Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

              I have watched the Disney version of Aladdin, but this was the first time that I have read “Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp” by Andrew Lang. This certainly was different from the Disney version, and what not quite what I expected. Overall my impressions were that was interesting and had some fascinating magical elements. However, I was surprised with how many people were murdered considering that Mr. Lang translated this story from Galland with the intention of it being for children. It was interesting how there were two genies with varying power, and that the ring genie was limited in his magical abilities. I was happily surprised that once Aladdin had two genies at his disposal he didn’t ask for more riches right away because it shows that not everyone is always focused on wealth. Also I was a little disappointed that Aladdin fell in love with the Princess after just looking at her because she was so beautiful. I had hoped that at least Aladdin would have talked to her so his love for her wasn’t purely because she was pretty and was due to her personality, but alas that is not the case. Then I guess Aladdin’s intentions were pure when he started to use the genies more because he did it out of his love for the Princess. However, it was really weird and creepy for Aladdin to have to have the genie bring the Princess and her new husband in their bed to his room and he would sleep next to her. I don’t get how the princess could go from being frightened from her experiences with Aladdin to being happy to marry him to quickly. Also I was surprised that Aladdin’s “gift” for the Princess’ hand in marriage, the slaves carrying basins of gold, made it safely to the Sultan when they were marching through the streets because it would have been easy for people to mug the slaves and steal the gold. I think that Aladdin did get very carried away and made some crazy requests from the genies, which brings into question if you have power should you always use it. I thought that the part when the evil magician wanted to get back at Aladdin was kind of weird. I don’t understand why the evil magician couldn’t have just left with the lamp and never return because he would get the lamp, which was all that he wanted in the beginning. I was also surprised that when the Sultan ordered for Aladdin to be executed that so many people liked him enough to ensure that he was protected. In the beginning of the story when he was poor there was no mention that he was popular and well liked and then all of the sudden when he becomes wealthy he also becomes popular and everyone likes him. When Aladdin goes to rescue the Princess from Africa, I was very surprised that it was the Princess that tricked the magician and killed him because women are usually portrayed as more helpless in the more well known fairy tales. I also thought that the scene when younger brother of the evil magician kills a holy woman was very dark and not suitable for a children’s story. I am glad that the story ended happily with Aladdin and the Princess living happily ever after some of the darker aspects of the story.