I'd apologize, but an Aladdin reference was necessary for this post on Arabian Nights. But now, on with the show! Arabian niiiiiiights, like Arabian daaaaaays. . .
1. Scheherazade- First off, I'd just like to say that if my life depended on telling entertaining stories, I might live for like a week max--probably only a day or two. There are only so many tales you can tell about dragons and lightsabers and knights and horned penguins, you know? In any case, you've gotta love a heroine in a tale who is clever, courageous, and educated. . . Oh, yeah, and beautiful, though that's placed almost as an afterthought. Love it! Though I definitely would not recommend that women place themselves in mortal danger willingly on a daily basis; don't do it, women of the world. But do tell me a charming story, Scheherazade!
2. The Merchant and the Genie- What's the point of a sabre if it's not a lightsaber? Goodness. Regardless, this was an interesting story. Firstly, I love that the merchant actually kept his word--it is not a cowardly man who can voluntarily go forth and greet his death. Secondly, I find the type of man who can sit and watch a man die at the hands of an evil genie for curiosity's sake sick and intriguing and totally realistic (that would probably be me, too. . .). At least they're trying to help the guy, I guess. Though this story is totally too complicated for me to ever come up with, haha.
3. The First Old Man and the Hind- I am flashing back to Io, possibly my favorite mournful person-turned-cow. Low away, oh pitiable, innocent, transformed humans! Perhaps you shall be saved! Unless you are a wicked witch, then a pitiable hind you shall remain.
4. The Second Old Man, and Two Black Dogs- (Side note: When I first saw the image of the sequins on this page, I thought they were cookies--granted, I was at the time eating similar-looking square cookies, but this is still so sad, haha.) Everyone in these stories is so nice and fair. . . Well, for the most part. But seriously, this is a great departure from the innocent victims and shameless adultery found throughout Ovid's Metamorphoses. Like, woahhhhh. Also, I think it would be fun to be a dog for a while; not ten years a while, but maybe like a few days or weeks. I could definitely think of worse punishments, that's for sure. And so many happy endings! What?!5. The Fisherman- Yay, another genie! And this one comes with a pot! We are getting closer and closer to the rubbing of a lamp here. . . But props to the fisherman for being an actual genius!
6. The Greek King and the Physician Douban- Stories within stories within stories, changing perspectives, a variety of characters--Scheherazade definitely deserves all the accolades she receives in the opening of these tales. I couldn't pull something like this off if I tried. Granted, I also wouldn't get myself into a situation like this, but let's not split hairs.
7. The Parrot and the Ogress- Poor parrot! Killed for telling the apparent truth because of a vindictive wife! And so the story goes, time and time again. . . Though not often with parrots. Also, does the vizir in this story within a story remind anyone else of Jafar? No? Just me? 'K. But as for the ogress story, I don't think I have ever heard a tale about a beautiful ogress--aren't they supposed to be hideous and all? (Except for maybe Fiona?) And what was with her suddenly just letting her prey go? And why is the vizir so evil just because he couldn't keep up with a youthful and rash prince? So many questions about this one. . . It makes sense that it was told by an evil and avaricious vizir, haha.
8. The Physician's Revenge- Again with people wanting to witness another person's beheading, tsk tsk! It's like the Colosseum up in here! Though if I heard that a dead man's head could talk, I would totally be present; and while I wouldn't personally do it, I kinda agree with the king that that would be a good reason to kill a person even if he was innocent. Well, maybe not a good reason, but and intriguing one, for sure.
9. The Sultan and the Fish- I really want to go fishing now; perhaps I can catch some fascinating fish. Or nothing. Yeah, probably nothing. Maybe a tire or some seaweed. Or a suitcase--that's happened before. . .10, The Young King of the Black Isles- A happy ending for you, and for you, and, yes, for youi too! It's like Oprah up in here, haha. But again, I really love the clever characters and simple yet somehow simultaneously complicated plots. And everybody is just so friendly! Happily ever afters for everyone!!!
Until you read again, CIAO!
Image Information. Camel ride in the Thar desert; photo by Flicka, 2005. Wikipedia.
Man and his dogs; photo by James Jin, 2005. Flickr.
Types of Koi; photo by Stan Shebs, 2001. Wikipedia.
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