Ifrit

Ifrit

An **Ifrit** is a powerful type of demon found in the folklore of the Eastern Desert. The Ifrits are often associated with the underworld and hellfire, and identified with the spirits of the dead. They appear as antagonists in numerous songs and stories, earning them the title of 'Desert Demons' or 'Desert Devils'.

## Origin and Habitat

The origin of the Ifrit can be traced back to the Eastern Desert, where they feature prominently in local Hashian folklore. According to the legends, Ifrits are said to inhabit desolate areas such as ruins and ancient temples. However, despite their association with the lands above, their true home lies deep within the flames of the underworld. Ifrits are known for their volatile and destructive behavior, often disturbing the tranquility of the barren places they choose to dwell in.

## Physical Appearance

The depiction of Ifrits across different tales varies, but they commonly exhibit grotesque deformities. They are often portrayed with claw-like or thorny hands, flaming eyes, or multiple heads. Some believe that Ifrits do not have any physical form, and merely mimic the appearances of humans and animals when they manifest in the surface world. Thus, each Ifrit takes a different monstrous form that appears vaguely human but imperfect.

## Possession and Abilities

In some stories, Ifrits have the ability to possess humans. Humans possessed by Ifrits exhibit enhanced strength and bravery. However, the possession comes at a terrible cost, driving the victims towards madness. Despite the adverse effects, tales of individuals seeking the power of Ifrits are abundant, demonstrating the strange allure these demons possess.

According to other stories, Ifrits can be coerced into performing certain tasks through the use of magical artifacts, such as enchanted rings. One such task could include heavy lifting, a feat displaying their considerable strength and their servitude under magical control. Other tasks might include cursing or killing the enemies of the sorcerer who bound the Ifrit to their will. Most of these stories end with the Ifrit breaking free, and murdering their former master.

## **Folklore and Tales**

In one tale called "The Porter and the Young Girls", a prince is attacked by pirates and takes refuge with a woodcutter. The prince finds an underground chamber in the forest leading to a beautiful woman who has been kidnapped by an Ifrit. The prince sleeps with the woman and both are attacked by the jealous Ifrit, who changes the prince into an ape. Later a princess restores the prince and fights a pitched battle with the ifrit, who changes shape into various animals, fruit, and fire until being reduced to cinders.

In "The Fisherman and the Ifrit" an ifrit, locked in a jar, is released but later tricked by the fisherman again into the jar. Under the condition that the ifrit aids him to achieve riches, he releases the ifrit again.

## Scholarly Opinions

Despite the abundance of folklore and tales about Ifrits, the scholars of Landalus largely reject their existence. They argue that Ifrits are the forgotten gods and goddesses of tribes conquered by the Hashians. The concept of Ifrits as demons from the underworld, they argue, is a byproduct of human fear and imagination, devoid of any factual basis. In spite of scholarly skepticism, the Ifrits continue to be prominent antagonists in songs and stories.

## Trivia

* As a little boy, Jubair Al-Sayeed had frequent nightmares about Ghouls, Ifrits, and the Si'lat. His aunt, Zahra Al-Qamar, let him sleep in her room on those nights, promising to always protect him.

## References

1. ↑ https://fiction.live/stories/The-Last-Light-of-the-Silver-Moon/jFiTrs9gNMZBZstTn/Chapter-1-Heavy-Lies-the-Crown/X7SpvQESgfx5CEnWD