Black Horse

Jamil and Jamila

In short: Jamila finds an iron mortar in the woods. As night falls, it turns into an ogre.

Jamil and Jamila · An iron mortar comes alive at night FAIRY TALE ATLAS · № 268 Jamil and Jamila Jamila finds an iron mortar in the woods. Origin Tripoli · Arabic storytelling tradition Atlas record 1898 First appearance Exact date unknown SIGNATURE MOTIF An iron mortar comes alive at night Reach¹ 2/10 Suggested age² 8+ Member rating No votes yet 2 records · 2 countries or regions blackhorsestories.com

¹ Based on the number of Atlas countries, capped at 10. ² Editorial suggestion for reading this page. Discover Black Horse’s question

Origin and tradition

Tripoli · Arabic storytelling tradition

In the English edition, Jamila tries to tie the mortar into her bundle of firewood while her companions are eager to head home. She stays behind with her find. At the last light the mortar becomes an ogre and carries her to a distant castle. An awkward household object turns into the character who sends the journey in a new direction.

Dated records and sources

  1. 1898 · Tripoli · Arabic storytelling tradition
    Hans Stumme · Die Geschichte von Dschemil und Dschemila · Märchen und Gedichte aus der Stadt Tripolis · Published collection
  2. 1900 · London, United Kingdom
    Andrew Lang (ed.) · The Grey Fairy Book · first edition 1900, digitised reprint 1905 · Public retelling

Country pages

Fairy Tale Glossary

Origin
Black Horse. Jamil and Jamila. https://blackhorsestories.com/en/atlas-tale-jamil-jamila/