This book contains the following stories:
The original tale of "Aladdin" is a part of the collection of Middle Eastern folk tales known as "One Thousand and One Nights" or "Arabian Nights." It was first introduced to the Western world through a French translation by Antoine Galland in the early 18th century. The tale of Aladdin tells of an impoverished young lad in a Chinese town, persuaded by the evil sorcerer Maghreb to retrieve a magic lamp containing a genie. The story follows the escapades of Aladdin and Maghreb as they fight to own the lamp and the magic it contains. Here is a summary of the plot based on the original tale:
Plot Summary:
Act 1: Aladdin's Humble Beginnings Aladdin is a poor young boy who lives in the city of Agrabah. He survives by stealing and doing odd jobs. One day, he meets a sorcerer (not named Jafar in the original tale) who claims to be his long-lost uncle and offers him an opportunity to find wealth and riches.
Act 2: The Magic Lamp and the Genie The sorcerer takes Aladdin outside the city to a hidden cave and instructs him to retrieve an old oil lamp. However, he warns Aladdin not to touch anything else in the cave. Curious, Aladdin rubs the lamp and accidentally releases a powerful genie who can grant him three wishes.
Act 3: Aladdin's Wishes Aladdin uses his first wish to be transported back home, and he uses his second wish to become a wealthy prince. With the help of the genie, he transforms into a grand prince and arrives at the palace in Agrabah. There, he meets Princess Badroulbadour (not Jasmine) and falls in love with her.
Act 4: The Sorcerer's Deception The sorcerer returns to Agrabah, disguised as a merchant, and recognizes Aladdin. He tricks Aladdin's mother into believing that Aladdin is dead, and convinces her that he can help find her son.
Act 5: The Final Confrontation The sorcerer finds Aladdin and tricks him into giving him the magic lamp. However, Aladdin refuses to hand over the lamp before the sorcerer pulls him out of the cave, leaving Aladdin trapped inside.
Act 6: Aladdin's Rescue and Victory Aladdin uses the genie to escape from the cave and devises a plan to defeat the sorcerer. With the help of the genie, he exposes the sorcerer's deceit and regains the lamp.
Act 7: Happy Ending With the magic lamp back in his possession, Aladdin uses his third wish to set the genie free. The genie, grateful for his freedom, grants Aladdin and Princess Badroulbadour a life of happiness and prosperity. They live happily ever after.
The original tale of "Aladdin" is a captivating story of rags to riches, magical adventures, and the power of true love. It has inspired countless adaptations and remains a beloved part of world folklore and literature.
Sleeping Beauty
After a curse is placed upon her as a baby, a princess pricks her finger on a spinning wheel and falls into a deep sleep on her sixteenth birthday. One hundred years later, a handsome prince rides past the forgotten palace. He must undo the curse and finally awaken the princess.
