Khaled
What is Khaled about?
Khaled: A Tale of Arabia (1891) is F. Marion Crawford's romantic fantasy set in the pre-Islamic Arabian desert. A djinn named Khaled is granted human form and the chance to earn a soul by winning the genuine love of Zehowah, the beautiful daughter of the Sultan of Doha. But love that is commanded cannot be true love, and Khaled must find a way to win Zehowah's heart through his own worth. Crawford creates a vivid, exotic world of desert landscapes, tribal warfare, and supernatural elements, telling a story that is simultaneously a love story, a fairy tale, and a philosophical meditation on the nature of the soul.
Main themes in Khaled
Arabian Fantasy
The presence of arabian fantasy in Khaled connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Djinn
The presence of djinn in Khaled connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Quest for a Soul
The presence of quest for a soul in Khaled connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Desert Romance
Desert Romance emerges as a defining element in Khaled, shaping character development.
Why Khaled is still relevant today
Khaled is a beautiful and unusual work—a Victorian Arabian fantasy that combines romance with philosophical depth and exotic atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Khaled about?
A djinn granted human form must win a mortal woman's genuine love to earn a soul, set in pre-Islamic Arabia.
Is Khaled a fantasy novel?
Yes—a romantic fantasy blending Arabian supernatural elements with a philosophical love story.
Where can I read Khaled online?
You can read it free on TextStack.