Arabian Nights
The Jinn
- Example of syncretism (fusion of two differing belief systems)
- Jinn originated (as with the type of fairy called Peri) in Indian and Persian mythology. Legend dictates that the jinn were created from fire, predating Adam by 2000 years. A jinni could assume any form it liked, and could make itself invisible. By cunning a man could manipulate a jinni for his own purposes. They are fabled to dwell in the mountains of Kaf which encompass the earth. Their kingdom is also known as Djinnestan. The evil jinn are hideously ugly, but the good are incredibly beautiful.
- Islam subdivides spiritual beings into angels malaikah (made from light), demons shayatin and jinn (made from fire).
- Koran - e.g. sura 34 verse 11:- "And unto Solomon did we subject the wind, which travelled in the morning a month's journey, and a month's journey in the evening. And we made a fountain of molten brass for him. And of the Djinn were some who worked in his presence, by the will of his Lord; and such of them as swerved from our bidding will we cause to taste the torment of the flame."
- Muhammad appears to have considered Eblis (or Satan) to have been of the jinn - sura 18 verse 48:- "When we said to the angels, 'Prostrate yourselves before Adam,' they all prostrated them save Eblis, who was of the Djinn, and revolted from his Lord's behest."