Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves

1704 Middle East

Story

Long ago in Persia, there lived two brothers: the wealthy Cassim and the poor woodcutter Ali Baba. One day, while gathering wood in the forest, Ali Baba hid in a tree as forty fierce thieves rode past.

The thieves stopped at a rocky cliff. Their leader called out, "Open Sesame!" and a hidden door swung open! The thieves disappeared inside with their treasure. After they left, Ali Baba climbed down and spoke the magic words himself.

Inside the cave, Ali Baba found mountains of gold, silver, and precious gems—the thieves' stolen treasure! He carefully took just a few bags of gold coins, enough to help his family without being greedy, and hurried home to his wife.

When his wealthy brother Cassim learned the secret, he rushed to the cave. But Cassim was so excited by the treasure that he forgot the magic words! "Open Barley! Open Wheat!" he cried, but the door stayed shut. The thieves returned and caught him inside.

Now the thieves knew someone else had found their cave. They searched the city for the person who knew their secret. One thief found Ali Baba's house and marked the door with chalk.

But Ali Baba's clever servant girl, Morgiana, saw the mark. Quick as a flash, she marked every door on the street the same way! The thieves couldn't tell which house was Ali Baba's.

The thief leader tried again. He disguised himself as an oil merchant and came to Ali Baba's house with forty jars—thirty-nine hiding his men and one actually holding oil. Morgiana discovered the trick! She was not afraid. Using her cleverness and courage, she defeated all the thieves and saved her master's life.

Ali Baba, grateful beyond words, freed Morgiana and welcomed her as a daughter. The cave's treasure was used to help the poor, and Ali Baba lived happily ever after, always remembering that quick wits and a brave heart are worth more than gold.

History and Meaning

"Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" is one of the most famous stories from "One Thousand and One Nights" (Arabian Nights). Like Aladdin, it was added to the collection by French translator Antoine Galland in the early 1700s.

The magic password "Open Sesame" has become one of the most recognizable phrases in world literature. Sesame seeds were a valuable crop in the Middle East, and the way sesame pods burst open when ripe may have inspired the magic words.

The story celebrates cleverness over brute strength. The true hero is Morgiana, the servant girl, whose quick thinking saves Ali Baba multiple times. Her bravery shows that wisdom and courage are not limited by social position.

The tale also teaches about the dangers of greed. Ali Baba takes only what he needs, while his brother Cassim is consumed by greed and meets a bad end. This contrast emphasizes that moderation and contentment lead to happiness.