Middle Eastern Mythological Creatures
This iconic Middle Eastern creature features in many media variations, from movies to music videos. They are spirits with immense power, created from fire, and can occasionally be friendly to humans— what are they called?
- Famous from the various storytellers around the Middle East and with lore stretching back centuries, Djinn are one of the most well-known creatures of the area.
Originally found in Persian legend, what is this Sphinx-like creature that has a body made up of several types of animals, including a lion?
- Later found in many medieval artistry depictions, the manticore was also used as a royal emblem for Persian officials.
What is the name for this entity that turns from a human into a huge, bipedal animal?
- Like the iconic werewolf, the werehyena is untamable and ruthless once turned, feeding on human blood like a vampire.
This is a huge bird-like creature that was known in legends for hunting fully grown elephants with its massive talons and powerful wings. What is it called?
- Also known as the Roc, this incredible avian features in geographical and natural history lore of many Arab nations.
What is the name of this demonic creature that feeds on human flesh and uses burial grounds or graveyards to find its prey?
- Their name comes from the Arabic "ras al-gul" or demon star.
What is this cunning demon called, often found dwelling in a desert cave or dark, underground pit, and might take the form of another creature to lure you in?
- With regional spelling variations that include "afreet", "afrit", and "efreet", these beings are associated with the dead and the spirits of the underworld.
What is the name of this creature from "One Thousand and One Nights", depicted as a large serpent of Arabian legend?
- This entity lives in the seventh hell and is only prevented from swallowing the world whole by the power of other deities.
These fairy-like folk are often compared to the fae of European origins and are common throughout the Middle East, including countries like Tajikistan and Afghanistan. What are they called?
- Many Parīs are described as female and having beautiful wings, living on the periphery of human society.
What is the name of this storm demon from Iranian lore that can appear as a three-headed snake?
- This being also has six eyes and likes to steal cattle from fields around Iran.
This spirit appears as the ghost of a woman or girl after suffering a particularly violent death, including betrayal, suicide, or those who died while pregnant. What are these entities called?
- They are also believed to rise from the grave and lure in unsuspecting young men to slay for revenge.
