The Cobbler’s Soul
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WBUR Podcasts, Boston. Think about the last time you did something kind for someone. How did you feel? Pretty good, right? Well, when the main character in today's story does a kind act for someone, he doesn't just feel good. He feels free. Woo-hoo! Woo-hoo! Woo-hoo!

I'm Rebecca Shear, and welcome to Circle Round, where storytime happens all the time. Today, our story is called The Cobbler's Soul. We found versions of this folktale from a number of places, including the South American countries of Argentina and Chile, the European countries of Germany, Ireland, Norway, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic, and the Appalachian region of the United States.

Some really great people came together to bring you our version of this folktale, including John Patrick Amadori. Grown-ups, you may know John Patrick from his starring role as Gabe in the original Netflix series Dear White People, as well as Gossip Girl, Hindsight, and most recently, the acclaimed drama series Three Women. So, circle around, everyone, for The Cobbler's Soul. ♪♪

The cobbler lived in a low-slung little house where he would perch on his little wooden stool and stitch leather, repair soles, and do all the other things a good cobbler does to make old shoes look new again. The cobbler shared the little house with his children, a bright-eyed set of three-year-old triplets whom he worked hard to keep fed, dressed, and happy.

But one summer, when business was unusually slow, money began to dwindle, and the cobbler's worries began to grow. Oh dear, I haven't had a new order in months. With no cash coming in, how will I take care of my children? I must do something to drum up business, I must!

At the edge of the cobbler's town, high on a hill, was a splendid mansion with stately pillars out front and a spacious garden out back. The grand estate had recently been built by a gentleman known as the Duke. Word in town had it that the Duke was a collector. Rumors flew about the priceless paintings covering his many walls.

the precious statues lining his many corridors, and the ornate furniture filling his many dining rooms, bedrooms, and parlors. One morning, after the cobbler dropped the triplets off at the town schoolhouse, his eyes drifted toward the duke's mansion, and he got an idea. Hmm... I've never met this duke before. Few townsfolk have, it seems. But clearly he's the richest guy in town, if not the land.

I'll bet he has hundreds of shoes in his closet. Surely some of them are in need of mending. I'll go pay him a visit. The cobbler hurried home and grabbed his tools. Then he hiked up to the Duke's mansion. Feeling nervous but hopeful, he rang the bell. The cobbler assumed he would be greeted by a butler or footman or any other of the Duke's dozens of servants. So you can imagine the cobbler's surprise when the door swung open.

And there, dressed in a dark tailored suit and dark silk tie, with dark eyes glittering under the broad brim of a dark hat... Greetings.

Was the Duke himself. It's nice to see you. It's not every day I get a visit from the town cobbler. The cobbler stiffened. How did the Duke know who he was? The Duke seemed to read his mind. Oh, I didn't mean to alarm you, my friend. I happened to notice the tools hanging from your belt and the needle, thread, and shoe polish stuffed in your apron pocket.

Are those not the instruments of a cobbler? The cobbler's face relaxed into a smile. Wow, aren't you an observant fellow? Indeed, good sir. I am the town cobbler. Unfortunately, business has been slow lately. I have three young children to take care of, which means I have three hungry mouths to feed. So I've come to see if you need any shoes fixed. The duke arched an eyebrow. Hmm...

I am sorry to hear about your woes, good cobbler. And though I do not have any shoes that need fixing, I would be thrilled to help you out. Provided you're up for making a little... deal. A deal? The cobbler cocked his head. What kind of a deal? A rather attractive one, I must say. If you agree to this deal, I shall see to it that for the next three years...

You will have the most bustling business ever. Customers will be knocking down your door, begging you to mend their shoes. Your children's bellies will be full, and your pockets will be even fuller. The cobbler's eyes widened. You... you can do that? You bet I can. But like I said, this is a deal.

So I would ask just one small thing in return. And what would that be? Well, I happen to be a bit of a collector. I collect paintings. I collect statues. I collect furniture. I also collect souls. The cobbler grinned. You collect souls? As a cobbler, I have plenty of souls I can give you.

The way people wear out the bottoms of their shoes, I've got a great big supply. I could give you old soles, new soles, wooden soles, leather soles... You misunderstand me, my friend. I do not collect shoe soles. I collect human soles.

And I'd be ever so pleased to collect yours. The cobbler felt his insides turn to ice. For all at once it became frightfully clear. The Duke was not actually a Duke. Instead, he was none other than... The Devil. You're the Devil. You answer people's wildest dreams by giving them exactly what they want.

But in exchange, you demand their souls. And they have to come with you. For all of eternity. That's right. And I could answer your dream, Cobbler. The next three years could be the best years you've ever had. All you have to do afterwards is join me. Forever. So, what do you say? Will you agree to our little deal? Or do you want your little children to waste away from hunger?

The cobbler hesitated. If he agreed, then he and his triplets would be guaranteed three years of comfort. Until he went with the devil and the children were forced to fend for themselves. But if he didn't agree to the deal and business didn't pick up, then he and his kids would starve. The cobbler drew a long, slow breath. Then he stared into the devil's dark, glittering eyes.

and prepared to deliver the most important answer of his life. Will the cobbler make a deal with the devil? What would you do if you were the cobbler? We'll find out what happens after a quick break.

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I also enjoy the birthday message from Rebecca Shear. Grown-ups, sign up your superfan today at wbur.org slash CircleRoundClub. I'm Rebecca Shear. Welcome back to CircleRound. Today, our story is called The Cobbler's Soul. Before the break, a humble cobbler was running out of money and hope when he was offered a deal by the devil.

For the next three years, the cobbler would prosper. Provided that, once the three years were up, he gave the devil his soul. The cobbler pictured his young triplets, their cheeks gaunt and hollow, their bellies groaning with hunger. And he knew what he must do. All right, devil. I agree to your deal. For the sake of my kids. Oh, how very sweet.

Those young'uns are awfully lucky to have a father like you. Well, for the next three years, anyway. With laughter ringing in his ears and tears brimming in his eyes, the cobbler turned away and trudged down the hill toward town. But as he drew closer to his low-slung little house, he stopped right in his tracks.

Because what should he spy lined up in his yard but dozens and dozens of townsfolk, all of them carrying old shoes in need of fixing? Customers! Look at all these customers! I guess the devil doesn't mess around, because my three years of prosperity are starting right now! The gobbler spent the rest of the day stitching, hammering, and repairing shoes.

He did the same thing the next day, and the next day, and the next. Just as the devil promised, business was booming. The cobbler bought his children good food to eat and nice clothing to wear. He even planted a stand of apple trees next to the house, so the youngsters could swing from the branches and snack on the fruit. One year went by, then two years.

And finally, the fateful day arrived. The day the devil would come to collect the cobbler's soul. Three years had passed and the triplets were now six. The cobbler dropped them off at school, giving each one an extra tight hug before saying goodbye. Then he shuffled home and slumped onto his stool. His shoulders hunched, his head hung in despair. Three years. It's been three years since I made my deal with the devil.

And though my children are three years older, they're still too young to get by without me. Oh, if only there were some way I could get out of this deal. Some way that I could... Oh no! He's here! The devil is here! The cobbler's heart hammered and his skin prickled as he peered through the window. But to his surprise, and relief, it was not the devil he spied outside.

It was an old woman, her spindly frame trembling and her white cloak spattered with mud. Oh, good morning, madam. May I help you? I hope so. I was out walking and I somehow lost my way. I'm awfully cold and hungry. May I please come in? Of course. Come sit at the table. I'll fetch you something to eat.

The cobbler sat the woman down. Then he fixed a tray of bread and cheese, along with some apples from the trees in his yard. When he carried the tray to the table, the woman's brow furrowed with concern. My goodness, look at your hands. They're trembling. Are you all right? The cobbler frowned. To be perfectly honest, I am not all right. Today is a big day for me.

"'One that I've been dreading for some time now. "'Three years ago I was forced to make an impossible choice, and—' The cobbler fell silent, for all at once he noticed the woman's shoes. The tops were stained, the sides were riddled with holes, and the bottoms had worn so thin you could practically see through them. "'I beg your pardon, madam, but it looks like your shoes could use a good repair.'

I happen to be a cobbler, and I'd be happy to fix them up. It would help get my mind off my troubles. The old woman smiled. As you can tell, I have walked in these shoes for thousands of miles, and I'd like to walk in them for thousands more. It would be nice if you could fix them up. Then I'd be glad to.

I specialize in all sorts of repairs, and it would be no problem for me to... I'm sorry. What I was going to say is, it would be nice if you could fix them up, if only I had some money. The woman flashed the cobbler a sheepish grin. He flashed her a warm one. Don't worry about it. Even if you did have money, it would be no good here.

I insist on fixing up your shoes free of charge. But they need so much work. I can see that. But I'm happy to help a new friend. Now why don't you get some rest? Have a nap in my triplets' room and I'll make your shoes as good as new. Thank you. But before I nod off...

I'd like to give you something for your troubles. Oh, fixing your shoes is no trouble at all. It's my pleasure. The woman shook her head. That's not what I mean. I mean something for your troubles, your struggles, the demons you're facing. At the mention of demons, the cobbler shivered.

I'd like to give you something that might help. Three things, actually. The cobbler doubted anything could help him break his deal with the devil, but he was touched nevertheless. I appreciate your kindness, madam. What is it you'd like to give me? Well, first, starting today, whoever sits down on your cobbler's stool will be unable to get up.

until you permit them to do so. Second, whoever looks into the window of your house will have to stand there until you agree to let them go. And third, whoever shakes an apple tree in your yard shall stick to that tree until you set them free.

There was a long silence as the cobbler took in the woman's words. I must say, madam, these gifts are rather curious, but I'm grateful for them all. Thank you. You're very welcome. I hope they'll be put to good use. And with that, the woman rose to her bare feet and shuffled off to the triplet's room. The moment she closed the door, the cobbler got to work.

He hammered, he nailed, he stitched, he polished, and before long the woman's shoes were finished, and the devil had yet to arrive. But when the cobbler went to the triplet's room to deliver the shoes, What? the old woman was gone. Where did she go? How did she get out? And how could she leave without wearing any shoes? Oh, perhaps that's her. Or perhaps it's him.

A quick glance out the window, and the cobbler had his answer. Standing at the door, in a dark tailored suit with a dark silk tie and dark broad-brimmed hat, was the devil. Oh, what should I do? I don't want to give him my soul, so perhaps I can reason with him. I'll let him in. I'll ask him to sit down, then I'll explain how...

"Wait a minute!" The cobbler froze. For all at once, he remembered the old woman's first gift. "Starting today, whoever sits down on your cobbler's stool will be unable to get up until you permit them to do so." The woman said her gifts would help me with my demons, but if I play my cards right,

I believe they could help me with my devil. Here goes nothing. The cobbler took a breath. Then he went to the door, threw it open, and the devil came breezing in. Good day, cobbler. I have been counting the years until this moment. The months, days, weeks, hours, minutes, and seconds, too. So, now that the time has finally come for me to collect your soul...

Are you ready? Actually, I was hoping to have a bite to eat first. How about you sit on my stool here and rest a moment till I'm done? A bite to eat? Well, I'm not about to deny a doomed man his final meal. So go ahead, eat up. The devil strode over to the stool and sat down. The cobbler fixed a sandwich and gobbled it up. Uh-uh. That hit the spot.

"Shall we go now?" "Of course." The devil tried to rise from the stool, but of course... "Ugh!" He couldn't! He pulled... He yanked... He rolled from side to side... But it was like his bottom had been glued to the seat. "Cobbler, get me off this blasted stool!" The cobbler shrugged. "Hmm... I don't know."

What's in it for me? What's in it for you? I will... I will give you three more years. Three more years? Sounds good to me. The cobbler smiled, then released the devil from the stool. The moment he was free, he took to his heels and stormed away as fast as he could.

And, true to his word, he didn't come back for three years. When the Devil did return, he knew better than to sit on the Cobbler's stool again. In fact, he didn't even venture inside the house. Instead, he peeked in through the window. "Cobbler! I'm back! Now that the time has finally come for me to collect your soul, are you ready?" As it happens, the Cobbler was ready.

Just not in the way the devil meant. Actually, I'd like to put the last stitch in this pair of shoes I'm working on. Wait at the window and I'll be out in a flash. Oh, how noble of you to finish up your work before you disappear forever. So go ahead, do what you need to do. The cobbler finished his sewing, then joined the devil outside. Okay, I'm all done with my work. Shall we go now? Of course.

The devil tried to walk away from the window, but... He couldn't! And do you know why? You guessed it. Because of the old woman's second gift. Whoever looks into the window of your house will have to stand there until you agree to let them go.

The devil stretched. He strained. He tugged. But it was like his feet had been stuck to the earth. Cobbler! Get me away from this confounded window. And I'll give you three more years. Three more years? Very well.

The gobbler smiled, then released the devil from the window. The moment he was free, he bustled away as fast as he could. And, true to his word, he didn't come back for three years. When the devil did return, he knew better than to look in the window. He didn't even come near the house. Instead, he stood in the yard beneath the apple trees and called out,

Cobbler! I'm back! Now that the time has finally come for me to collect your soul, are you ready? Once again, the cobbler was ready. Ready to put the old woman's third gift to use. And do you remember what that gift was? Whoever shakes an apple tree in your yard shall stick to that tree.

Until you set them free. The cobbler crossed to the window and gave the devil a wave. Actually, before we go, I'd like to put away my tools. While you're waiting, how about you grab one of the apple trees and shake down a nice ripe apple? Those apples do look tasty. Don't mind if I do. The devil clasped his hands around a tree and gave it a shake. Grrr!

But, as you can no doubt guess, when he tried to stop, he couldn't. He shook. And he shook. Until every single apple had fallen from the tree. Every leaf, too. When the cobbler came outside and saw the tree stripped bare and the devil still shaking it, he pretended to fall into a rage.

What are you doing, shaking down all my apples? Stop it, right now! The devil gritted his teeth. But...

I can't! I swear that if I ever get loose from this cursed apple tree, I shall never come back here again! Never? Never! You promise? I promise! And I can live the rest of my life in peace? Yes! You can live the rest of your life...

In peace. Very well. The cobbler smiled, then released the devil from the tree. The moment he was free, he sprinted away as fast as he could. And, true to his word, he never came back. From that day on, the devil steered clear of the cobbler. In fact, he was so nervous about getting stuck on something again, he sold his mansion. Paintings, statues, and furniture included.

Then he laced up his shoes, put his soles to the road, and made for the horizon, never to be seen in the cobbler's town again. Now it's your turn. What's a kind act you can do this week? Can you help a grown-up with a chore? Help a neighbor walk a dog? Maybe you can give a good friend a great big hug?

Think about what you can do, then make it happen. After that, find some paper and draw a picture of you doing your kind act. Ask a grown-up to snap a photo of you and your artwork and email it to circleround at wbur.org. We may feature it in the Lion's Roar, the monthly newsletter of the Circle Round Club. To learn more about this super fun membership opportunity for super fans like you, visit our website, wbur.org slash circleround. ♪

This week's episode, The Cobbler's Soul, was adapted by me, Rebecca Shear. It was edited by Dean Russell. Our original music and sound design is by Eric Shimilonis. Our artist is Sabina Han, who's created a black and white coloring page for every Circle Round story. To print them out and color them in, ask your grown-ups to visit our website, wbur.org slash circleround, and click on Coloring Pages.

Special thanks to this week's actors, James Konachek, Dawn Ursula, and John Patrick Amadori, whom you grown-ups may recognize from his starring role as Gabe in the original Netflix series Dear White People, as well as Gossip Girl, Hindsight, and the acclaimed drama series Three Women.

Our featured instrument this week was the bandoneon. You can learn more about this squeeze box instrument, which originated in Germany before migrating to South America, and see a photo of Eric Shemelonis playing one on our website. Again, that's wbur.org slash circle round. ♪

Grownups, if you enjoy Circle Round, please leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast app. And follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Our handle is at Circle Round Podcast. Circle Round is a production of WBUR, Boston's NPR news station. I'm Rebecca Shear. Thanks for circling round with us.

Now that you've made it to the end of this Circle Round episode, we want to know, what's your favorite Circle Round story? Thousands of fans just like you have been telling us about the Circle Round stories they like best. Take a listen. Maybe one of their favorites is one of yours, too.

My name is Kiko. I live in Madrid, Spain, and my favorite Circle Round story is The Uncommon Commoner because my godbrother Leo was in the audience when you recorded it. Hi, my name is Amy and I live in California, and my favorite Circle Round story is The Long Christmas and Thread.

I like the part of the white tomatoes that land like a squeak. My name is Caroline and I live in Maryland. My favorite Circle Round story is Basilisk Stare and my favorite part is when the little boy turns to stone. My name is Meredith and I'm from Maryland and my favorite Circle Round story is

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Hi, my name is Mia and I live in Fort Worth, Texas. My favorite Cirque du Soleil story is the bright yellow hat and I like the part where Flora finds out she can talk to the flowers. My name is Dave and I live in Texas and my favorite Cirque du Soleil story is the lion's whiskers and I like the part when the girl and the boy said meet at near the river.

My name's Aiden, and I live in Oregon, and my favorite Circle Round story is the Crystal Box Destroys, and my favorite part is when the hornet gets delivered to the sky goddess. Did someone mention a story you've missed? Not to worry. Grown-ups, you can find all of our Circle Round stories, plus links to the Circle Round Club, picture books, coloring pages, and oh so much more on our website, wbur.org slash circleround.