Djinn

/dʒɪn/ noun

Definition

In Islamic and Arabian mythology, a supernatural being made from fire that can shapeshift and interact with humans; often depicted as having magical powers.

Etymology

From Arabic 'jinn' (جن), derived from the Arabic root meaning 'to hide' or 'to be hidden.' The word entered English through contact with Arabic literature and culture, particularly through tales like Arabian Nights, and is sometimes spelled 'genie' in English.

Kelly Says

The djinn from Arabian mythology are surprisingly complex—they have free will, can be good or evil, and can even be Muslim, which makes them very different from the Hollywood genie-in-a-bottle, showing how drastically cultures can transform mythological concepts!

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