The Tale of Hassan of Basra

Hassan, a talented goldsmith from Basra, was tricked by a Persian magus named Bahram, who promised to teach him the secret of alchemy. Bahram lured Hassan to a remote mountain and used a magical camel skin to have the boy carried to the summit by vultures. Abandoned there after gathering the magus's ingredients, Hassan survived by throwing himself into the sea and washing ashore near a palace belonging to seven jinni sisters. They adopted him as their brother, but while they were away, Hassan discovered a forbidden garden where he saw bird-maidens bathing in a pool. He fell in love with their leader, a princess from the distant islands of Wak-Wak, and stole her feather garment to prevent her flight. They married and had two sons, but years later, while Hassan was visiting his sisters, the princess found her hidden feathers and flew back to her kingdom with their children. Devastated, Hassan embarked on a perilous years-long journey, crossing the Seven Seas and the Land of Beasts. With the help of the seven sisters and an ancient sage, he reached the mysterious islands of Wak-Wak, outwitted the Queen, and eventually rescued his wife and children, returning safely to Basra with his family.

“Love is a journey across seven seas, and devotion is the wind that fills the sails.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Tale of Hassan of Basra?

The moral is that persistence, courage, and deep devotion can help a person overcome even the most supernatural and daunting obstacles. It emphasizes that family is worth any journey, no matter how long or dangerous.

What are the islands of Wak-Wak?

The islands of Wak-Wak are a legendary land in medieval Arabic folklore, often described as being populated by women or magical beings. In the story, they represent an unreachable, exotic destination at the edge of the world.

How did the magus trick Hassan?

Bahram the Magician drugged Hassan and sewed him into a camel skin. Vultures, thinking it was carrion, flew him to the top of a high mountain to collect magical ingredients for the magus's alchemy.

Who are the seven sisters in the story?

The seven sisters are powerful jinni princesses who live in a magnificent palace. They take pity on Hassan, treat him as a brother, and later provide him with the magical items and guidance needed to reach his family.

How did Hassan's wife escape?

Hassan had hidden his wife's feather garment under the floorboards of their home. While Hassan was away visiting his sisters, she discovered the feathers, put them on, and immediately regained her ability to fly back to her homeland.

Is Hassan of Basra part of the original Arabian Nights?

Yes, it is one of the longest and most complex tales found in the classic 'One Thousand and One Nights.' It shares many themes with other bird-maiden myths found across various global cultures.