I’m John, a writer, author, and narrative designer with 15+ years of experience. This is where I house a handful of (very) informal writings. For a portfolio, please contact me directly: john@bardinelli.com
The Origin of the Genie in the Lamp

Most people in the West today associate genies with lamps and wishes and certain quirky magical powers. This is largely thanks to a few pieces of popular media, including I Dream of Jeannie and Disney’s version of Aladdin with that unforgettable blue genie who steals the show. Genies are actually supernatural creatures with an incredible […]
How Genies are Made

Genies are more than wish-granting lamp dwellers or mystical floating spirits. How genies are made is a story steeped in ancient legend with many variations emerging over time. The first tales about djinn are as much as 6,000 years old, so you can imagine that discovering just how genies are made is a difficult task. […]
Origin of the Story of a Genie in a Bottle Granting 3 Wishes
Significance of the Genie in the Lamp

Genies are usually paired with lamps in the western world. The genie/lamp significance is tied directly to these tales, creating unique symbolism surrounding these spirits from the ancient Middle East. What’s the deeper significance of the genie in the lamp story, though? Were these tales told just for entertainment, or was there a deeper meaning […]