Aladdin

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He's behind you

Victoria Disraeli cartoon

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Aladdin is a folk tale of Middle Eastern origin, most famously told in the One Thousand and One Nights, also known as the Arabian Nights. The story of Aladdin is one of the best-known tales, though it was actually added to the collection by French translator Antoine Galland, who heard it from a Syrian storyteller. It has become a significant part of global culture, inspiring numerous adaptations in literature, theater, film, television, and other media.

Plot

The tale of Aladdin is set in a Chinese city, where a young, impoverished man named Aladdin is recruited by a sorcerer from the Maghreb, who passes himself off as the brother of Aladdin's late father and convinces Aladdin and his mother of his goodwill by pretending to set Aladdin up as a wealthy merchant. The sorcerer's real motive is to persuade young Aladdin to retrieve a wonderful oil lamp from a booby-trapped magic cave. After the sorcerer attempts to double-cross him, Aladdin finds himself trapped in the cave. Fortunately, Aladdin retains a magic ring lent to him by the sorcerer. When he rubs his hands in despair, he inadvertently rubs the ring and a genie appears who takes him home to his mother. Aladdin is instructed to use the genie of the lamp to build up a magnificent palace and becomes a wealthy and powerful man who marries Princess Badroulbadour, the Sultan's daughter.

Themes and Analysis

The story of Aladdin is rich in themes and motifs common in fairy tales, but it also reflects specific cultural and social norms of the time. Themes of poverty, wealth, power, and desire run throughout the tale, as do the notions of fate and destiny. Aladdin's journey from poverty to power is a classic rags-to-riches story, but it also touches on the responsibilities that come with such power and the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those who suddenly find themselves in positions of influence.

Adaptations

Aladdin has been adapted into various forms over the years. The most well-known adaptations include the animated films produced by Walt Disney, which significantly reimagined the story and characters, making Aladdin a staple of Western pop culture. The Disney adaptation introduced new characters and storylines that were not present in the original tales, such as the character of Jasmine, Aladdin's love interest, and the villain Jafar. The story has also been adapted into various plays, musicals, and even video games.

Cultural Impact

The tale of Aladdin has had a significant impact on global culture, serving as a source of inspiration for countless works of fiction and art. It has also sparked discussions about cultural appropriation and the Westernization of non-Western stories. Despite these controversies, Aladdin remains a beloved story in many parts of the world, cherished for its timeless themes and enchanting narrative.

See Also

• One Thousand and One Nights
• Genie
• Folklore
• Walt Disney Feature Animation