Theme: Genies

The genie is a magical creature in fantasy and children’s fiction. It is a being that usually appears out of a magical lamp after it is rubbed and will grant the summoner three Wishes. Often these wishes are not always what the summoner desires, can have unintended consequences or the wording can be misinterpreted.

Genies are most often found in tales of Arabian Nights, in particular the story of Aladdin. There have also been a number of comedies and Light Fantasy Films about genies appearing in the modern world.

Beneath the Westernised concept of the genie lies the djinn taken from Islamic Mythology. This too is a magic being and is referred to in the Qu’ran/Koran. In conception, the djinn is neither good nor evil. In genre cinema however, the djinn is frequently a malevolent or demonic spirit at far remove from the Westernised genie.