Ifrit

Region: Africa
Location:North Africa, the Sahara, Arabian Peninsula (Islamic and pre-Islamic lore)


The Ifrit is one of the most powerful and fearsome categories of jinn in Islamic folklore. Described as beings of smokeless fire, Ifrit are immense, strong, and highly intelligent, dwelling in deserts, ruins, and underground places. They often appear as towering, flame-wreathed figures or as shadows with burning eyes. But like all jinn, they are shape-shifters capable of taking human or animal forms. Ifrit are not inherently evil, but they are known for their rebelliousness, pride, and independence — qualities that make them formidable adversaries or unpredictable allies.
  In Islamic texts and stories, Ifrit often appear as beings who resist humans or test their limits. Some act as guardians of treasure, sacred places, or ancient secrets. Others seek vengeance for wrongdoing or punish arrogance. They possess immense magical ability — flight, invisibility, illusion, and manipulation of fire. While exorcists and religious scholars can negotiate with lesser jinn, facing an Ifrit requires extraordinary spiritual strength. Their name is sometimes used as a warning: a place haunted by an Ifrit should be avoided.
  Culturally, Ifrit represent the dangers of hubris, temptation, and greed. Many North African and Middle Eastern tales warn travelers not to disturb abandoned wells, sand-buried ruins, or lonely desert crossroads for fear of awakening an Ifrit. In urban folklore, Ifrit sometimes appear as nighttime terrors or figures who punish immoral behavior. Their wide geographic presence and deep mythology make them one of the most enduring supernatural archetypes of the Islamic world.

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Koina
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kaixabu
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