Gather ‘round the glowing fire with Laura and the Faithfully Explore! crew for a magical Halloween night full of spooky-but-safe stories from around the world. This special episode, Campfire of Legends, introduces children to mythic creatures who guard, teach, and surprise from the Chinese Dragon that dances across the sky to the mysterious Kitsune of Japan.
Each legend invites young listeners to be brave and kind, discovering that even spooky tales can hold warmth, wisdom, and protection. Through storytelling, movement, and imagination, kids will explore how cultures across the globe turn mystery into meaning.
Mythic Encounters
Imagination Journey
Close your eyes and follow Laura through a moonlit forest where these legends come alive in sound, story, and heart.
Friendship Bridge
Discover what connects these creatures across cultures—guardianship, cleverness, and the power of stories to teach courage and kindness.
Monster Match-Up Game
A playful quiz to test what you’ve learned—can you match each creature to its country?
Weekly Challenge: Create Your Own Mythical Protector
Invent a guardian creature of your own! Draw it, name it, and give it magical powers that protect something important to you.
Belief Backpack Takeaways
Get ready for Persephone’s Journey: A Greek Myth Yoga Story for Kids.
We’ll explore how light and darkness dance through the seasons with gentle yoga and storytelling.
Close your eyes and imagine sitting around a glowing campfire
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:on a crisp Halloween night.
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:Tall trees sway in the midnight
breeze and dry leaves rustle
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:just beyond the circle of light.
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:Somewhere in the shadows...
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:something moves.
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:Was that a pair of glowing eyes?
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:Don't worry friends.
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:No real monsters Tonight, only
story creatures with big lessons.
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:And me, Laura, your trusty guide
here on Faithfully Explore!
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:Welcome, curious explorers to
our Halloween campfire adventure.
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:Tonight we're mixing just the right amount
of spooky with stories full of heart.
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:Tales from around the world
about legendary creatures who
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:might give you a friendly shiver.
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:And others who might surprise you with
their bravery, kindness, or wisdom.
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:These stories have been passed
down through generations.
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:They belong to the people who
tell them, and I share them with
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:respect, curiosity, and wonder.
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:Hands up if you like.
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:A little thrill.
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:Not too scary.
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:Just enough to make you giggle.
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:If you're ready to meet some magical,
mysterious beings, lean a bit closer
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:to the firelight and whisper with me.
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:We're brave and kind.
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:We are brave and kind.
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:Laura: That's right.
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:We are brave and kind.
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:Now take a slow deep breath
of that cool night air.
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:Feel the warmth of the fire,
the tingle of excitement.
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:Are you ready?
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:Our campfire journey begins now.
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:Faithfully Explore! Intro:
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:Faithfully Explore!
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:is the name.
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:Learning together is our aim.
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:Beliefs around the globe we'll track,
filling up our Belief Backpack.
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:Laura: The wind rumbles.
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:The clouds roll.
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:But wait, there is no storm.
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:That's a dragon dancing across the sky.
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:It's a Chinese dragon, long as
a river full of life twisting
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:and turning through the clouds.
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:It scales shimmer red, gold, and emerald
green, catching flashes of lightning
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:like jewels, antler like horns,
crown its head, instead of wings, it
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:glides through the air on pure magic.
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:Chinese dragons aren't fiery destroyers.
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:They're water spirits.
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:They live in oceans, lakes,
and rivers guiding the rain
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:and guarding the flow of life.
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:When the earth grew dry and
crops began to wilt, people once
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:looked to the dragons above.
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:They offered prayers and gifts for
gentle rain or mercy from floods.
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:Long ago, people told stories about dragon
kings who ruled the seas and the rain.
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:Dragons were so special that
even the emperors of China
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:said they were part dragon.
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:Only the emperor was allowed to wear
clothes with dragon pictures on them.
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:It showed his great power and
connection to the dragons.
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:So next time you hear thunder rolling
in the distance, imagine it's that
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:dragon practicing their skydance.
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:Give them a little cheer from below.
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:Nice moves dragon.
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:Let's see if you can
remember this for later.
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:When I say guardians, you say protect.
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:Guardians.
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:Ethan: Protect.
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:Laura: Guardians.
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:Ashley: Protect.
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:Laura: That's right.
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:Do you hear that thunder
rolling in the distance?
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:Some say it's not just a storm,
it's the Thunderbird flapping,
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:its enormous wings across the sky.
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:Stories of the Thunderbird are told
with care by many native nations from
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:the tall forests of the northwest
to the wide plains of the heartland.
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:If storms make you uneasy, try this.
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:Place a hand over your heart and feel
it beating, that's your brave drum,
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:reminding you, you're are not alone.
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:Now picture the Thunderbird a bird
larger than any eagle or hawk wings
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:so wide, they could shade a mountain.
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:Some stories describe feathers streaked
with color, lightning sparks in its eyes,
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:and great curved horns above its head.
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:It soars far above the tallest
peaks, living among the clouds.
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:When the Thunderbird flaps its
wings, boom, thunder shakes the sky.
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:When it blinks, zap, lightning
streaks through the clouds.
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:Sometimes it brings rain to
nourish the earth, and sometimes
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:it uses its power to teach lessons.
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:So the next time thunder, rumbles
overhead, you can whisper, "thank you
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:Thunderbird for watching over us."
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:Did you hear that rustle?
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:A giggle?
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:Over there.
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:Was that a flash of orange?
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:Don't be alarmed.
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:Explorers.
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:It must be a Kitsune,
the magical fox of Japan.
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:Kitsune, say it with me.
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:Kit-soo-neh
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:These legendary folk spirits
are some of the most beloved
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:creatures in Japanese folklore.
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:They're clever, mysterious.
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:And sometimes a little bit sneaky.
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:The older a Kitsune grows, the more
tails it earns, up to nine shimmery
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:tails that represent its wisdom, and
sparkle with magic . That same magic
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:lets it shape shift into a human form.
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:Sometimes a wise old man,
sometimes a laughing child.
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:And even a dazzling young woman
Kitsune love a good prank.
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:They might lead a greedy traveler in
circles through the forest or sneak into
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:a feast disguised as a lost child to steal
some tasty fried tofu because fun fact,
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:foxes love fried tofu in Japanese stories.
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:But here's the twist.
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:Kitsune aren't only mischief
makers, they can also be protectors.
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:In the Shinto religion of Japan,
foxes are sacred messengers of Anari,
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:the God of rice, and good harvests.
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:These guardian foxes called zenko
stand at shrine gates as stone
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:statues wearing bright red bibs.
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:Visitors leave rice or a bit
of fried tofu to thank them
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:for protection and prosperity.
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:So how do you know if that
friendly stranger passing by
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:might secretly be a in disguise?
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:Legend says, look closely.
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:You might catch a glimpse of a tail
peeking out from under a kimono.
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:Or notice their shadow looks
just a little too foxy.
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:The Kitsune remind us not everything
or everyone is what they seem.
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:A little mystery, a little mischief
can sometimes hide a kind heart.
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:So if you ever spot a fox trotting
down a path, you might wonder,
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:is it just an ordinary fox?
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:Or a magical kitsune on a
secret errand for the gods?
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:Woo.
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:We've met some incredible
creatures so far, a wise dragon, a
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:thundering bird, and a tricky fox.
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:How are you feeling?
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:If your heart is pitter
pattering, don't worry.
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:Let's take a quick break
from the spookiness and have
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:a little laugh, shall we?
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:Why don't skeletons go trick or treating?
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:Billy: Why.
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:Laura: Because they
have no body to go with.
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:Badumtiss.
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:What's a monster's favorite dessert?
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:Jason: What.
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:Laura: Ice scream.
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:Get it ice cream.
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:Now that we've had a good laugh and
shaken out the jitters, shall we
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:meet a few more mythical friends?
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:Our fire burns bright as we journey
far from the camp to the Misty
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:Locks of Scotland where fog drifts
low across dark glassy water.
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:Keep your eyes open at
the edge of the lake.
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:Do you see it?
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:A shimmering white horse
grazing by the moonlit shore.
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:It lifts its head and meets your eyes.
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:It almost seems to call you
closer, inviting you for a ride.
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:Don't be fooled explorers.
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:This is no ordinary pony.
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:This is a kelpie.
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:The shape shifting water
horse of Celtic Legend.
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:By day, Kelpie appear as beautiful
ponies roaming besides rivers or locks.
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:Their manes wet.
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:They're shadows shining as if
they've been waiting for a rider.
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:But beware...
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:the moment someone climbs on,
they find they can't get off.
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:The Kelpie's enchanted hide holds
them tight, stuck as if by glue.
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:Suddenly the lovely horse charges into
the water plunging beneath the surface
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:with its rider still clinging on.
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:In the stories, the Kelpie drags
them deep below to a watery lair.
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:Why would people tell such a scary tale?
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:You may or may not know this
about Scotland, but they have
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:lots of deep cold lochs or lakes,
fast rivers, slippery rocks.
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:Long ago, parents wanted to keep their
children safe from these dangerous waters.
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:So they told stories like
this to teach wisdom.
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:Sometimes the most beautiful things
can hide danger beneath their surface.
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:So if you ever visit a Scottish loch,
enjoy the view from a safe distance.
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:And if you hear a horse's
eerie cry carried on the wind,
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:it might just be a kelpie.
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:Wait, did you hear that?
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:Out there under the moonlight?
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:Something stirs in the shadows.
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:It's small, quick.
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:Uh oh.
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:Heading straight for the goat pen.
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:Could it be the Chupacabra?
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:Say it with me.
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:Chupacabra.
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:Chupacabra means goat sucker in Spanish.
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:And just wait till you hear why.
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:Stories from places like Puerto Rico
and Mexico tell a strange creature that
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:creeps onto farms at night, leaving behind
two tiny fang marks and a big mystery.
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:What does this midnight mystery look like?
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:That depends on who you ask.
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:Some say it's a strange mix between
a reptile and a dog, about the size
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:of a large dog, but covered in scaly,
greenish skin with glowing red eyes and
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:claws, sharp enough to scratch stone.
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:Others describe it as a hairless coyote.
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:It's gray skin rough, and it's
back lined with spiky ridges.
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:Either way, not exactly the cuddly type.
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:Here's the wild part.
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:This legend isn't ancient at all.
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:The very first chupacabra sightings
happened in Puerto Rico in:
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:That's right.
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:Just about 30 years ago!
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:When animals started turning up
sick or gone, people imagined
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:a vampire like creature and
the Chupacabra story was born.
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:Soon the story spread through
Mexico, central America and
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:even the Southern United States.
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:A few times people thought they'd
caught the beast, but scientists
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:examined those monsters and said,
Nope, that's just a sick coyote
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:with a skin condition called mange.
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:Still the mystery and
the goosebumps remained.
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:Today the Chupacabra has
become a pop culture star.
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:It shows up in movies,
books, and even video games.
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:Kids tell spooky Chupacabra
tales at camp outs.
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:Just like we're doing tonight.
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:It's proof that even in modern
times, our imaginations love to make
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:sense of mysteries with monsters.
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:So if you're ever out there in the
countryside on a dark night and you
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:hear a goat bleat in the distance,
you might whisper "El Chupacabra...
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:are you there?"
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:Don't worry.
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:It is probably just a goat...
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:probably.
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:Imagine with me
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:It's been a magical creature safari.
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:Now close your eyes
and take a deep breath.
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:It's a cool autumn night, and we're
walking together down an old forest path.
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:The full moon peaks through the
branches and your hand is a lantern.
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:It's warm glow lighting the way.
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:Hear the leaves under your boots.
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:If you feel a shiver,
squeeze your blanket once.
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:Shiver goes in.
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:Bravery comes out.
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:Suddenly the wind picks up the trees
sway and leaf swirl above us as
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:something enormous glides overhead.
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:We look up just in time to
glimpse a mighty Thunderbird.
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:Its enormous wings brush the treetops.
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:Each flap sends a thump
through your chest, like the
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:beat of a drum in the clouds.
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:But strangely, you're not afraid.
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:The thunderbird's eyes
flashing like lightning.
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:Look down kindly as if to
say, "I see you little ones."
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:We wave.
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:With one more sweep of its great wings.
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:It vanishes into a cloud.
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:Then pitter-patter, a
soft rain begins to fall.
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:Tiny droplets, kiss your cheeks
and the leafs at your feet.
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:The Thunderbird is blessing
us with gentle rain.
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:For good luck.
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:Inhale the rain blessing.
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:Exhale.
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:Thank you, Thunderbird.
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:We follow the path until
we reach a quiet clearing.
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:A still pond lies before us.
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:Black is glass reflecting the moonlight.
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:All is peaceful until ripples
begin to spread across the water.
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:Something is rising, up from the
pond lifts the head of a horse.
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:Its mane dripping with
silver water, a kelpie.
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:It steps onto the shore.
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:Beautiful.
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:And gleaming it knickers softly, becking
You closer for a moment, you feel tempted.
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:It's the prettiest pony you've ever seen.
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:But then.
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:You remember the stories?
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:You squeeze my hand and whisper.
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:Nope, not today, Kelpie.
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:The kelpie lets out a long echoing wail.
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:Not angry.
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:Almost disappointed and turns back
toward the pond with a flick of its tail.
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:It disappears beneath the water's surface.
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:You exhale in relief.
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:Give yourself a pat on the back.
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:You trusted your gut and stayed safe.
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:Let's say it together.
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:Guardians.
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:Jon: Protect.
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:Laura: Guardians.
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:Kellie: Protect.
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:Laura: We keep walking.
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:Our lantern swings gently.
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:As the path opens into a moonlit
field, the sky has cleared.
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:But wait, something
moves behind that bush.
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:You turn your head, you there a
fox with bright orange And hold on.
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:Are we seeing double?
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:No, it has 2, 3, 5 tails waving behind it.
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:A kitsune, the fox sits, gives us
a mischievous grin, and then poof
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:disappears in a puff of glittering smoke.
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:In its place stands a traveler dressed
in a silk kimono, smiling gently.
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:The traveler, holds out two
steaming cups of hot cocoa.
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:Kitsune: You look cold from your journey.
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:Laura: They whisper.
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:Kitsune: Warm yourselves.
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:Laura: We thank the traveler, and
the moment the words leave our lips.
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:Poof, they vanish.
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:Replaced by the smiling fox again,
it trots off into the trees.
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:Tails flickering like
candle flames in the dark.
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:Inhale the cocoa steam.
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:Exhale.
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:Arigato Fox friend.
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:fatima: ありがとうフォックスフレンド。
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:Laura: With our hearts warm
and our bellies full of cocoa,
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:we follow the path back home.
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:The lantern light glows brighter as
we approach our cozy circle of logs.
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:The campfire greets us
with the happy crackle.
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:, If you hear the fire
whisper, crackle, crackle.
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:Crackle, crackle.
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:You did wonderfully on that journey.
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:Explorers.
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:You showed respect to the Thunderbird.
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:Wisdom with the Kelpie, and
gratitude to the Kitsune.
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:It's like each culture built its own
magical creature friends to express
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:the same hopes, fears, and values.
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:let's cross our friendship bridge.
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:Step one, guardians and protectors.
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:The Chinese dragon and the
Thunderbird told in many Native
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:Nations can look fierce, but
they use their strength to help.
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:They bring rain, balance, and protection.
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:Sometimes what looks scary
is really safety in disguise.
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:Step two, tricksters and teachers, our
Kitsune cousins from Japan have friends
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:all over the world like ananzi the
spider in parts of West Africa and Coyote
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:in many indigenous American stories.
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:These clever characters remind
us to be smart, humble, and kind.
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:Step three, warnings with wisdom.
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:The Kelpies watery tale teaches
kids to stay back from dangerous
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:lochs, and the Chupacabra legend
helps people make sense of nighttime
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:mysteries and protect their animals.
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:Spooky...
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:a little.
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:Helpful...
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:Very!
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:Even the eerie stories keep us safe.
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:So what does our
friendship bridge show us?
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:Stories everywhere connect us.
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:Different lands, different
creatures, but the same human hopes.
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:Safety, courage, humility, and care.
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:When I say stories, you say connect us.
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:Stories.
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:Lance: Connect us.
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:Laura: Stories.
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:Jaz: Connect us.
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:Laura: Now whisper one lesson
you'll carry home tonight.
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:Maybe protect, be humble or stay wise.
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:Time for a quick wiggle.
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:Stretch your wings, shake your
tails, and give your best roar.
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:It's game time.
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:Think you remember which
creature came from where?
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:Let's find out in our campfire
quiz called Monster matchup.
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:Clue one.
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:My name literally means
goat sucker in Spanish.
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:People say I sneak into farms
at night in Latin America.
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:Got it.
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:It's El Chupacabra.
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:Ew.
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:Chupacabra.
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:Leave those poor goats alone.
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:Clue two.
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:I'm a magical fox with up to nine tales.
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:Sometimes I play tricks.
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:Other times I guard shrines in Japan.
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:You guessed it.
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:The Kitsune.
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:Clue.
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:Three.
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:I'm a giant bird whose wings make
thunder and eyes flash lightning.
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:Many Native Nations tell
stories of me as a protector.
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:That's the Thunderbird.
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:Clue four I look like a beautiful
horse by the river, but touch
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:me and you'll never get away.
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:A Scottish legend warns kids about me.
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:It's the Kelpie, of course.
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:Final clue.
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:I'm a long snake-like creature that
lives in water and summons rain.
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:In China,
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:i'm a symbol of luck,
wisdom, and good fortune.
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:That's right.
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:The Chinese dragon.
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:Wow.
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:Explorers.
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:We had a roaring wing flapping,
tail swishing, splashing, and
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:bleating good time in that quiz.
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:You really know your legendary creatures!
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:After meeting so many
incredible creatures.
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:Do you feel that creative spark?
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:I know I do.
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:This week's challenge is
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:I invite you to invent your very
own mythical protector creature,
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:your personal guardian beast,
and design it as a trading card.
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:Think Pokemon meets pure imagination.
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:Step one name and look.
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:Give your creature a name as
epic or silly as you like.
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:Maybe it's Fierce-O-Saurus or the
night owl guardian, or something
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:mysterious in another language.
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:Now draw your creature or
create a symbol for it.
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:This is the visual wow of your card.
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:Use bright colors, cool
patterns, or bold lines.
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:Let your imagination lead the way.
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:Step two magical powers.
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:What can your guardian do?
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:Can it fly through storms, glow in the
dark or breathe kindness instead of fire?
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:Maybe it tells terrible jokes
that make monsters laugh so
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:hard they forget to fight.
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:Whatever powers you dream up.
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:Step three, protect a value.
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:Every guardian protects something good.
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:What does yours stand for?
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:Courage, kindness, honesty,
friendship, creativity.
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:Write it proudly on your
card, like a badge of honor.
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:Step four.
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:Fun stats.
406
:Just like a real game card.
407
:Give your creature a few fun stats.
408
:Here are some ideas:
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:spookiness= 8/10,
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:Cuteness= 11/10,
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:wisdom= 1/10.
412
:You can even make up
your own categories too.
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:Maybe snuggle factor or glitter power.
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:Step five, decorate and share.
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:Now for the fun part, decorating.
416
:Add lightning bolts, stars, or
ancient ruins around the edges.
417
:Make it sparkling with
glitter or add stickers.
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:When you finish, hold up your card
and imagine your guardian beast
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:beside you standing tall, ready to
help you protect what matters most.
420
:If your grownup says it's okay, you
can share a photo of your creature
421
:with us at faithfully explore.
422
:I can't wait to meet the
incredible protectors You dream up.
423
:What's inside our belief
backpack this week?
424
:Wow.
425
:Spooky stories can be safety stories.
426
:Why?
427
:Many legends like the Kelpie
or the Chupacabra were
428
:created to protect something.
429
:Children's safety, villages,
animals, or even people's hearts.
430
:They hide wisdom inside their
goosebumps, teaching us how to
431
:live and what to watch out for.
432
:What now?
433
:Think of one place or situation this week
where you can be extra wise and careful.
434
:Wow, guardians can look fierce.
435
:Why?
436
:The Thunderbird and the Chinese
dragon may look powerful, even scary,
437
:but they use that power for good,
bringing rain protection and balance.
438
:They remind us that courage and
kindness can wear surprising costumes.
439
:What now?
440
:When something feels scary, pause
and ask yourself, could this
441
:actually be protection in disguise?
442
:Let's say it together one last time.
443
:Guardians.
444
:Michael: Protect.
445
:Laura: Guardians.
446
:Carrie: Protect.
447
:Laura: Wow.
448
:Tricksters teach with giggles.
449
:Why?
450
:The Kitsune's clever pranks and other
tricksters, like Anansi or Coyote, pop up
451
:big egos and teach lessons with laughter.
452
:What now?
453
:Use your cleverness for kindness.
454
:Make someone smile, not squirm.
455
:Let's zip up our backpack
now full of these treasures.
456
:The protective power of stories.
457
:The courage hiding in disguise,
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:and the connection between
people, creatures, and nature.
459
:Keep them tucked closely, explorers.
460
:They'll guide you whenever your life feels
a little spooky or wonderfully mysterious.
461
:Before we let the campfire fade, here's a
little sneak peek at what's coming next.
462
:Lean in close.
463
:Next time we'll follow the changing
seasons into the world of ancient Greece.
464
:Our next adventure is called Persephone's
Journey, a Greek myth yoga story for kids.
465
:We'll travel beside Persephone as
she explores the mysteries of light
466
:and shadow, learn why the seasons
change, and move through gentle
467
:yoga poses inspired by her story.
468
:It's a tale of courage, balance,
and hope perfect for the moment when
469
:autumn begins to tip toward winter.
470
:So stay curious, keep your hearts
open, and get ready to stretch your
471
:imagination in a whole new way.
472
:And now, dear friends, the fires down
to soft, glowing embers and our mythical
473
:creature friends have slipped back into
the realms of legend where they belong.
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:Thank You for joining me tonight.
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:Your imagination and open heart are
what make these journeys come alive.
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:Remember, the world is full of
stories all with lessons to share.
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:You are now a keeper of those tales.
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:Maybe you'll tell one to a friend or
create a brand new legend with your
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:own guardian beast from our challenge.
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:From my heart to yours, I'm sending
you a big warm hug through the airways.
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:Have a very happy Halloween
filled with sweet treats, gentle
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:tricks, and plenty of wonder.
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:Until next time, this is Laura
from Faithfully Explore, saying
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:stay curious, stay kind, and
keep the faith and fun alive.
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:Faithfully Explore! Outro:
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:Faithfully Explore!
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:is about you.
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:Let's grow kinder together it's true!