The Djinn of the Sahara Well

folktale · Tunisia · African

A Tunisian desert folktale about a lone traveler crossing the Sahara who discovers a hidden well. As he drinks from its cool water, a voice emerges from the darkness—a djinn, keeper of the well, bound to the place since ancient times. The traveler, driven by greed, demands riches. The djinn three tests: first, carry water from the well without spilling a single drop to a distant stone; snip second, sit by the well and hear what is not spoken; snip third, leave without looking back no matter what he hears. The traveler fails each test because of impatience, lack of awareness, and greed. The dji

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