Fragrance: Woodsy Floral Inspiration: Tale of Layla & Majnun Region: Persia Description: Layla, a sophisticated floral with Bulgarian rose, orange flower blossom and jasmine absolute. Sandalwood and vetiver notes blend with just a touch of spice.

The story of Layla (pronounced Lay-lah) and Majnun is one of the most popular legends of the Middle East. It's original version dates back to the 7th century. Nezami, a Persian poet, wrote the most well known version in the 12th century. Folk versions of this classic love story have been told from North Africa to India.

The Tale:

The young lovers become acquainted at maktab (traditional school) and fall desperately in love. Majnun is so besotted with love for Layla that he cannot conceal his emotions. He begins to write poetry describing his love for her, and recites his poems to every passer-by. Knowing his sons depth of feeling, Majnun's father tries to ask for Layla's hand on his son's behalf, but Layla's father refuses, as he believes that Majnun is a madman who is ruining his daughters reputation by declaring his love for her to whomever will listen. Majnun's father then takes him on a pilgrimage to help him forget Layla, but his madness and deisre for her only intensifies.

In the meantime, Layla is unable to leave her home, as Majnun's poetry has made her the subject of gossip. Layla's father is intent on keeping them apart, as he does not approve of the union. He promises Layla to an older man who has come to ask for her hand, although he must wait a few years until she has grown.

When news of this reaches Majnun, he becomes even more desperate. He leaves everything and heads for the wilderness to live alone. Nawfal, a prince and friend of Majnun, tries to console him and give him advice, but Majnun does not hear. Nawfal is so disheartened by his friends troubles that he himself goes to Layla's father and demands that he allow them to wed. Layla's father still refuses, and says that he would rather kill her himself than give her to Majnun.

Time passes, and Layla's father marries her off to the older man she has been promised to. He takes Layla to his own home. Majnun is devastated when he hears the news and vows never to return home to his family. Majnun's father dies of a broken heart, as Majnun was his only son. Majnun is torn apart by the news of his father's death and heads back to the wilderness to live among the wild animals.

Layla's husband knows she does not love him. An old man from their village helps Layla and Majnun to meet, although they cannot come closer than 10 paces. Majnun recites poetry to Layla, and at dawn they part ways. After the death of Layla's husband, she openly mourns her love for Majnun. She dies shortly thereafter. Upon hearing of Layla's death, Majnun becomes mad with grief. He dies as well and is buried near his beloved Layla.

"Commit yourself to love's sanctuary and at once find freedom from your ego. Fly in love as an arrow towards its target. Love loosens the knots of being, love is liberation from the vortex of egoism. In love, every cup of sorrow which bites into the soul gives it new life. Many a draft bitter as poison has become in love delicious...however agonizing the experience, if it is for love, it is well."-Nizami