Hand of Midas (Disney's Aladdin)
The Hand of Midas is an artifact that features in Disney's Aladdin universe.
Contents |
History
The Hand of Midas was a mysterious and legendary artifact with uncertain origins. In the mortal world, it was noted for its ability to turn anything it touched into gold and thus became a prize for any treasure seeker or thief. At some unknown point, it was placed within the Vanishing Isle which was a great marble fortress that was built on the back of a gigantic undersea turtle. This great beast periodically dived into the bottom of the ocean which allowed the Hand to remain hidden from the world. Its legend persisted for many years and the street thief Cassim learnt of its existence. Living a poor life, he intended to find fortune to feed his family and his young son Aladdin which necessitated him leaving them in order to search for the Hand of Midas. In time, he became known as the King of Thieves where he led a villainous band known as the Forty Thieves. After many years of searching, King Cassim finally decided to seek the relic by consulting an oracle of Agrabah and intended to kidnap the seer to question the person on the wherebaouts of the artifact. This led to him encountering his grown son Aladdin who attempted to learn more about his father and joined the Forty Thieves though he attempted to convince Cassim to abandon the live of a thief to join him in Agrabah. Though initially agreeing, in reality he became fixated with acquiring it and his relationship with his son led to discontentment amongst the Forty Thieves. Eventually, Cassim and Aladdin get captured by Sa'luk who forces them to use the oracle to direct the group from Mount Seasame to the Vanishing Isle where the Hand resided. Together with his son, Cassim managed to acquire the Hand of Midas but at that point the giant sea turtle began to submerge. Sa'luk by this point had held Aladdin hostage and wanted the relic in exchange for the boy's life. This led to Cassim throwing the Hand of Midas to the thief only for direct contact being made with Sa'luk who was turned into a gold statue. Recounciling with his son, Cassim managed to flee the sinking isle where he throws the relic onto the boat of the Forty Thieves which was turned into gold and sunk to the bottom of the ocean. A result of the encounter led to Cassim abandoning his quest for the treasure as he discovered the true treasure was him meeting his son once more.
Overview
In appearance, the Hand resembled a large golden hand which through simple touch was able to turn anything into gold. This power was capable of affecting not only inanimate objects but even living beings making direct contact with the artifact dangerous as it was equably able to turn organic beings into golden statues. The solid gold left hand also had a wooden handle that allowed individuals to use it without touching the actual hand section.
Notes
- It was seemingly based on the famous myth of King Midas and his Golden Touch.
Appearance
- Aladdin and the King of Thieves: (1996)
External Links
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