Scheherazade, Sharzad, Scharzade... the variations are diverse, but they all refer to the
same literary figure. She's a character with whom I would (evidently) love to identify
because she was the woman who told stories to save lives--and who succeeded.
So, what is the story? Who is Scheherazade and what is the 1001 nights? Well, I'll provide you with the basics (when I get around to it). After that, you'll have to go to the printed sources I mention.
But, in the interim, here's a brief summary and history, courtesy of Compton's online encyclopedia!
I don't know how much kitsch and how much sumptuous evocation there was in the recent mini-series version that aired of the Arabian Nights. I kicked myself for having missed it (one of the liabilities of not having a guide to television listings within easy reach of the televsion). Prior to that, the only film version I had seen was the Pasolini one, which cuts out the Scheherazade level of the narrative completely--disappointing, to say the least, considering that she is my inspiration in a way. But, if any of you out there saw it and happen to stumble upon this page, let me know whether the mini-series was any good!
Other links of relevance and whimsy:
A list of the various translations kicking about. I generally agree with the assessments: the Haddawy translation is the best around. Last I checked, though, he had only translated part of the whole text, though it is theorised (note to self: look up the name of the theorist) that the portion that Haddawy did translate has a kind of unifying totality that the rest of the tales lack. The Burton translation is a bit of a slog.
This seems to be an account of a portion of the story from various perspectives--someone has gone to a lot of trouble and thinking to set it up, I think! Click on the images of Scheherazade and Shahrayar in order to see their perspectives on things. Then, click on the arabic at the top in order to access the tale. Ultimately, I think it will be told from each perspective, but for now, it is just Scheherazade's which is on the site.
The Electronic Literature Foundation's site.
A wonderful repository of images, which I have to thank for the Dulac featured above!
Another site that I've only just started exploring--it seems somewhat relevant, to say the least: www.scheherazade.net. I haven't explored in much detail, but it appears to be a site that features the artwork, stories and poetry of various folk, as well as another summary of the tale and the first of the stories that Scheherazade doth recount.
It had to come sometime, so I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Scheherazade: A Major New Musical. Perhaps based on the Rimsky-Korsakov suite?
Someone has constructed a site that appears to me more oriented around Xena and Hercules than Scheherazade, but since I'm a fan of the Warrior Princess and the site is called Scheherazade's domain, I thought I should mention it. It also quotes from Rennaissance, an art-folk-rock-experimental group from the seventies, who did a Scheherazade suite of mixed singing and instrumentation.
Again, this is one of those things that I studied and wrote papers on in the dim and distant past. It fascinates me as a motif, and it inspired a novel of my own (never fear--it has not been inflicted on the public as yet)... Tales from the Night and Day .
I'll try and get the source list up soonish so that you can check that out until I get around to writing more details about the story...
A link to the whole story...Also known as the 1001 Arabian Nights .
...since May 23, 1999
