The Magic Faraway Tree is a beloved children's book series written by Enid Blyton. It tells the story of a magical tree that behaves like a portal to various enchanted lands. The series is known for its whimsical settings and imaginative characters. In the books, the Magic Faraway Tree is said to be the tallest tree in the world, reaching high into the clouds. It is home to a group of children who discover its magical properties and embark on adventures to different lands that appear at the top of the tree. Each land is unique and filled with fantastical creatures and unusual phenomena.
Wadi Rum
This magical ecosystem in the Jordanian desert features sweeping red sand dunes and towering sandstone arches.
Published January 17, 2016 • 4 min read Share Tweet EmailLocation: Jordan
Year Designated: 2011
Category: Natural/Cultural
Criteria: (iii)(v)(vii)
Reason for Designation: Jordan’s red-rock wilderness is an extraordinary patch of desert biome. Stone Age petroglyphs and a continuing nomadic presence offer a rare window into humanity’s earliest beginnings.
Wadi Rum (Valley of the Moon) lies in the far south of Jordan, set on a high plateau at the western edge of the Arabian desert. Gargantuan rock formations, rippled sand dunes, and clear night skies create an almost fairy-tale setting across an unpopulated area the size of New York City. This is truly the “reddest” part of Jordan, colored by iron oxide, and by far the most dramatic in terms of landscape.
Visiting Wadi Rum is a voyage through the geological evolution of Earth, and many of these topographical features are older than the Dead Sea Rift that forms the western border of Jordan. Massive mesas pop straight up from the sea of sand, the result of primordial tectonic movement that cleaved the bedrock with almost cubic perfection before raising it high above the desert floor. Blowing sand and winter floods smoothed the valleys and gorges, shaping the sandstone into natural towers and curving arches. Harder, older granite forms the substrate of Wadi Rum and is visible among the base strata of the higher mountains.
The village of Rum sits exactly one mile above sea level, and the surrounding protected area is home to Jordan’s highest point, Jabal Umm ad Dami (6,083 feet) and other popular climbs, like the monolithic ridge of Jabal Ramm (5,689 feet) and the pillared prominence of Jabal Qatar (5,271 feet).
Over 20,000 petroglyphs and 20,000 inscriptions have been documented inside Wadi Rum, tracing human existence back some 12,000 years in this spot. Even today, some nomadic Bedouin make their home here, along one of the migratory courses modern humans took out of Africa, providing a living portrait of our human origins.
The 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia introduced the beauty of Wadi Rum to the rest of the world, attracting a steady wave of tourists and a growing number of film crews. The 2015 film The Martian was filmed here, with Wadi Rum standing in as the red planet. The area is second only to Petra as the main attraction in Jordan. With less than three days of rain a year, Wadi Rum has become the ultimate Middle Eastern destination for hikers, climbers, campers, and nature lovers.
Each land is unique and filled with fantastical creatures and unusual phenomena. For example, one land may have talking animals, while another may have sweets and treats growing on trees. The children, along with their friends, including fairies and elves, encounter various challenges and solve problems to ensure a happy ending.
How to Get There
Wadi Rum is about a four-hour drive south of Amman on the Desert Highway, and one hour north of Aqaba. Buses travel from Amman, Aqaba, and Petra.
The Magic Faraway Tree creates a total environment that goes beyond mere physical surroundings. It represents a world of infinite possibilities, where imagination is limitless. It offers a sense of escapism and encourages readers to explore their own creativity. Through the series, Enid Blyton instills valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and the importance of kindness. The characters learn to work together, face their fears, and appreciate the beauty of the world around them. The appeal of the Magic Faraway Tree lies in its ability to transport readers to a magical world where anything can happen. It captures the essence of childhood wonder and allows readers to indulge in a sense of joy and adventure. Overall, the Magic Faraway Tree offers a total environment of magic, mystery, and excitement. It invites readers to believe in the impossible and embrace their imagination. Whether it’s through the books themselves or in the hearts and minds of those who read them, the Magic Faraway Tree continues to create a world of enchantment and exploration..
Reviews for "The Intricate Design and Detailing of The Magic Faraway Trees"
1. Mark - 2/5 - I couldn't understand what all the fuss was about with "The Magic Faraway Trees Total Environment". The plot seemed disjointed and confusing, with no clear direction. The characters were flat and uninteresting, and I found it difficult to connect with any of them. Additionally, the writing style was choppy and repetitive, which made it a struggle to get through. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - "The Magic Faraway Trees Total Environment" was one of the most tedious and uninspiring books I have ever read. The story lacked depth and failed to engage me in any way. The author's attempt at creating a magical world fell flat, as it felt forced and artificial. The dialogue was stilted and the characters were one-dimensional. I found myself counting down the pages until it was over. Save your time and skip this book.
3. Alex - 2/5 - I had high expectations for "The Magic Faraway Trees Total Environment" based on its reputation, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The writing style was overly simplistic, which made it difficult to feel fully immersed in the story. The plot was predictable and lacked any real excitement. I found myself skimming through pages, hoping for something to grab my attention, but it never happened. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others.
4. Emily - 2.5/5 - While "The Magic Faraway Trees Total Environment" had an interesting concept, I felt that it was poorly executed. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of dullness followed by rushed and confusing sequences. The characters were forgettable and lacked any real development. Additionally, the world-building was vague and left me with more questions than answers. I wanted to enjoy this book, but ultimately, it left me feeling unsatisfied and disappointed.