Arabian Nights

Disney Studios and countless publishers have rejuvenated the classic tales of The Arabian Nights, originally translated into English by Sir Richard Burton. Considered risque and quite shocking in the original translation, watered down children's versions are now today's retelling of these rich and fabulous tales. Based on ancient Chinese and Persian legends, Burton wove many of the stories into one book, 1001 Arabian Nights. The basic plot centers around Scheherazade, the vizier's daughter who agrees to marry the Sultan, who up until then has decided to marry a new wife each day and have her strangled at dawn. Scheherazade manages to captivate him with tales about Sinbad the Sailor, Ali Baba and the forty thieves, and Aladdin and his magic lamp. The tales are fraught with magic and mystique.

While knowledge of these stories is not essential for this area, they may aid you. The current tales brought to life here are Aladdin and the lamp and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Sinbad the Sailor is also within the game, and sometimes asks for help. Agrabah has a strong tradition in the magical arts, as well as thievery. The technology level is rather low.

Related Links

• The Arabian Nights, as translated by Richard Burton.
• The Arabian Nights, as presented by the Electronic Literature Foundation.
• The Arabian Nights Entertainments, selected and edited by Andrew Lang
• Baths and the Bathing Culture in the Middle East: The Mammam