Reading Notes: Arabian Nights, Part B

Magic Lamp

One day... I want to be 

as lucky 

as Aladdin. 

Aladdin the Arabian Nights’ Entertainment version vs Aladdin the Disney version:

Differences: I like that the story gives a background to Aladdin’s life. Until now, I had only seen the Disney version of the story, which does not include anything about Aladdin’s mother dying or the fact his father was a poor tailor, and that is why he was living on the streets. Disney portrayed Aladdin to be in his late teens, but this version makes me picture him as much younger. This story version makes Aladdin, who clearly has a strong passion and love for family, fall into the trap of serving a malicious and greedy magician, who pretends to be his uncle. Another difference is that the genie arose from the ring that Aladdin was wearing, not just the lamp like in the movie, and he came out of the ring after Aladdin had left the cave, not prior. When he falls in love with the princess in this version, he goes up against the son of the vizir when asking for her hand in marriage, whereas in the Disney version he simply shows up on an elephant with a giant parade. Lastly, the movie never shows anything about Aladdin’s married life, they make everything occur prior, and there was never an evil step brother to come and continue to cause chaos after the “magician” is dead.

 Similarities: there is a genie, there is a lamp, there is evil, and love wins

Quotes

"Fear nothing, but obey me. Beneath this stone lies a treasure which is to be yours, and no one else may touch it, so you must do exactly as I tell you."- the magician to Aladdin; Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp 1

“Have you not heard of Prince Aladdin's palace," was the reply, "the greatest wonder of the world?”- a reply to the magician asking about Aladdin’s new fortune which was accomplished via the lamp; Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp 4

“Aladdin went back to the princess, saying his head ached, and requesting that the holy Fatima should be fetched to lay her hands on it. But when the magician came near, Aladdin, seizing his dagger, pierced him to the heart.

"What have you done?" cried the princess. "You have killed the holy woman!"

"Not so," replied Aladdin, "but a wicked magician," and told her of how she had been deceived.

After this Aladdin and his wife lived in peace. He succeeded the Sultan when he died, and reigned for many years, leaving behind him a long line of kings.”- the final piece; Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp 6

Author's Bio

From the Arabian Nights’ Entertainment by Andrew Lang; read it here!