know this sounds like an odd request! But before my mother died, she issued me a challenge! She said I must prove my wisdom and build a palace made from all the bird beaks in the world! So I may wear her crown! (beat) Therefore… I order you to form a line, and one by one, leave your beaks at the entrance to the palace. Go ahead! Line up now!

NARRATOR: There was a moment of stunned silence as the birds stood frozen, unsure what to do. And then…

HOOPOE: Hold on a minute!

NARRATOR: …a voice broke the silence.

HOOPOE: So, Princess! You really want to ‘prove your wisdom,’ do you? Well, I happen to know just the way! (dramatic, mysterious) And it doesn’t involve US giving something to YOU... it involves YOU giving something to US!

[theme music in]

NARRATOR: Who do you think spoke up just now?

And what do they want the Princess to give the birds?

We’ll find out what happens... after a quick break.

[theme music out]

[BREAK]

[theme music in]

NARRATOR: Welcome back to Circle Round. I’m Rebecca Sheir. Today our story is called “The Crowning Achievement.”

[theme music out]

NARRATOR: Before the break, we met a queen who believed that true wisdom comes from listening to your head and your heart. When the beloved monarch passed away, in her will she issued a challenge to her one and only heir, the princess.

QUEEN: “I cannot allow my daughter to wear my queenly crown unless, or until, she can prove her wisdom. (beat) To that end, I issue her a challenge. A challenge to build a palace made from all the bird beaks in the world!”

NARRATOR: The birds were stunned by the news. Then one of them piped up, and told the princess she could prove her wisdom a different way.

PRINCESS: Which one of you just said that? And what do you mean?

NARRATOR: As the princess looked on in confusion, a small bird hopped to the front of the flock. Her body was pinkish-brown and her broad wings were striped with black and white. She had a smooth, round head, which she cocked to one side, then the other, before fixing the princess with her bright brown eyes.

HOOPOE: My name is Hoopoe. And if you really want to prove your wisdom, Princess, you don’t need to collect a whole mess of beaks! Because like I told you, I know a whole other way you can prove your wisdom. (beat) Tell me. How do you feel about riddles?

PRINCESS: Riddles?

NARRATOR: The princess couldn’t help but grin.

PRINCESS: I adore riddles! My mother used to ask me riddles all the time!

HOOPOE: So how about I ask you some riddles? Answer them correctly, and all of us birds will give you our beaks. But if you miss just one, our beaks will stay on our feathered faces. (beat) What do you say?

NARRATOR: At first, the princess was stunned by the bird’s boldness. But she was also impressed by her spirit and pluck. Not only that, but the princess felt certain she could answer any riddle that came her way.

PRINCESS: You know what, Hoopoe? You have a deal. (beat) Tell me. What is the first riddle?

HOOPOE: The first riddle, Princess… is this. (carefully) “What is gentle enough to feed a baby, yet tough enough to drill a hole in a tree? What is handy enough to construct a home, and strong enough to protect a family?”

NARRATOR: The princess creased her brow in thought.

PRINCESS: Hmmmm… Could the answer to your first riddle be… (a-ha moment) a beak??? A beak is gentle enough to feed your young, but strong enough to bore through a tree. You can use it to gather materials for your nest, and to fight off enemies or intruders! (beat) Am I right? 

NARRATOR: Hoopoe stared at the princess, then nodded her smooth head.

HOOPOE: (solemn) Yes, Princess. You are right! The answer is… a beak. (beat) So now it’s time for riddle number two. (carefully) “These waters flow downward, and are often hard to dry. But they never rise from the ground, and they never fall from the sky.”

NARRATOR: The princess crossed her arms and stroked her chin.

PRINCESS: Hmmmm… I believe the answer to your second riddle is… (a-ha moment) tears! Tears flow down your face and can be hard to stop! They rise from unhappiness! And they fall from a sad eye! (beat) Am I right?

NARRATOR: Hoopoe peered at the princess, then nodded again.

HOOPOE: (solemn) Indeed, Princess. You are right. The answer is… tears. (beat) So now it’s time for your third riddle. Guess this one correctly, and our beaks are yours. (beat) (very carefully) “What can be golden, but also made of stone? It can be heavy, it can be light, and if we pay attention, it will always steer us right?”

NARRATOR: The princess arched an eyebrow.

PRINCESS: Hmmmm… This third riddle is what my mother would have called a real “brain-tickler’!

NARRATOR: She ran a hand through her hair, then scrunched up her forehead.

PRINCESS: I must find the answer to this one. I must! Otherwise I won’t get my crown! Let me think…

NARRATOR: The princess grew quiet. Very, very quiet. And then…

PRINCESS: …(a-ha moment) a HEART!!!! The answer is a HEART! You can have a warm, golden heart or a cruel heart made of stone! Your heart can be light and happy or heavy and sad. And if you listen to it, it will always show you the way! (beat) Am I right? 

NARRATOR: At first, Hoopoe said nothing. Then the little bird let out a big sigh.

HOOPOE: (sadly) Yes, Princess. You are right. The answer is… a heart. (beat) And now that you have answered all three riddles successfully, you may take all of our beaks, and you may build your palace. (beat) (to the other birds) Come on, everybody! Let’s line up!

NARRATOR: The princess watched in triumph as the birds got to work forming a long line. But then… all of a sudden… a voice rang out in her brain. It was a familiar voice. A cherished voice. It was the voice… of her mother.

QUEEN: (sounding younger again) (REPRISE, BUT ACTRESS SHOULD RECORD AGAIN) True wisdom doesn’t just come from a strong, keen mind. It comes from a warm and open heart. (beat) Please promise me that when the day comes for you to wear my queenly crown, you will rule with your head and your heart?

NARRATOR: In that moment, the princess no longer felt quite so triumphant about answering all three riddles. Instead, she gazed at the birds with their beautiful beaks: beaks that were such strong and important tools, just like the first riddle said.

Then she noticed the feathered creatures were crying. Glistening tears streamed down their miserable faces. Tears that rose from the deepest of sorrow, just like the second riddle said.

The princess’s heart began to hammer in her chest. Her eyes grew wide, and her hand flew to her mouth.

PRINCESS: What am I doing?!??? WHAT AM I DOING?!??

NARRATOR: She raced over to the birds and held up her hands.

PRINCESS: Wait! Stop! There will be no palace!

NARRATOR: The surprised creatures came to a stand-still, their teary eyes blinking in confusion.

PRINCESS: Please! Hold on to your beaks – your precious, precious beaks — and don't ever part with them… for anyone! (beat) Now go! All of you! Go free! Go home!

NARRATOR: The birds exchanged a puzzled look. And then… one by one… they flapped their wings and took to the sky.

As each bird disappeared from view, the princess fell to her knees, put her hands over her face…

PRINCESS: (ad-lib crying)

NARRATOR: … and broke down crying.

PRINCESS: (ad-lib crying)

HOOPOE: Princess! Princess! Are you okay?

NARRATOR: The princess uncovered her face. Standing before her, her smooth, round head tilted to one side, was Hoopoe.

PRINCESS: ‘Am I okay’? Well… if “okay” means failing to answer your mother’s challenge and therefore never getting to wear her crown… then sure! I’m okay! I’m as right as rain!

HOOPOE: But Princess! Don't you see? You did answer her challenge. She challenged you to prove your wisdom. And you did!

PRINCESS: What do you mean?

NARRATOR: Hoopoe fluttered her wings and hopped onto the princess’s shoulder.

HOOPOE: When you sacrificed your palace for the sake of us birds, you showed that you can think of others! And view them with empathy and understanding! (beat) You proved that you can think with your head, but be guided by your heart. So if you ask me, you’ve earned the right to wear your mother's crown. You more than deserve it.

NARRATOR: The princess turned to look at Hoopoe. Then a smile flickered across her lips.

PRINCESS: You know what, Hoopoe? You may be right! But I’m not the only one who deserves to wear a crown. (beat) Come back to the palace tonight and I’ll show you what I mean!

NARRATOR: So… hours later… Hoopoe returned to the palace. The princess was waiting, with a small box in her hand. And when she lifted the lid, Hoopoe could hardly believe her eyes.

HOOPOE: (GASP) Princess!

NARRATOR: Because tucked inside the box was a tiny crown. A miniature replica of the bejeweled crown worn by the queen. Carefully and gently, the princess placed the crown on Hoopoe’s head.

And to this day, the brave, spirited bird still wears this gift. It’s a bright, shining reminder that true wisdom comes when you use your head and your heart – no matter how big, or small, you may be.