Al-Zalam

PLEASE NOTE: The subject of this article originates from MediEvil: Resurrection, which is considered apocryphal, i.e. to be outside of the accepted canon. See GP:CANON for more information.

Al-Zalam
Biographical information
AKA	Glorious Genie of the Sultan Prince Razeem the Ribald Al The Voice from the Socket
Gender	Male
Family	Unnamed sister Unnamed wife
Behind the scenes information
Appears in	MediEvil: Resurrection

Al-Zalam (الظلام) was a powerful genie who was trapped inside the skull of Sir Daniel Fortesque by the evil sorcerer Zarok.

History

12th century

Al-Zalam was a mighty genie until a run-in with Zarok left him locked inside Daniel's skull. He was there when Sir Dan was killed and saw how cowardly he was in the final moments of his life. Al liked to remind people of his halcyon days often. For this reason, he harboured an enormous grudge against Zarok, which he had in common with Dan. Ultimately this shared purpose turned their uneasy alliance into something of a friendship.

13th century

During the events of 1386, Al-Zalam acted as a guide for Dan, dropping hints about the places that they visited, or providing Sir Dan with additional strategies. At first, these hints were simply anecdotal, funny or just plain strange; but as their adventure progressed, Al proved himself a useful sage and companion to Dan.

After Zarok's defeat, Al-Zalam was finally free to leave Dan's skull. Before parting ways with Dan, Al saved him from the collapsing Zarok's Lair and took him back to the crypt.

Gameplay

MediEvil: Resurrection

Al-Zalam is the game's hint system, along with the Information Gargoyles and books.

MediEvil (2019 remake)

While he doesn't appear physically, a stained glass window of him is seen in the Hilltop Mausoleum.  

Behind the scenes

Development

Al-Zalam was originally created as a character for the 2003 MediEvil 3 Fate's Arrow concept pitch, where he would have helped Dan block the magic of the evil sorceress Kiyante. His role in MediEvil: Resurrection as a sidekick is based on Morten the Earthworm from the original MediEvil.

Etymology

• "Al-Zalam" is Arabic in origin, and translates to 'The Dark' or 'The Darkness'.

Reception

Reception to Al-Zalam's character was mixed from critics and overwhelmingly negative from fans of the series. .

Gallery

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Trivia

• He and his kind are allergic to cats, at least according to dialogue.
• He lost his sister at a carnival due to using her in a wager, though this may be a joke made by him.
  • He also had a (supposedly) very ugly first wife.
• He was heard in the teaser trailer for the MediEvil remake, along with a gargoyle, Death and the witches.