Once upon a time, a Persian Sultan embarked on a hunting trip. He returned unexpectedly, to find one of his wives in bed with another man. Enraged, he beheaded them on the spot and made for the estate of his brother, who was away at the time. While staying in a guestroom, he heard music coming from the gardens. Exploring, he was shocked to find his brother's wife among a small group of nude people dancing in the moonlight, indulging their desires.

Stunned and enraged, he the Sultan vowed to take revenge on all women. Every night he would take a new virgin wife, only to behead her the following morning, so as not to allow her the opportunity to cheat.

In the sultan's madness, the kingdom became a hostile place for young women. Sick with worry, the Sultan’s vizier urged his daughters Scheherazade and Dunyazad, to leave. Scheherazade refuses – and instead insists on becoming the sultan's next bride in order to save all future young women from this fate.

On Scheherazade's wedding night, as a last wish, she begged for Dunyazad’s company who joined them and requested one last story from Scheherazade. With the sultan's approval, Scheherazade started her story. So captivating and mesmerising was her storytelling, The sultan allowed her to live one extra night to finish it.

The following night she finished the first story – and began another one. She did this night after night, continuing her tales for a thousand and one nights. 

In that time the sultan slowly began to fall for her beauty, charm and intelligence. He saw the error of his ways and the injustices he'd wrought. On night 1001, he professed his love for Scheherazade, vowing to end the bloodlust and senseless killings,and peace was restored.

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