Myths and Legends Episode 426: "1001 Nights: Djinning Up Some Trouble"

Hosts: Jason & Carissa Weiser
Release Date: January 14, 2026

Overview

In this richly entertaining episode, Jason and Carissa revisit the tapestry of "1001 Nights" folktales, diving into the lesser-told yet wildly imaginative story of Prince Kamar and Princess Budur—a tale featuring obstinate royal children, romantic misadventures, supernatural djinn, mistaken identities, and, of course, some questionable medieval parenting. With Jason’s signature blend of humor and affection for the source material, the episode explores the intertwining of love and hate, the boundless possibilities for imprisonment in medieval legends, and the chaotic outcomes when wish-granting djinn meddle in mortal affairs.

Content Warning: Contains discussion of attempted sexual assault, brief violence, and adult situations (see [00:00] and podcast website for details).

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Sultan's Quest for an Heir & Overprotective Parenting ([01:10]–[07:30])

• The Sultan, perplexed by his lack of an heir despite his multiple wives and concubines, relies on prayer and public charity—a strategy Jason ribs for its self-serving twist.
• When a son is finally born (Kamar), the Sultan becomes obsessively devoted, never leaving the boy's side for 15 years—a dynamic Jason describes as "deeply weird."
  • Quote: "He did literally the exact opposite. He never left his son's side, ever... On a more realistic, honest level it is deeply weird." (Jason, [05:59])

Kamar: Misogynist Poetry & Reluctance to Marry ([07:30]–[14:00])

• Kamar balks at marrying, spouting misogynistic poetry and voicing distrust of women based on what he’s read—much to his father’s and the vizier’s exasperation.

  • Quote: "'O my father, know that I have no lust to marry...' for that concerning their craft and perfidy.'" (Kamar, [09:36])
  • Jason notes, “Where was this coming from? Then? He swore it was when he let the boy cruise those forums when he wasn’t looking.” ([11:01])

• The Sultan attempts gentle persuasion, then public shaming, both of which backfire when Kamar proudly broadcasts his views before the entire court and populace:

  • Memorable moment: Kamar calls his father "small of wit" and unfit to "govern a flock of sheep," doubling down on his disrespect ([15:50]).

• Result: Kamar is imprisoned—though the "dungeon" is a palatial tower with leather couches, silk mattresses, and ostrich down pillows—amounting to "the nicest dungeon ever" ([18:35]).

Princess Budur & Gendered Parallels ([23:00]–[32:00])

• Across the world, Princess Budur mirrors Kamar’s opposition to marriage, though hers is born of autonomy and ambition, not misogyny.

• Her father, also an indulgent monarch, responds by locking her in a tower “for her own safety,” hoping she’ll soften.

  • Insight: Jason comments on the story’s subtle paralleling of male and female resistance to forced marriage, questioning whether the narrative is drawing direct comparisons or just exploring royal family melodrama.

• Quote: “Not sure if the story is trying to draw parallels between Kamar’s virulent misogyny and the princess’s desire to be the sole independent ruler...” (Jason, [29:30])

Djinn Interlude: Genies, Ifrits, and a Supernatural Beauty Contest ([19:45]–[37:10])

• Mamuna, a powerful genie princess, encounters Kamar in his cell, is frozen by his beauty, and flies off—eventually encountering her rival, the ifrit Dahnash.

• The two argue over the beauty of their respective mortal favorites—Kamar and Budur—which leads to them bringing both together and orchestrating a magical comparison:

  • Quote: “The Djinn were at loggerheads. Which was why they needed an impartial third party.” (Jason, [35:38])

• The pair's sleep is magically manipulated; Kamar falls instantly in love upon seeing Budur, taking her ring, while Budur, upon waking later, reciprocates by kissing him and taking his ring in return ([37:40]–[44:40]).

  • The standoff remains; the djinn cannot decide who is "more beautiful," so the story continues.

The Madness of Love: Consequences and Escalation ([48:00]–[56:00])

• When Kamar wakes and demands his missing beloved from his jailors, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic and violent (attacking eunuchs and viziers).
• The Sultan, initially skeptical, is convinced of his son’s sanity when Kamar produces the mysterious ring from Budur.
  • Quote: "[Kamar] produced the ring, the one that he had taken from her hand. A signet ring, but a ring that no one in the room recognized." (Jason, [53:50])
• Both Kamar and Budur descend into lovesick despair, with Budur even murdering her governess in a fit of madness.

"Cure Her to Marry Her or Die"—A Medieval Romantic Challenge ([57:30]–[65:20])

• Budur’s father, at his wit’s end, offers her hand and the kingdom to anyone who can cure her “madness,” with a side penalty of execution for failure.

• Enter Marzawan, Budur’s loyal foster brother, who sets out to find her lost love. His journey, along with Kamar’s, is fraught with disguises, narrow escapes (including faked deaths and missed boats), and slapstick violence.

• Kamar and Marzawan ingeniously fake Kamar’s death to escape parental control and, using subterfuge, impersonate an astrologer to gain access to Budur.

  • Memorable Moment: The extended poetry exchange, the passing of the ring, and Budur’s dramatic breaking of her chains to reunite with Kamar ([63:54]).

Reunion, Pranks, and Role Reversals ([70:00]–[91:00])

• The couple’s happiness is marred when Kamar is lured away by the theft of a mysterious jewel—a wild bird chase leads him to Wizard City, where he finds himself stranded for a year doing menial labor, only to become rich by luck and inheritance (and mortally late for the next boat home).

• Meanwhile, Budur, disguised as a man (“Kamar”), is installed as king of the Ebony Islands—and is so convincing that another princess falls for her.

  • Quote (on Budur’s beauty): "All who looked on her be pissed their bag trousers for the excess of her beauty and loveliness." (Jason, [81:23])

• The convoluted plot reunites Kamar and Budur only after layers of deception, cross-dressing, and an uncomfortable prank in which Budur, still in disguise, taunts Kamar before finally revealing herself ([93:20]).

The (Questionable) Happy Ending and Reflections ([94:00]–[103:00])

• Kamar, now chastened and no longer misogynistic, is welcomed back, marries both Budur and the second princess, Hyatt. The conclusion is undercut by the eventual tragic fate of their sons—undermining the supposed happy resolution.

  • Quote: “Next week we’re back in Norse Legends, where we’ll learn that if your stepmom is a secret giant hiding out on Midgar to stay away from Thor’s hammer, it might be a good idea to be nice to her.” (Jason, [104:24])

• Jason questions the characters’ growth and whether they might have been happier staying lost and independent, noting how the story’s cycle of suffering, consequence, and reunion echoes the neverending structure of "1001 Nights" itself.

  • Quote: “Basically, it’s possible they might have been happier just leaving things as they were with Budur as the king and Kamar as a gardener…” (Jason, [101:20])

Creature of the Week: Ebu Gogogo ([104:40]–[109:00])

• The Ebu Gogogo of Indonesia—small, hairy humanoids with long arms, dog-like teeth, and a penchant for thievery and child kidnapping, who can be “killed with kindness,” literally (the villagers gift them flammable palm fiber, then burn them out).
  • Quote: “So there you have it. The lesson here, I think is either don’t start stealing or don’t stop because you probably shouldn’t accept kind gifts from the people whose houses you’ve been robbing.” (Jason, [108:50])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kamar’s Reluctance:
  "Actually, Father, I will not marry even though I drink the cup of death." ([10:56])

• On Parenting:
  "He would go caress his son’s face for hours like he did every night... Good. The vizier smiled. Wait, what? For real?" ([12:42])

• On Djinn Debates:
  "Gauging the physical attractiveness of popular kids. What is this? A college website from the mid-2000s?" ([32:50])

• On Medieval Prisons:
  "I’ve never actually stayed in a hotel that’s as nice as this dungeon..." ([18:40])

• On Love-at-First-Sight Magic:
  "He settled for slipping a ring off her finger and putting it in his pocket. Not to rob her maybe, but because he sensed something was awry here..." ([40:56])

• Resolution Reflection:
  “Kamar sent a message to his father that, hey, I’m alive and married and also not a raging misogynist anymore, just like you always wanted.” ([97:30])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:00] Content warning and episode intro
• [01:10–07:30] Sultan’s obsession with an heir; birth and childhood of Kamar
• [07:30–18:40] Kamar’s refusal to marry, misogynistic beliefs, and comedic public shaming/imprisonment
• [19:45–37:10] Djinn debates, supernatural interventions, Kamar and Budur encounter
• [48:00–56:00] Love-induced madness; palace violence; the problem of the lost beloved
• [57:30–65:20] Marzawan’s quest, Kamar fakes his death; disguises and reunions
• [63:54] Romantic poetry exchange and reunion (chains broken)
• [70:00–91:00] Separation, role reversals, King of Ebony Islands, Budur as ruler
• [93:20–97:30] Prank/prank reveal and final reconciliation
• [104:40–109:00] Creature of the Week: Ebu Gogogo

Tone and Style

Jason’s narration is wry, whip-smart, and distinctly modern—even as he reverently mines the eccentric details of medieval folklore. He doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the absurdities of the tales but finds space for genuine reflection on the human truths beneath these ancient narratives.

This episode is a wild ride—a deft retelling that’s equal parts insightful, funny, and deeply weird, true to the spirit of "1001 Nights" itself. Even if you think you know Aladdin and his kin, you’ve never heard them quite like this.