"Puff the Magic Dragon" is a beloved children's song that was released in 1963 by Peter, Paul, and Mary. It tells the story of a young boy named Jackie Paper and his adventures with a magical dragon named Puff. The song's popularity led to the creation of an animated film in 1978. The film "Puff the Magic Dragon" expands on the story told in the song. It follows Jackie Paper as he enters the magical land of Honalee and becomes friends with Puff. Together, they navigate through various enchanting landscapes and encounter a range of colorful characters.
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.
Together, they navigate through various enchanting landscapes and encounter a range of colorful characters. The main idea of the film is the power of imagination and the importance of friendship. Through his friendship with Puff, Jackie Paper learns to believe in himself and embrace his creativity.
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 film also explores themes of childhood innocence and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Visually, the film captures the whimsical spirit of the song with its vibrant animation and imaginative settings. The music, featuring the iconic song "Puff The Magic Dragon," adds to the enchanting atmosphere of the film. Overall, "Puff the Magic Dragon" is an endearing film that brings the beloved children's song to life. It teaches valuable lessons about imagination and friendship, making it a timeless tale for both children and adults..
Reviews for "Puff and Jackie: A Friendship for the Ages in 'Puff the Magic Dragon"
1. Michelle - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Puff the Magic Dragon" based on its charming title and the childhood memories it brought back. However, I was left disappointed after watching the film. The storyline felt disjointed and confusing, lacking a clear focus or direction. Additionally, the animation appeared outdated and lacked the vibrant colors and fluidity that I expected from a modern animated film. Overall, "Puff the Magic Dragon" failed to capture the magic and enchantment that its title suggested.
2. Jason - 1 star
"Puff the Magic Dragon" was an absolute letdown. The characters were poorly developed and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect or care about their journey. Furthermore, the dialogue was stilted and awkward, and the voice acting felt forced and unconvincing. The animation was subpar, with jerky movements and unappealing character designs. The whole film felt like a missed opportunity to bring a beloved childhood song to life in a captivating and memorable way. Save your time and skip "Puff the Magic Dragon".
3. Emily - 2 stars
As a fan of the original song, I was excited to see "Puff the Magic Dragon" transformed into an animated film. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat. The pacing was slow, and the plot lacked coherence. I expected the film to explore the themes of imagination and childhood adventures, but it seemed to lose its way and failed to deliver a compelling narrative. The animation style felt outdated, and the characters lacked the charm and appeal that made the song so beloved. Overall, "Puff the Magic Dragon" failed to capture the enchantment and magic that I had hoped for.