Redge’s K.N.I.G.H.T. School - Folklore Stories for Kids

Welcome to Redge’s K.N.I.G.H.T. School, the Knowledgeably Noble Institution for Gallant Hero Training! Here Hedge Knights in training discover their own inner powers, cultivate their courage, celebrate everyone as they are, defend the realm from darkness, and BRAVELY bring about the light. Young Archie doubts he has the right stuff, afraid that he will never be worthy enough to take such a hedge pledge. He’s ready to leap when he learns that he already possesses exemplary knighthood qualities—a kind heart, the curiosity to learn, and the power of his own story!

This episode includes the song, Firefly Light, an anthem to our own heroic journeys and the importance of our communities and the stories we share together.

SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR PARENTS AND EDUCATORS: In our stories, we incorporate empowering messages and lessons for kids, especially those who are being marginalized and misunderstood. This is an important episode for our team because both of the voice actors are on the autism spectrum—one who is a seasoned professional and the other who is just beginning his acting career. They embody the themes in this story: to be yourself, share your gifts, empower others, and brave your fears to bring about the light. They are working together to find their places in a world that doesn’t always accept those who are different.

Episode webpage: https://jonincharacter.com/redges-knight-school/

If you liked this story, you may also like Episode 32 The Princess and the Pincushion, a reimagined fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea,” a lesson on true friendship and more knights’ fun, Huzzah! https://jonincharacter.com/the-princess-and-the-pincushion/

Dorktales Storytime Podcast website:
https://jonincharacter.com/dorktales-storytime-podcast/

CREDITS: This episode has been a Jonincharacter production. Today’s story was written by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Langston Sardella who voiced the character Archie, the young hedge knight in training. Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog was performed by Jonathan Cormur. The song ‘Firefly Light’ was written and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Monique Hafen Adams, Kristin Schmitz, and Molly Murphy. It features Phil Harris, guitar from E.W. Harris, and additional vocals from Jenni Messner and Dan

Visit the official Dorktales shop, Once Upon A Merch at dorktales-shop.fourthwall.com and use the code WELCOME10 for 10%off your order for a limited time.

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:51

Hello, Dork Squad. I'm Jonathan Cormer, and you're listening to Dork Tales Storytime, the podcast for kids and their pop culture-loving grown-ups. And this is one of our anything is possible lore stories.

SPEAKER_02 1:04

It's a beautiful day for a story, adventure, and glory, new friends and old ones too. It's an excellent day to get swept away in a tale, so let us regale you!

SPEAKER_00 1:27

Attention! Attention, please! Welcome one and all to my knowledgeably noble institution for gallant hero training, also known as Night School. Here at Night, we cultivate courage, celebrate everyone as they are, and defend the realm from darkness and bravely bring about the light. To graduate, our young hedge knights in training must learn the Hedge Pledge of Heroism and discover their own inner powers. Now, for today's lesson, I Excuse me, Sir Reginald? Ah yes, Archie. One of our exceptional young hedge knights in training. Uh please, call me Reg.

SPEAKER_04 2:24

Oh, right. Excuse me, Sir Reg? Uh, what is your question? Well, Sir Reg, I've read the Hedge Pledge of Heroism over and over.

SPEAKER_00 2:33

Oh my, how studious of you.

SPEAKER_04 2:35

I suppose. But I have to say that I can't see how I could ever accomplish all of this.

SPEAKER_00 2:42

Why, whatever do you mean?

SPEAKER_04 2:43

How could little me live up to being this heroic?

SPEAKER_00 2:47

Now, young Archie, don't give up before you've really had a chance to begin. You are certainly capable of becoming a full-fledged hedge knight.

SPEAKER_04 2:57

But take this first part of the pledge.

SPEAKER_00 3:03

Right?

SPEAKER_04 3:04

What if I don't know what my gifts are? Especially ones that are hero-worthy.

SPEAKER_00 3:09

Hmm. Well, you could start with something small, young Archie. What do you mean? Well, you're obviously a very good student, and like to keep up on your reading.

SPEAKER_04 3:21

But being good at reading? That's not real hero stuff.

SPEAKER_00 3:25

Now now, Archie, all of the little things that make up who you are are very important, and will come out in unexpected ways. Really? What if someone needs to know a dragon's favorite bit of treasure? Or the answer to a riddle to get past a bridge troll? Hmm? Or maybe you come across someone who's stuck on a very tough math problem. Never fear. Archie the law keeper is here. Lore keeper.

SPEAKER_04 3:59

Wow.

SPEAKER_00 4:00

A student of stories.

SPEAKER_04 4:02

Right. And if I can celebrate the big and small things about me.

SPEAKER_00 4:06

You will find so many things to celebrate in others.

SPEAKER_04 4:11

So the second part of the hedge pledge definitely feels achievable.

SPEAKER_00 4:14

Ah yes, part two. Empowering our companions to discover themselves. Just like I've done for you. I'll practice right now. A splendid idea.

SPEAKER_04 4:26

Stella is an excellent musician. She can write awesome scores for every journey. And Wendell has a green thumb. Everything they plant blooms and grows. They can keep adventures fed and adorned with lovely flowers.

SPEAKER_00 4:41

Oh thanks, Archie. Thanks, Archie. Now you're getting the hang of it, Archie. No hero can do what they do alone. We need our team, with individuals who bring their own strengths to the party. I have to say, it's a pretty big relief.

SPEAKER_04 4:56

I can still be me and be a hero.

SPEAKER_00 4:59

In fact, it's crucial to be true to yourself.

SPEAKER_04 5:03

And that no one goes out adventuring alone.

SPEAKER_00 5:05

Most certainly not.

SPEAKER_04 5:07

That's just great, Sir Reg.

SPEAKER_00 5:09

Stupendous! Then let us move on to But Yes, Archie, do you still have some concerns?

SPEAKER_04 5:17

The third part of the pledge.

SPEAKER_00 5:20

Let's see here. Oh, you mean rise against the fiercest foes to bring about the light, opening my heart to all, proudly as a knight. Yes. What is it, Archie? It's just It's all right, my boy. You can say it. Um I'm all ears.

SPEAKER_04 5:42

That sounds absolutely terrifying.

SPEAKER_00 5:45

Oh dear.

SPEAKER_04 5:47

Rise up against foes! The fiercest ones!

SPEAKER_00 5:50

Yes, but it's opening my heart! Are you serious? Now now, Archie, I know it sounds a little scary.

SPEAKER_04 5:58

A little?

SPEAKER_00 5:59

Okay, okay, it is a big scary, but sometimes heroes have to be vulnerable. I suppose. Start small again. What's one thing you're afraid of? It can be anything.

SPEAKER_04 6:16

I'm pretty afraid of public speaking.

SPEAKER_00 6:18

Very good. You're wait y'all what?

SPEAKER_04 6:22

Yeah. Talking in front of other hedgehogs really makes me nervous. It always has.

SPEAKER_00 6:27

Uh Archie?

SPEAKER_04 6:29

Yes, sir Reg?

SPEAKER_00 6:32

You do realize that you've been talking in front of an entire class of hedgehogs, right?

SPEAKER_04 6:40

Oh no! What am I doing? Whoa, you pointed out to me!

SPEAKER_00 6:44

Well, to help you understand, of course. Is expressing yourself in front of others not one of your fiercest foes? It it is. But you cared so much about learning that you faced that foe. It still may make you nervous and unsure, but you stood up anyway and asked your questions. I guess I did, didn't I? You've celebrated others and shared some of your fears with us, but stood fast in the eye of the storm in the name of learning and understanding, and that is the stuff of heroes, my boy.

SPEAKER_04 7:25

It it is, isn't it?

Archie, the hedge knight in training takes the Hedge Pledge of Heroism

SPEAKER_00 7:27

Now, sometimes our fiercest foes are even stranger, bigger, and more challenging than we know how to face. But think of all the lessons we've learned tonight.

SPEAKER_04 7:38

We should focus on all the little things first that make us who we are.

SPEAKER_00 7:43

To see, we have so many tools that will aid us on our journeys.

SPEAKER_04 7:47

And we should empower others too.

SPEAKER_00 7:50

Connecting with a team of friends who won't ever let us face the darkness alone. And we should open up our hearts. That's right. I'm sure many people in this class have learned so much because you were willing to share your story with us.

SPEAKER_04 8:06

I suppose you're right. Sharing and listening to stories really supercharges our superpowers.

SPEAKER_00 8:12

Hear here!

SPEAKER_04 8:13

I feel so much better, Sir Reg. I feel like someday I could wear the official hedge night crest with pride.

SPEAKER_00 8:20

Excellent. I believe that the day has come. Wha what day? I believe you're exactly the sort of hedgehog we need as a certified hero. Ah, shucks. So come on up now and take the hedge pledge of heroism yourself. Wow, really? That's right. Are you sure I'm really ready? Well, Archie, one last lesson we all learn over and over again is that it's very hard to ever be sure we're ready or not. But sometimes, even though it can be hard, leaping into the unknown is a part of life. It can bring about lots of scary things, but just as many amazing, exciting, brand new things as well. I'm ready for the leap, Sir Reg! Bravo! All right then. Hedge knights, assemble! And please, a bit of fanfare. Please proceed, Archie.

SPEAKER_04 9:31

I, Archie, Hedge Knight in training, pledge to honor my own strengths and gives in everything I do, and empower my companions to discover themselves too. I'll rise against the fiercest foes to bring about the light, opening my heart to all, proudly as a knight.

SPEAKER_00 9:52

I do hereby dub thee Sir Archie, Hedge Knight exemplar of Once Upon a Time, and official graduate of Reg's Knight School.

SPEAKER_04 10:14

All right, I'm gonna go out heroing right now.

Listen to the song, Firefly Light, an anthem to your own heroic journey!

SPEAKER_00 10:18

Oh, wait, but there's more. More? I have a bit of a surprise for all of my dedicated students. A way we can top off this most successful graduation celebration. What is it, Reg? A while ago, I spoke with my friends the Branch Sisters about everything we talked about here today, and they turned our tenets into a beautiful song. It's one of my favorites to sing each day.

SPEAKER_04 10:48

Wow, our own heroic anthem.

SPEAKER_00 10:52

That's right. And they're here to perform it for us now. So rise, little hedge knights. That means you too, dear listeners, to gather round the firefly light and let their words wash over you.

SPEAKER_02 11:10

Long after it does come calling Deep in the long the house as shadows fall across forests, just like in old folk tales when the hero is weary and lost. We ask the sky to break and we ride a new day, a new path to take. It may have seemed hopeless at first, but the tale it always takes a turn, it always takes a turn. We gather around the firefly light, telling our stories to fight off the darkest night can't come between us. We know a new sight will come to greet us in the door. If we hold on There is no God we won't follow. Heroes who can feel the shifting time after walking through the shadows, discovering new pages, we know something to turn it and we'll go on the trials we will stand. Triumphs that you explore some quieter states. We gather up the firefly telling our stories to fight off the darkest nights can come between us.

SPEAKER_01 13:23

We know a new sight will come between us.

SPEAKER_02 14:38

No fear will find us through the night when we tell our stories together.

SPEAKER_00 14:52

This has been a John in Character production. Today's story was written by Molly Murphy. Special thanks to Langston Sardella, who voiced the character Archie, the young hedge knight in training. Mr. Reginald T. Hedgehog was performed by Jonathan Cormer. The song Firefly Light was written and produced by Molly Murphy and performed by Monique Hafen Adams, Kristen Schmitz, and Molly Murphy. It features instrumentation from Phil Harris, guitar from E. W. Harris, and additional vocals from Jenny Messner and Danny Lincioni. It's available at DorkTalestorytime.bandcamp.com. Sound recording and production for the episode by Jermaine Hamilton at Hamilton Studio Recordings. You can find links in the show notes. Now, go be the hero of your own story, and we'll see you next once upon a time.