Arabian Mythology

Arabian Mythology

late-antiquity
"Some say that Kaaba was built by the angels."

Religion in pre-Islamic Arabia was a mix of polytheism, Christianity, Judaism, and Iranian religions. Arab polytheism, the dominant form of religion in pre-Islamic Arabia, was based on veneration of deities and other rituals.

Famous Myths of Arabian Mythology

  • The myth of djinn

    The djinn are supernatural spirits in Arabian mythology that can be good or evil, they are often associated with fire and can take human form.

  • The myth of Al-Khidr

    Al-Khidr is a mysterious figure in Islamic mythology, also known as the "Green Man." He is believed to have knowledge of all things and is often associated with water and the afterlife.

  • The myth of Harut and Marut

    Harut and Marut were two angels in Islamic mythology who were sent to Earth to test the faith of the people. They were tempted by the devil and ultimately fell from grace.

  • The myth of Iblis

    Iblis is the Islamic equivalent of Satan. He was once an angel, but was cast out of heaven for his pride and refusal to bow to Adam.

  • The myth of the seven sleepers

    The seven sleepers is a story from Islamic tradition about seven young men who sought refuge in a cave to escape persecution. They fell asleep and awoke years later, to find that the world had changed.

  • The myth of Solomon

    Solomon is a prophet in Islamic and Jewish mythology, who is known for his wisdom and power. He is said to have had control over the djinn, birds, and the wind.


Arabian Mythology Legends

scheherazade

Scheherazade

A legendary queen and storyteller in Arabian Nights, known for her ability to captivate a king with her tales and thereby saving her own life.
aladdin

Aladdin

A poor young man who finds a magical lamp containing a genie in Arabian Nights, leading to adventures and riches.
jinniya

Jinniya

Female spirits or supernatural entities in Arabian mythology, often associated with beauty and allure.
ghoul

Ghoul

Malevolent spirits or demons in Arabian folklore, known for inhabiting graveyards and consuming human flesh.
al-khidr

Al-Khidr

A mysterious and immortal figure in Islamic tradition, often associated with wisdom and guidance.
djinn

Djinn

Supernatural beings made of smokeless fire in Arabian mythology, capable of granting wishes or causing harm.
simurgh-bird

Simurgh Bird

A benevolent mythical bird in Persian and Arabian mythology, often depicted as a wise and nurturing creature.
ifrit

Ifrit

Powerful and malevolent spirits in Arabian folklore, often depicted as rebellious and disobedient to God.
roc

Roc

A giant mythical bird of prey in Arabian mythology, said to be able to carry off elephants and other large animals.
bahamut

Bahamut

A giant fish or whale that supports the earth in Arabian mythology, sometimes depicted as a giant serpent.

Arabian Mythology Creatures

Sadhavar

Sadhavar

Healing, wisdom
The Shadhavar is a mythical creature in Arabian folklore, resembling a deer with golden fur and a single horn. It is believed to possess healing powers and is associated with wisdom and purity. Arabian-mythology
Ghoul

Ghoul

Shape-shifting, immortality, ability to cause madness
Ghouls are supernatural creatures that are said to live in cemeteries and graveyards. They have the ability to shape-shift and cause madness in humans. They can also be immortal. Arabian-Mythology
Ifrit

Ifrit

Supernatural powers, shape-shifting, control of fire
Ifrits are powerful jinn that have the ability to control fire and shape-shift. They are often depicted as powerful and fearsome creatures. Arabian-mythology
Hinn

Hinn

Invisibility, stealth
Hinn are malevolent spirits in Arabian folklore, believed to inhabit desolate places and ruins. They are known for their ability to turn invisible and for causing harm to travelers. Arabian-mythology
Jinn

Jinn

Supernatural powers, shape-shifting, invisibility
Jinn are supernatural creatures that are made of smokeless fire and have the ability to shape-shift and become invisible at will. Arabian-mythology
Djinniya

Djinniya

Magic, enchantment
Djinniya are female jinn in Arabian mythology, often depicted as beautiful and seductive beings. They possess magical abilities and are capable of casting enchantments on humans. Arabian-mythology
Marid

Marid

Supernatural powers, control of natural elements, shape-shifting
Marids are powerful jinn that have the ability to control natural elements like water and storms and can shape-shift. Arabian-mythology

Arabian Mythology Facts

Mythology in POP Culture
    • Ra - In Egyptian mythology, the god Ra is the god of the sun and the creator of the world.
    • Symbol of Virility - The goat, the symbol of virility that is sacrificed to the Hindu Goddess, is the symbol of the devil in the biblical worldview.
    • Northern Lights - The Sami believed the northern lights were a sign of their gods and goddesses dancing in the sky.
    • Nuwa - In Chinese mythology, Nuwa is the goddess who created mankind and is also considered as the mother of all Chinese people.
    • Dark drinker of the blood - 'described in Western literature as the "dark drinker of blood" and is associated with witchcraft.