Arabian Nights and Storytelling Magic

Everyone knows the story of Aladdin, right? Well, put more accurately, most people in North America know the Disney version of Aladdin. And, to be fair, what a fun story it is! Who wouldn’t be delighted by Robin Williams’ enthusiasm and energy as a big blue cartoon genie?

But the magic and mystery of the story goes much further back than Disney’s 1990s cartoon version of the ancient tale. And it isn’t quite as they tell it in the Disney version…

The story is connected to a compilation of folktales from the Middle East and South Asia that were recorded as One Thousand and One Nights. Originally written in Arabic, the compilation of stories is introduced in the context of a Persian queen who is trying to avoid being executed by her husband, the king. She tells him fascinating tales night after night, leaving him always wanting to hear more, and therefore, avoiding her execution.

Wow! What a clever queen! Her ability to keep the king from executing her by telling stories really speaks to the universal power of storytelling.

Interestingly, as I discovered in my internet research, Aladdin was not actually one of the original stories contained in One Thousand and One Nights, but somehow the story made its way via travelers to the Middle East into the European editions. It has fascinated readers ever since!

And it is with this story that we will begin our Monday adventures into a world of castles, sorcerers, love and magic.

Much like the queen in One Thousand and One Nights, we will move through the story slowly, not to avoid execution (phew!), but to heighten anticipation and stop for our own adventures along the way. Plus, the kids will have to help Aladdin on his journey, as we will discover that he has many obstacles to overcome. If we’re lucky, we might find a bit of our own magic too.

Join me, Aladdin, a genie or two, and a sorcerer for Monday’s Arabian Nights Magic!

Here’s a sneak peek of our upcoming Monday schedule:

Jan 9 – Aladdin and his magic Lamp

Jan 16 – Field Trip : A Seabus Scavenger Hunt

Jan 23 – Genie Puppets : Everyone needs a genie!

Jan 30 – Wish collages : What would you wish for?

Feb 6 – Field Trip : Charleson Park Magic Mission

Feb 13 – Making Magic Potions