Ludwig Fulda's 'Aladdin und die Wunderlampe' is a German retelling of the classic tale, written in 1906. It captures the magic of the original while adding its own distinct voice from the turn of the century.

The Story

We meet Aladdin, a kind but aimless young man in a Chinese city. A mysterious magician, claiming to be his uncle, tricks him into retrieving a magical oil lamp from a hidden cave. When Aladdin keeps the lamp for himself, he's trapped. Rubbing the lamp in despair, he unleashes a mighty genie bound to serve its holder. With the genie's power, Aladdin transforms his life: he builds a palace, wins the love of the Sultan's daughter, and becomes a prince. But the vengeful magician hasn't forgotten the lamp. He returns, and through trickery, steals both the lamp and Aladdin's new life. Stripped of everything, Aladdin must find his own courage and cleverness to win it all back—without magic to rely on.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't just a simple adventure. Fulda gives us an Aladdin who grows. At the start, he's passive, almost lazy. The magic does the work. But when it's taken away, the story becomes about the man, not the lamp. We see him develop real strength and ingenuity. I found myself rooting for him more when he was struggling than when he was just making wishes. The genie, too, is fascinating—an immensely powerful being who is also a prisoner. It makes you wonder who really holds the power in their relationship. The writing has a charming, rhythmic quality that feels like a storyteller is right there with you.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves fairy tales and is curious about their literary history. It's a great pick for readers who enjoy classic stories but want a version with more psychological depth than a simple bedtime story. If you like the works of the Brothers Grimm or Hans Christian Andersen, you'll appreciate Fulda's take. It's also a fantastic, accessible way to dip into German literature from this period. A short, sparkling read that reminds us that our greatest power often lies within, not in a lamp.