Question: Two Questions about the Cave of Wonders: 1) The Cave states that only Aladdin can enter, but Abu enters the cave as well. That suggests that Aladdin is just the only human welcomed into the cave while the rule does not apply to animals. Why doesn't Jafar send Iago into the cave to retrieve the lamp for him? 2) The Cave also warns Aladdin not to touch any treasure besides the lamp, because if he does the cave will erupt and collapse on him. The cave is also where Aladdin and Abu meet the Magic Carpet. Clearly, they touch the carpet. Why doesn't the cave erupt and collapse when Aladdin and Abu touch the carpet?
John Ohman
25th Apr 2016
Aladdin (1992)
Answer: First, I bet Jafar didn't enter the Cave of Wonders because he knew it was too risky, and only those who dared to enter would. Second, when they touched the carpet, the cave didn't explode because I think they'd have to touch it with their hands. But they only stepped on it.
Chosen answer: The cave has some level of sentience. It is aware of who is entering the cave, and decides whether to allow them to enter. It is able to tell that Abu is with Aladdin. It seems to keep a watchful eye on the person in the cave, and when it says "touch nothing" what it means is "don't try to take anything. It seems it was fine with them interacting with the carpet, and only had an issue when Abu was attempting to actually take something.