Soldier Outsmarts Selfish Couple in Tale of Redemption

A traveling soldier teaches a selfish couple a lesson about generosity in a captivating story titled “The Patched-Up Coat,” originally released on July 7, 2021, as part of the Circle Round podcast. This tale, with roots in Russian folklore, highlights the importance of kindness and sharing, while also showcasing the consequences of greed.

The narrative begins with a soldier, weary from his long journey home after fighting in distant lands. He arrives at the home of a man and woman living on a hill, hoping for a warm meal and a place to rest. Instead, the couple, characterized by their selfishness, offers him only cold porridge and a spot on the floor, while they indulge in a hearty chicken soup and a fresh apple pie. The soldier’s experience serves as a poignant reflection of how one can feel overlooked and mistreated, resonating with anyone who has faced a similar situation.

As the story unfolds, the soldier, feeling the weight of the couple’s greed, devises a plan to turn the tables. After a long, cold night on the floor, he concocts a scheme to convince the couple that his tattered coat possesses magical properties. He approaches their bedroom and requests to open a window, claiming he feels too hot despite the freezing conditions. The couple, bewildered but intrigued, comply, leading them to wonder about the coat’s true nature.

The following morning, the soldier capitalizes on the couple’s curiosity by offering to trade his coat for a more luxurious goose-down jacket. They sweeten the deal by adding a fine horse and a bag of silver coins, effectively demonstrating their desperation to possess what they believe to be a magical garment. The soldier ultimately agrees to the trade, leaving the couple with their newfound wealth yet still devoid of the warmth and kindness they had withheld.

The man’s attempt to wear the coat results in an uncomfortable experience, as he discovers that it provides no warmth to him. In a twist of fate, he ends up giving free rides to travelers along the way, breaking his pattern of selfishness. The story captures the essence of transformation, illustrating how the soldier’s cleverness not only benefits him but also prompts the couple to reconsider their actions.

The episode features voices from talented actors Feodor Chin, Jessica Rau, and Peter Sagal, who is also known for hosting the NPR news quiz show “Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” The adaptation was crafted by Rebecca Sheir, and the original music and sound design were created by Eric Shimelonis.

Listeners are encouraged to engage actively with the story by coloring associated artwork, fostering a sense of community among families enjoying the episode together. Artistic contributions are shared on social media platforms using the hashtag #CircleRoundPodcast.

Through this narrative, audiences are invited to reflect on their own actions and consider ways to help others in need. The soldier’s cleverness serves as a reminder that compassion can lead to greater warmth in the world around us, transforming not only individual lives but also the broader community.

The story concludes with the couple’s realization that their selfish ways must change. This charming tale leaves audiences with an uplifting message: when we open our hearts and share with others, we can brighten not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us.