The Secret of Magic Carpets

King Solomon owned a magic carpet, according to a story in the Jewish Encyclopedia, and "When Solomon sat upon the carpet he was caught up by the wind, and sailed through the air so quickly that he breakfasted at Damascus and supped in Media. The wind followed Solomon's commands, and ensured the carpet would go to the proper destination." But it wasn't a magic carpet, explains Professor Solomon, it was Solomon's magic ring that enabled him to control the winds and thereby make the carpet fly at his command.