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
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

Background

Al-Zalam was a mighty genie until a run-in with Zarok left him locked inside Daniel's skull. He likes to remind people of his halcyon days often. For this reason, he harbours an enormous grudge against Zarok, which he has in common with Dan. Ultimately this shared purpose can turn their uneasy alliance into something of a friendship.

MediEvil: Resurrection

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

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

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.

Gallery

• Artwork Al-Zalam.png

  Al-Zalam artwork in credits.

• MResAlZalam1.png
• MResAlZalam2.png
• MResAlZalam3.png
• MResAlZalam4.png
• MediResAlZalam7.png
• MediResAlZalam8.png
• MediResAlZalam9.png

Trivia

Etymology

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

Miscellaneous

• He and his kind are allergic to cats, at least according to dialogue.
• He was there when Daniel was killed and saw how cowardly he was in life.
• 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.
• Reception to Al-Zalam's character was mixed from critics and overwhelmingly negative from fans of the series. .
• He was heard in the teaser trailer for the MediEvil remaster, along with a gargoyle, Death and the witches.
  • While he doesn't appear physically, a stained glass window of him is seen in the Hilltop Mausoleum.