Magic in Arabian Nights
Though the frame story of Arabian Nights is set in an old
but realistic world, it does not contain any magic. However, almost all of the
stories that Scheherazade tells and even the ones that her characters’
characters tell contain magic and destiny. They also contain a main character
that uses the magic for good or defeats someone who is trying to use magic for
evil purposes.
In her first couple of stories, Scheherazade shows a genie that
is angry and bitter from being trapped inside of a lamp for 400 years. He does
not think about things, he just kind of tells everyone near him that he will
kill them for being there. Eventually, his mind is changed and the magic
changes from a source of fear for the main character to a source of joy. This
change in the view of magic mirrors what Scheherazade hopes will be a change of
heart in her murderous husband.
In Aladdin, the source of magic is also coming from genies. These
genies seem to not care (or are perhaps forced not to care) how bad or harmful
a wish may be. Aladdin is not a special character or very admirable, but after
years of use of magic wishes, he learned the responsibility of the power that
comes with the genies. When he is effectively the sultan, the people love him
because he takes care of them and is generous. When the African wizard has the
genies, he kidnaps the princess and moves the palace, striking fear into the
hearts of the people.
Overall, the theme of magic in Arabian Nights is used to
reveal character. The person who is made to deal with magic reveals either that
they are smart enough to use it for good and avoid death or that they are
cowards and usually ends up dying. In the case of Aladdin, the magic actually
builds character as he grows up with it and in the end he brings justice to the
ones who misuse it. He kills not only the African wizard, but also his more
evil little brother.
The stories discussed can be found in the Arabian Nights Section.
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