Princess Persistence | Ep. 294

Think about a time you persisted.

When we persist, we keep going and pushing forward, working toward our goals no matter what obstacles or setbacks we face.

In today’s tale, a princess encounters a major obstacle. But even when it seems like there’s no hope of reaching her goal, she refuses to give up!

Our story this week is called “Princess Persistence.” It’s inspired by a legend from the southeast Asian country of India.

Voices in this episode include: Joe Hernandez, Kiran Kumar, Ryan Shrime, Mike Smith, and Aparna Brielle, who starred in the NBC sitcom "A.P. Bio." You grown-ups can currently see her on season two of the action comedy series, “FUBAR,” now streaming on Netflix.

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

GROWN-UPS! PRINT THIS so everyone can color while listening. We’re also keeping an album so please share your picture on Facebook and Instagram, and tag it with #CircleRoundPodcast. 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

Imagine a friend or family member is trying to achieve something and they’re struggling to keep at it.

How would you encourage them to persist? What actions would you take – and/or what advice would you give – to help them keep going?

Find a grown-up and make a list of all the ways you could encourage someone to persist. Use your list any time someone in your life needs encouragement – including yourself!

Musical Spotlight: Sitar

While many experts believe the word “sitar” may come from the Persian term for “three strings,” this popular Indian lute actually has 18 to 21 strings. Only six or seven strings are actually plucked when played. The rest are “sympathetic”: they vibrate when the main strings are plucked and help create that rich, lingering sound the sitar is known for.

The sitar’s shape is distinctive: it has a long neck and face made of wood (typically teak or mahogany), and both ends feature a rounded, resonating tumba chamber made from dried calabash gourds. The traditional way to play the sitar is from a cross-legged sitting position; you hold the instrument at a 45-degree angle and rest the rounded tumba chamber on the side of your foot.

Although the sitar has been a staple of India’s Hindustani classical music since the 1300s, the instrument didn’t become widely recognized outside India until the mid-20th century, when Indian musician Ravi Shankar embarked on a music tour of the West and played the sitar in live concerts.

When Shankar connected with George Harrison – lead guitarist of the world-famous band, The Beatles – Harrison was fascinated by the sitar’s sound and used it in many songs. Other artists were so inspired by Harrison’s fusion of sounds that they began incorporating the sitar into their own music. The sitar’s popularity outside of its native India proves that regional, classical music and instruments can appeal to listeners everywhere, and help us learn even more about people and cultures abroad.

You can hear Eric Shimelonis play the sitar in several other Circle Round stories, including “A Taste of Honey,” “The Lumps of Clay” and “The Red Leather Shoes.”

Script:

NARRATOR: There once was a princess named Savitri. Princess Savitri had a quick mind, a warm heart, and a tender, compassionate nature that enchanted all who met her.

Savitri also had an adventurous spirit. Her father, the king, wished for her to find a husband, so she could settle down in the palace and prepare for her eventual queenhood.

But the thought of settling down made Savitri bristle.

SAVITRI: I would much rather go out and have adventures! What could be better than saddling up my horse and gallivanting about the kingdom? Meeting new people? And seeing new things?

NARRATOR: So that's precisely what she did. As often as she could, she’d saddle up her horse and explore the land… galloping through misty forests, cantering over majestic mountains, and racing across sweeping deserts, throwing up a spray of sand in her wake.

On one of these adventures Savitri found herself inside… a jungle. The jungle was dense and thick with meandering paths and overgrown trails, and Savitri soon lost her way. Eventually, she found a clearing. And there, in a beam of golden sunshine, was a man chopping wood.

SAVITRI: Excuse me, sir! Can you help me please? I’m lost!

NARRATOR: The man put down his axe and flashed Savitri a smile.

SATYAVAN: I don’t blame you for getting lost, miss! This jungle is like a leafy labyrinth! If I didn’t make my home in this place, I would get lost, too!

NARRATOR: Savitri cocked her head.

SAVITRI: Are you saying you live in this jungle?

SATYAVAN: Indeed I do! In a little hut with my father! It’s a lovely place to call home. Beautiful, peaceful, with plenty of fascinating animals and birds.... I guess there are worse places to be exiled to!

SAVITRI: Exiled…?

NARRATOR: The princess’s eyes grew wide.

SAVITRI: You mean, you were kicked out of your country?

SATYAVAN: Out of my kingdom! Or rather, my father’s kingdom. After his brother, my uncle, usurped the throne.

SAVITRI: Your father was a king? And his brother took the throne by force?

SATYAVAN: He did! Father was getting older… and frailer…His body was slowing down, his eyesight was fading. His mind was as sharp as ever… but his brother got a whole mess of men to storm the palace! And kick us out! Next thing I knew, Father and I were taking refuge in this jungle. (beat) I’m sorry. I don’t usually carry on like this with strangers.

SAVITRI: Then… let’s NOT be strangers. (beat) My name is Savitri.

SATYAVAN: And my name is Satyavan. It’s nice to meet you!

SAVITRI: And nice to meet YOU! (beat) You know, Satyavan… the two of us have something in common.

SATYAVAN: Umm… we both just had to listen to my long, sad sob story about why I live in a hut in the jungle?

SAVITRI: (with a laugh) No! We’re both… royalty.

NARRATOR: Satyavan’s jaw fell open.

SATYAVAN: You’re… a princess? What on earth is a princess doing out here in the jungle?!

SAVITRI: Well… I’m not just any princess. I’m a terrifically bored princess who would much rather get lost in an exotic jungle than sit inside a stuffy palace all day. And thank goodness I got lost in this exotic jungle. Because now… I know YOU!

NARRATOR: Savitri and Satyavan locked eyes. They held each other’s gaze for a  long moment. And in that moment, they both felt something click. Something in their minds… and in their hearts.

The princess and prince spent the rest of the day together. Savitri talked about her thirst for adventure, and her love for solving puzzles and riddles. Satyavan told of his tireless toil caring for his father, who was now fully blind in both eyes.

Savitri had never felt so comfortable around another person. Satyavan felt the same way. And by the end of the day, they decided they would get married.

When Savitri rushed home to share the news with her father, she found him deep in conversation with a surprising visitor. It was Narada, the messenger of the gods!

SAVITRI: Father? Lord Narada? What’s going on? It’s not everyday that a divine messenger pays us a visit!

NARRATOR: The king turned to Savitri with a frown.

KING: Savitri. Narada told me about your wish to marry Satyavan.

SAVITRI: Yes! He’s absolutely amazing, father! So funny and gentle and kind!

KING: So I’ve heard. And I must say: I am delighted you have found someone you love. There’s just one… problem. (beat) The husband you have chosen… is doomed.

SAVITRI: What? What are you talking about? Lord Narada! What is my father talking about?

NARRATOR: Narada came over and took hold of Savitri’s hands.

NARADA: There has been a prophecy, Savitri. Your beloved Satyavan is destined… to die. Very soon.

NARRATOR: The princess felt her blood run cold.

SAVITRI: That can’t be true! Satyavan is so young! So vibrant!

NARADA: I am sorry, princess. But fate has spoken. It won’t be long before Yama, the god of death, will come up from his underground kingdom to claim your beloved’s soul.

NARRATOR: Tears sprang to Savitri’s eyes.

SAVITRI: But Satyavan and I are in love! We belong together! We wish to be with each other forever! Is there no way to spare his life?

NARADA: There may be a way to prolong it. You must leave the palace. Join Satyavan and his father in the jungle. Spend your days leading the simplest, humblest, most modest life you can… and Satyavan may live for another year.

NARRATOR: Savitri agreed. And once she and Savatyan were wed, she joined him and his father in the jungle.

It was a far cry from her lavish upbringing in the palace, but she relished her new life. She and Satyavan spent their days chopping wood, foraging for berries, and weaving clothing out of grasses and bark. They also took good care of Satyavan’s father, a kindly old fellow who treated his new daughter-in-law like his own.

One month went by, then another, and another… and once twelve months had passed, the fateful day arrived. Savitri and Satyavan woke early and ate breakfast in silence. Then they grasped each other’s trembling hands and gazed into each other’s tear-filled eyes.

SAVITRI: I can’t believe it’s been a year already! Satyavan! How am I supposed to live without you?

SATYAVAN: You won’t have to live without me, Savitri! I’ll always live on in your heart. Just as you will always live on in mine. Nothing can part us. Nothing. (growing weaker) Not even… not even…

NARRATOR: Satyavan stumbled and fell to the ground.

SAVITRI: Satyavan? Satyavan!

NARRATOR: Savitri dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around Satyavan’s shoulders. His body was cold. A sob caught in her throat and she began to weep.

SAVITRI: (ad-lib weeping)

NARRATOR: At that very moment, the morning air filled with the thumping sound of hoofbeats. Through her tears, Savitri saw an immense shadow lumbering her way.

YAMA: Greetings, Savitri! I believe you were expecting me…?

NARRATOR: It was Yama, the god of death. He was draped in crimson robes with glittering gold jewels and rode astride a giant black buffalo.

YAMA: I’ve waited a whole year for this visit! It wasn’t easy, but somehow I made it through! And now, if you’ll excuse me, I shall escort your husband's soul to my kingdom of the dead!

NARRATOR: As Yama pulled Satyavan onto the buffalo’s back, Savitri felt a wave of grief. But then, she felt a flood of rage.

SAVITRI: NO, Yama! You will NOT escort my husband’s soul to your kingdom! You will leave him here. And allow him to live!

NARRATOR: Yama stared at Savitri. His red eyes flickered. Then, he tossed his head back… and laughed.

YAMA: (laughing) You foolish, silly mortal! I am a god! I shall do as I please! Your husband is coming with me!

NARRATOR: Yama shot Savitri a withering look, then turned his buffalo around and began the journey to his subterranean kingdom. Little did the god know, but it was going to be a very bumpy ride! 

What will happen now that Yama has Satyavan?

We’ll find out how our story unfolds, after a quick break.

[BREAK]

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

Before the break, Yama, god of death, came to claim the doomed soul of Prince Satyavan.

Satyavan’s wife, Princess Savitri, wasn’t ready to part with her love. And as Yama rode off through the jungle, with Satyavan unconscious on his buffalo’s back, a voice suddenly rang out amidst the trees.

SAVITRI: Give me back my husband, Yama!

NARRATOR: Yama swiveled his mighty head… and there was Savitri, trailing him through the undergrowth.

YAMA: Oh please! You are out of your mind, princess! Leave me alone and go home!

NARRATOR: But Savitri did not leave him alone OR go home. Instead, she followed Yama out of the tangled jungle…

SAVITRI: Give me back my husband, Yama!

NARRATOR: …across a rugged mountain range…

SAVITRI: Give me back my husband, Yama!

NARRATOR: …through a burning desert…

SAVITRI: Give me back my husband, Yama!

NARRATOR: …and though her feet ached, and her throat burned, and her belly roared with hunger, she refused to give up.

SAVITRI: Give me back my husband, Yama!

NARRATOR: Yama was thunderstruck. He had never seen a mortal so dedicated to their love! With a great big sigh, he brought his buffalo to a halt.

YAMA: Savitri. Your persistence is impressive… if somewhat irritating. (beat) So! In order to be rid of you – and to reward you for your dedication – I shall grant you ONE WISH. (beat) However!

NARRATOR: He held up a hand.

YAMA: …The one thing you may NOT wish for… is your husband’s life.

NARRATOR: Savitri mopped her brow… and smiled.

SAVITRI: I appreciate the gift, Yama. My one wish… is for my father-in-law to see again! For his eyesight to be restored.

YAMA: Very well, princess. You shall have your wish. Your father-in-law’s eyesight shall be restored. (beat) Now go home and LEAVE ME ALONE!

NARRATOR: But Savitri did NOT go home OR leave him alone. Instead, she forged on. She stumbled and staggered behind Yama and his buffalo mile after mile, until again, the god came to a halt.

YAMA: Savitri! I told you to be gone, and yet you persist in following me. I will grant you a second wish, then you must go away. And remember! You must not ask for your husband's life!

NARRATOR: Savitri stretched her sore legs and grinned.

SAVITRI: Thank you, Yama. My second wish… is for Satyavan’s uncle to be ousted from the throne, so that Satayan’s father may have his kingdom back!

YAMA: Alright then. You shall have your wish. The current king will be forced from the throne, and your father-in-law will once again reign. (beat) Now please! Go home and leave me alone!

NARRATOR: But guess what? Savitri did NOT go home OR leave him alone. Instead, the bedraggled princess stayed hot on his heels… until finally, he halted his buffalo a third time.

YAMA: Savitri! I have granted you two wishes and still you pursue me. So, in order to be rid of you, I shall offer you a third and final wish. And remember! You must not ask – (gets interrupted)

SAVITRI: (interrupting) …for my husband’s life?

NARRATOR: Savitri licked her parched lips.

SAVITRI: Of course not! I know the rules. And so… my third and final wish… is for me and Satyavan to be the parents of many, many CHILDREN.

YAMA: That’s it? You want children? Fine! I’ll grant you dozens of children! Hundreds, even! Now go home and leave me alone!

NARRATOR: Yama urged his buffalo on. They reached the edge of the desert and began their descent into Yama’s underground kingdom. But as they passed through the gates, the god took a quick glance behind him… and balked.

YAMA: What????

NARRATOR: For there was Princess Savitri, disheveled, ragged, and trudging behind him with every last ounce of strength.

YAMA: Savitri! Why do you continue to pursue me? I have granted all of your wishes! Your father-in-law’s eyesight has been restored. His kingdom has been regained. And you shall be the mother of many children!

SAVITRI: But Yama! That’s not what I wished for! I wished for me and Satyavan to be the parents of many children. Yet here you are, carrying my husband’s soul into your subterranean lair. How could you possibly grant my wish… if you don’t give back my husband’s life?

NARRATOR: A look of bewilderment swept over Yama’s face. His fiery red eyes flicked to and fro.

YAMA: (unable to fight back or even complete a sentence) But… but…  but!

NARRATOR: The great god said no more. Because all at once he realized he’d been trapped by Savitri’s clever logic! If Satyavan joined the other lifeless souls in Yama’s underground domain, there was no way he could be the father of many children!

Yama scooped up the prince’s body and laid it on the ground. Then he mounted his buffalo and disappeared through the gates.

Savitri fell to her knees and cradled Satyavan’s head in her lap. She caressed his face, she stroked his hair, and within moments his skin turned warm and his eyelids fluttered open.

SATYAVAN: What happened? Where am I?

NARRATOR: Savitri planted a kiss on her husband’s cheek.

SAVITRI: You’re with ME, my love. And I’m with YOU. Where we were always meant to be. (beat) Now let’s go home!

NARRATOR: Satyavan smiled and rose to his feet. And then, side by side and hand in hand, he and Savitri walked back to the land of the living, united in a love so powerful, so strong, so persistent, not even death could part them.