Arabian Nights

Welcome to One Thousand and One Nights. In this episode: A merchant sits condemned - three days to live, a demon's bargain, and no hope in sight. Then a stranger arrives leading a gazelle, and makes an offer that will decide whether a man lives or dies. The First Shaykh's Story - where a tale told well is worth a third of a man's life."

Every night a new story, every story a new world. Step inside the magic, mystery, and timeless wisdom of One Thousand and One Nights — where kings and demons, merchants and magicians weave tales within tales. Performed episode by episode from Richard F. Burton's landmark 1885 translation. Produced by Duse Productions.

Welcome to One Thousand and One Nights. In this episode: A merchant rests on a journey, tosses aside a date stone — and seals his fate. A genie rises from the earth, son dead at his feet, and demands a life for a life. Innocence is no defense when the supernatural seeks justice.

In this episode, we hear  The Tale of the Ox and the Ass , a story from  One Thousand and One Nights . A wealthy merchant who secretly understands the language of animals overhears a conversation between an overworked ox and a comfortable donkey. When the donkey offers clever advice on how the ox might avoid hard labor, the plan works—but not in the way either of them expects. This tale explores w...

In this episode, we begin with the opening tale from  The Thousand and One Nights :  The Story of King Shahrayar and Shahrazad . Two royal brothers, shaken by betrayal and disillusionment, set out on a journey that changes the course of their kingdoms. What they witness along the way deepens their mistrust of the world and leads King Shahrayar to make a terrible vow—one that threatens the lives of...