Haley Weger: Myth-Folklore

Aladdin was the son of a poor tailor, who worked hard, but did not make much money for his family. No mater how hard the tailor tried, he could not get his son Aladdin to learn any skills. He was an idle boy, and spent his days playing in the street with other idle boys like him. When his father died, his mother begged and weeped for Aladdin to learn some skill to support the family, but her cries did not work. Aladdin was stuck in his ways, and had no skills. One day, Aladdin was met by a strange man, claiming to be his uncle. This newfound uncle was a famous African magician, and claimed to be his late father's brother. Aladdin brought the great news of the new family member to his mother, who thought her late husband's brother was dead. Aladdin and his mother welcomed the uncle into their home, and he was so happy to be surrounded by family again. When the uncle learned that Aladdin had no skills, he offered to front him a shop and fill it with many different things for Alad...

This story is part of the  Arabian Nights unit . Story source:  The Arabian Nights' Entertainments  by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1898).  This story is the reason I was drawn to this unit in the first place, so I was really excited for reading B in this chapter.  Aladdin was the son of a poor tailor. Aladdin is described many times in the beginning of this story as "idle". Aladdin would do nothing all day except play in the street with his friends. Aladdin's father, the tailor, sadly died. Aladdins mother was deeply sad, and begged him to stop being so "idle" and essentially become like the new father figure of the family. Despite his mothers begging, Aladdin did not change his idle ways. One normal day, he was playing in the streets as he always does. A man stopped him and asked his age, and if he was the son of Mustapha (which he is). It turns out, this man was his uncle! Also, his new uncle was a famous African magician. He was so excited ...

The Sultan and the Fish: Story source: The Arabian Nights' Entertainments by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1898).  I chose a story from the Arabian Nights Unit. I have always loved Disney, so when I read the part about there being a rendition of Aladin, I was immediately drawn in.  The Sultan and the fisherman go on a fishing trip, in hopes that the Sultan can see some of the magnificent fish that the fisherman has been catching. The Sultan simply said to him, "Throw your nets and catch fish." The fisherman did as he was told, and was hoping for the best, considering there were tons of fish circling around the waters. There were four different kinds of fish swimming in the water- white, red, blue and yellow. The fisherman caught one of each kind, totaling four fish. The fisherman was shocked! He had never caught such different fish, and never such beautiful fish before. He knew he would get a lot of money for this bizarre catch.  The genius said these words:...