Demon of the Week 006

Ifrit is the name of a class of supernatural creatures from Arabic and Islamic folklore. They are considered a class of Jinn (or Djinn, or Genies) most recognized for their great strength and cunning. An ifrit is composed of fire, winged, and enormous. There are both male and female ifrits, and they always live underground—frequently in ruins or abandoned caves. They live in a tribal society, complete with kings and clans, and generally marry one another (though it's possible for them to marry humans, too).

Arghan Div Brings the Chest of Armor to Hamza, unknown artist (1562-1577).

Mortal weapons and forces have no power to harm an ifrit, but they are susceptible to the influence of magic, which humans can utilize to injure and kill—or capture and enslave—them. Though it's tempting to place the ifrits in a category of "bad" or "evil"—and they are generally depicted as such; wicked and ruthless—there are those among them who are capable of good.

From True Blood to Final Fantasy, "Ifrit" makes many appearances throughout popular culture. This week we'll forgo the list, but feel free to share your thoughts and favorites below.