Of Mice and Mensch
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Hello! Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is called Of Mice and Mench, an adaptation of a Japanese fable written for you by Daniel Hines.

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This episode of Stories Podcast is sponsored by Squarespace. Squarespace is the all-in-one website platform for entrepreneurs to stand out and succeed online. Whether you're just launching a new venture or managing a successful business, Squarespace makes it possible to create a beautiful website and engage with your audience. And Squarespace makes it so easy to sell anything from products to content to time, all in one place, all on your terms,

with Squarespace Payments. Onboarding is fast and simple. Get started in just a few clicks and start receiving payments right away. It's even easy to invoice clients and create proposals, estimates, and contracts. Simplify your workflow and manage your business on one platform. Also, Squarespace has integrated SEO tools. Every Squarespace website is optimized to be indexed with meta descriptions, an auto-generated site map, and more.

so you show up more often to more people in global search engine results. Head to squarespace.com for a free trial. And when you're ready to launch, squarespace.com slash dragon to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. That's squarespace.com slash dragon for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

The Toyota Tundra and Tacoma are designed to outlast and outlive, combining raw power with precision engineering, all backed by Toyota's legendary reputation for reliability. Climb inside a Tundra and experience the uncompromising strength. With its available i-FORCE MAX engine, the Tundra delivers exceptional power, torque, and towing capacity. Plus, the spacious and high-tech cabin keeps you connected on the run.

or check out a Tacoma. Agile, dependable, and unstoppable, the Tacoma's designed for those who go beyond the trails. Stay ahead of the pack with available off-road features like crawl control, or break out your tunes with the available portable JBL speaker. Toyota trucks are built to last, year after year, mile after mile.

So outlast every adventure and outlive the moment. Buy a Tundra or Tacoma today. Visit BuyAToyota.com, Toyota's official website for deals, or stop by your local Toyota dealer to find out more. Toyota, let's go places. Thanks! Enjoy the episode! Of Mice and Mench Once upon a time, there lived a little mouse named Momo.

She was from a big colony of mice, all together in the fields outside a mighty castle. It was a nice life, with plenty of grain in the fields and no cats to hunt them. Momo spent her days working at a little shop and her evenings having fun. Usually, she was with her two best friends. They were charming little mouse ladies like her. The only problem was, they were both getting married and Momo wasn't.

First, it was her friend Becky with the good hair. Becky married a clever little mouse named Jay, and they now had a mouse hole of their own in the stables. It was a very cozy place with lots of warm hay and bits of carrot.

Then it was Aiko, who had the most beautiful long tail. She married a builder who made them a lovely little cottage in a cherry tree. It was way out on a strong limb, so the view dropped away in a beautiful vista.

Momo was happy for her friends, but now she felt like it was her turn. She was ready to grow up and strike out on her own with a partner and live in a little mousehole that they could call their own. And she already knew who she wanted to marry, too.

Becky could keep the clever mice, and good for Aiko with her builder. But those weren't the men for Momo. No, since she was little, Momo had dreamed of marrying the strongest mouse she could find. It was a little strange, but everyone has their type. And she already had a mouse in mind. He was a buff and dashing mouse by the name of Fabio. The problem was, her father had other ideas.

He was the mayor of the fields, and he insisted that Momo had to marry only the best. If you're going to marry, he said, you can do better than a mouse. Forget Fabio. You should find the biggest and strongest around. No mouse for my daughter. But daddy, she said. No buts, young lady, he said. Promise me you'll agree.

"'I promise,' she said. She didn't agree, but she'd at least have to try. When she told her friends the next day, they said she should just follow her heart. Well, kind of. "'Well,' said Becky, "'everyone knows the strongest is Fabio. He's almost as big as a rat, and he has that beautiful golden fur.' "'Oh, yeah,' added Aiko, "'and I heard he really likes you.'

Momo sighed. She knew Fabio liked her, but she had promised her father to at least look. And she knew there was someone even stronger out there. Someone that towered over the fields and was as strong as the day is long. I have an idea for someone strong that even my father would agree to, Momo said. I'm gonna get him. I'll be back with a date for dinner. Okay, good luck, girl, Becky said.

Have the best, said Aiko, and they all hugged goodbye. Momo immediately put on her favorite dress, one with blue and yellow stripes, and went out into the field. She saw the one for her standing there, solid as ever. She walked up, as cute and appealing as she could be.

"'Hello, Mr. Oak Tree,' she said. The colossal old tree was the tallest thing in the pasture, and it was surely stronger than any little mouse. What a mighty husband he would make! His leaves weren't as charming as Fabio's golden hair, but her father would approve. "'Uh, hello, little mouse,' said the old oak tree. "'What can I help you with today? I'm afraid my acorns won't be ready for a few weeks at least.'

That's good to know, said Momo, who loved acorns. But it's not why I'm here. Then what can I do for you? Want to climb up my limbs and visit your friends in the tree? No, no, nope, said Momo. I'm looking for a husband. Oh, said the old oak tree. I understand. You want me to use my height to see all over the fields in the castle, too. I can definitely find a nice mouse husband for you.

No, no, said Momo. That's not it at all. I want a strong husband, the strongest there is. Well, I suppose I can find you a strong mouse if I look? No, you're stronger than any mouse, said Momo. I want to marry you. The old oak was surprised for a moment, and then he laughed, a deep rumbling sound like old logs rolling.

Momo scowled, though, so he stopped, not wanting to hurt the little mouse's feelings. "'Ah, my little lady,' he said kindly now. "'I may be big and pretty strong, but I'm not the strongest at all.' "'Then who is?' said Momo. "'My father said I need the strongest husband.' "'Why?' asked the old oak. "'Because he said I'm too good for any old mouse.' "'All right, fair enough, I guess.'

said the tree. So I'm strong, but even I bow before one other. Who, who? asked Momo. I need to know. The mighty wind, the old oak said, and the wind blew in response, bending the tree and its branches so it bowed towards the ground. Wow, said Momo. That is strong. I'll make the wind my husband.

Good luck, little mouse, the tree said, laughing gently. Go and find it. Momo took off running across the fields. The wind seemed to be everywhere and nowhere. Rustling leaves, stirring the hair of the farmer's wife, sending hay skittering across the hard-packed paths. Where did one go to talk to the wind?

Well, it seemed windier higher up, so Momo climbed into the hills until the wind was plucking at her fur. Hello! she shouted into the open air. I'm looking for the wind! Are you there? Around her, the leaves swirled and the trees rustled and even stones jittered. It all came together into a voice, gentle and strong and boundless.

"'Hello, little mouse,' it said to her. "'Why have you come up into the hills looking to talk to me? Do you need help flying a kite? You don't look the type. Do you need me to blow your sails? You don't seem a sailor either. Tell me, little mouse, tell me why you're chasing the wind.'

I'm looking for a husband, said Momo. I want to settle down in my own house and have a nice partner and all the good stuff that comes with that. Oh!

said the wind. "'And you're wise, so you come to me. You know I hear every breath taken, every word spoken. You, my clever little mouse, know that I can find you a husband who is smart and kind and always has a sweet word for you.'" "'No,' said Momo. "'I want the strongest husband there is, and my father said a mouse wasn't good enough.'"

Oh, said the wind, a little surprised. Well, I guess I can help you with that. I can maybe, well, I don't know, actually. What did you have in mind? I want to marry you, said Momo. You're the strongest around. At first I thought it was the old oak tree, but he pointed out that even he bows to you. So it seems to me like you'd be the perfect husband.

In her heart, Momo knew the wind wasn't quite perfect. Sure, it was strong and playful too, but it lacked Fabio's warmth. Still, she had told her father she'd try. The wind whipped around, swirling Momo's hair in a playful way. It was the wind's version of laughing.

Little Mouse, it said. The wind can't get married. The wind can't be tied down. And it can't be there for you when you need it. Little Mouse, I'm sorry, but I can't marry you. Momo stomped her foot. My father says I need the strongest husband and you're the strongest.

Well, that's not true, the wind said, seeing a way to pass the little mouse along on her quest. There is someone who is even stronger than me. Who, who, said Momo. I need to know.

The castle, said the wind, swirling leaves toward the distant stone towers. I can blow and bend the oak, but no matter what I try, the castle stands strong against me.

The castle, said Momo. Of course. What could be stronger than the castle? I should have started there. I'm heading there now. The little mouse looked down the hills and across the fields to the castle in the hazy distance. Such a long walk. My little legs are getting tired. Well, I can help you along if you like.

offered the wind. I mean, you came all the way up to see me. It's the least I can do. Thank you, said Momo. What do I do? The wind blew over a dandelion puff, white and feathery, bobbing in the breeze. Grab a hold, said the wind. Momo leapt and clutched at the dandelion stem as it bobbled by.

Thank you, she said. Good luck. Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories Podcast and other favorite kid podcasts ad-free, subscribe to Wondery Plus Kids on Apple Podcasts. This episode of Stories Podcast is sponsored by Squarespace. Squarespace is the all-in-one website platform for entrepreneurs to stand out and succeed online.

Whether you're just launching a new venture or managing a successful business, Squarespace makes it possible to create a beautiful website and engage with your audience. And Squarespace makes it so easy to sell anything from products to content to time, all in one place, all on your terms with Squarespace Payments. Onboarding is fast and simple. Get started in just a few clicks and start receiving payments right away. It's

It's even easy to invoice clients and create proposals, estimates, and contracts. Simplify your workflow and manage your business on one platform. Also, Squarespace has integrated SEO tools. Every Squarespace website is optimized to be indexed with meta descriptions, an auto-generated site map, and more, so you show up more often to more people in global search engine results.

Head to squarespace.com for a free trial. And when you're ready to launch, squarespace.com slash dragon to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. That's squarespace.com slash dragon for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

The Toyota Tundra and Tacoma are designed to outlast and outlive, combining raw power with precision engineering, all backed by Toyota's legendary reputation for reliability. Climb inside a Tundra and experience the uncompromising strength. With its available i-FORCE MAX engine, the Tundra delivers exceptional power, torque, and towing capacity. Plus, the spacious and high-tech cabin keeps you connected on the run.

or check out a Tacoma. Agile, dependable, and unstoppable, the Tacoma's designed for those who go beyond the trails. Stay ahead of the pack with available off-road features like crawl control, or break out your tunes with the available portable JBL speaker. Toyota trucks are built to last.

year after year, mile after mile. So outlast every adventure and outlive the moment. Buy a Tundra or Tacoma today. Visit buyatoyota.com, Toyota's official website for deals, or stop by your local Toyota dealer to find out more. Toyota, let's go places. Thanks, and now back to the story. ♪

Then the wind whirled and Momo and the dandelion were scooped up and sent spinning. They soared through the air towards their castle, drifting like a cloud. Momo called, leaning into the breeze as she swayed and spun.

Soon, the dandelion puff began to blow away in the wind, little wisps of wishes dancing off. As the last bit of fluff was plucked away, Momo was gently set down on the castle wall. Thank you, she called to the wind. It swirled gently around her. Then, she turned and ran for the center of the castle, the tallest of the stone towers.

Hello, she called. Castle, can you hear me? Of course, came a voice, solid as stone. What do you need, little mouse? Well, I'm looking for a husband. Ah, and you've come to me, said the castle. You know that I am solid, and you seek a solid mouse for a husband. Very clever.

Well, no, not quite, said Momo. She was used to this whole process by now and growing a little bit tired of it, so she skipped right to the important bit. No, I want to marry you, she said. I know you're a castle and I'm a mouse, but my father said I'm supposed to marry the biggest and strongest husband, and that is you. So what do you say? The castle rumbled a laugh, but stopped when he saw her serious little face. Good for your father, but who do you want to marry?

Well, there is a little mouse named Fabio, but... No, you're the strongest. I should marry you. At this, the castle laughed again, but for a different reason this time. I'm sorry, little mouse, but I'm not the strongest. I can't marry you. There is someone stronger than me right this very moment. Who, who? said Momo. I need to know. I'm so tired of looking.

Well, said the tower, right this very instant, a mighty warrior is tunneling into my walls. Sure, I'm solid against the wind, but this juggernaut is burrowing straight through my stone. Wow, said Momo. How do I find him? I'll take you there, said the castle. Just jump into that little crack there in the wall.

Thank you, said Momo, and then she jumped inside. It was dark and slick and she instantly started sliding. Down and down and around and around she slid through the dark castle. Finally, she shot out in the basement, where there was a neat round hole in the wall by the royal tapestries. That must be where the warrior is digging, she said.

I'm looking for the strongest husband around and the castle says this is where I can find you. From the darkness of the hole, a voice came echoing back. It sounded like a very strong voice. Momo? Is that you? You... you know me? Know you? said the voice coming out of the hole now. Momo, I love you! It was Fabio! He came out, long blonde hair flowing.

You've been tunneling into the castle? she asked. I've been making us a place to live, he said, and a lovely queen like you deserves a castle. Oh, Fabio, Momo said and leapt into his arms. They were married shortly after.

Momo's father was there to give her away, and he did it with pride. In the end, all he had really wanted was to see Momo happy, and Fabio was, after all, the strongest one around. The End Today's story, of Mice and Mench, was an adaptation of a Japanese fable written for you by Daniel Hines. It was edited and produced for you by Andrew Martin, and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon.

If you would like to support Stories Podcast, you can leave us a five-star review on iTunes. Check out all of our merch available at storiespodcast.com slash shop, commission a special video on Cameo, follow us on Instagram at storiespodcast, or simply tell your friends about us.

In case you missed it, Dan and I have a new show. On Stories RPG, we play games just like Starsworn with all your Max Goodname friends and Giga City Guardians featuring the brilliant Firefly. Click the link in the episode description or go to patreon.com slash stories RPG to get ad-free episodes, play along games, and coloring books. We've already got a bunch of episodes over there, so check them out now. Thanks for listening!

The Toyota Tundra and Tacoma are designed to outlast and outlive, combining raw power with precision engineering, all backed by Toyota's legendary reputation for reliability. Climb inside a Tundra and experience the uncompromising strength. With its available i-FORCE MAX engine, the Tundra delivers exceptional power, torque, and towing capacity. Plus, the spacious and high-tech cabin keeps you connected on the run.

or check out a Tacoma. Agile, dependable, and unstoppable, the Tacoma's designed for those who go beyond the trails. Stay ahead of the pack with available off-road features like crawl control, or break out your tunes with the available portable JBL speaker. Toyota trucks are built to last, year after year, mile after mile.

So outlast every adventure and outlive the moment. Buy a Tundra or Tacoma today. Visit buyatoyota.com, Toyota's official website for deals, or stop by your local Toyota dealer to find out more. Toyota. Let's go places.