Afreet

/ə.ˈfrit/ noun

Definition

A powerful demon or giant evil spirit in Arabian mythology; a fearsome supernatural being from Islamic folklore.

Etymology

From Arabic 'ifrit' (demon, giant), entered English through translations of tales like 'One Thousand and One Nights.' The creature is one of the recognized types of jinn in Islamic tradition, stronger and more malevolent than ordinary demons.

Kelly Says

The afreet fascinated Victorian translators of the Arabian Nights so much that it became the default 'big scary demon' in English fantasy literature, influencing how Westerners imagined all evil spirits for generations.

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