Rules of Magic
The jinni and magic objects have some peculiar effects, especially when used in ways they were not intended. When his magic is used for unselfish purposes, Jinni is often out of commission for days on end, although his recovery time does gradually shorten. The orb at first produces a tremendous headache and severe rash, but these too dwindle the more times Aminah uses it. In addition, the Jinni has a set of peculiar rules he must follow. It is implied that there are more rules for jinn, but these are the ones applicable to the book:
- The possessor of the lamp may make three wishes after each full moon. He or she may make those three wishes any time from the night of the full moon to the day of the next full moon, then the count begins again.
- A maximum of three people may possess the lamp per month. Each time someone new gains the lamp, they may have all three wishes.
- Jinnis cannot affect the world in general. They can affect specific events, things, and people past, present, and future.
- The possessor of the lamp may not wish for more wishes, wish to never lose the lamp, or make wishes on behalf of the jinni.
- A jinni may transport a homogeneous group of people or things with a single wish. A jinni may not transport a mixed group of objects, but he may transport the contents of a container along with the container
- This is why, in order to transport both Hassan and the magic pots, Hassan had to be inside of a pot.
Read more about this topic: Wishing Moon
Famous quotes containing the words rules of, rules and/or magic:
“There are ... two minimum conditions necessary and sufficient for the existence of a legal system. On the one hand those rules of behavior which are valid according to the system’s ultimate criteria of validity must be generally obeyed, and on the other hand, its rules of recognition specifying the criteria of legal validity and its rules of change and adjudication must be effectively accepted as common public standards of official behavior by its officials.”
—H.L.A. (Herbert Lionel Adolphus)
“Learn hence for ancient rules a just esteem;
To copy Nature is to copy them.”
—Alexander Pope (1688–1744)
“Magic is akin to science in that it always has a definite aim intimately associated with human instincts, needs, and pursuits. The magic art is directed towards the attainment of practical aims. Like other arts and crafts, it is also governed by a theory, by a system of principles which dictate the manner in which the act has to be performed in order to be effective.”
—Bronislaw Malinowski (1984–1942)