Questions tagged [arabic]
For questions about the mythology of cultures in the Middle East, such as Persia.
10
questions
3
votes
0
answers
40
views
The Quranic Quintet
There are a number of pre-Islamic deities mentioned in the Quran. Five particular deities are often grouped together (maybe always, I'm not sure): Wadd, Suwa', Yaghuth, Ya'uq and Nasr. Save for Wadd, ...
- 922
2
votes
3
answers
334
views
Are there any non-European versions of "Elves" in Indian/Persian/Arabic/Chinese/Meso-American folklore/fairy tales?
Basically the traits should be long life, good looks, pointy features, thin, magically adept and closer to divinity.
I think, Yaksha of Hindu Mythology
could potentially be one candidate but he seems ...
- 21
1
vote
0
answers
109
views
Pre-Islamic Arabic dust worship?
The Talmud in Bava Metzia 86b says on the story of Abraham and the three angels (emphasis mine):
"The Gemara continues its analysis of the verse: “Let now a little water be fetched and wash your ...
- 922
5
votes
1
answer
167
views
Anat and Ištar (west Semitic deity), did these deities derive from the same Semitic deity?
Apparently, Astarte/Athtart/Ashtart the Phoenician/Carthaginian goddess was a variation of (or that she simply derived from the same religious figure) the Babylonian Ishtar (who was herself a fusion ...
- 51
8
votes
1
answer
358
views
Who is the female figure in the Nirgul tablet?
The Nirgul tablet (also known as Cerberus relief) was a Parthian relief carving of the Mesopotamian god Nergal, a three-headed dog and a seated female figure:
According to Wikipedia, which cites ...
- 16.7k
4
votes
0
answers
84
views
Where did the idea of the 'City in Bottle' Originate?
Where did the well known trope of a 'City in a Bottle', as associated with middle eastern mythology, originate?
It is referenced in modern culture (see the City in a Bottle Magic the Gathering Card, ...
- 141
4
votes
1
answer
975
views
Djinn and devils/demons question
I know that ancient Arabians had a mythology about evil creatures made of dust and fire called djinn, now my question is this: how were they different from Demons and devils?
- 283
2
votes
1
answer
92
views
1001 Nights - Movie faithful to the outer story?
I have heard of the story of 1001 Nights, and I know there have been tons of films made based on the stories in it. However, I am having difficulty finding a film that actually uses as a framework ...
- 31
10
votes
2
answers
954
views
Have any cultures of N, NW or E Europe used symbols for warding off the "evil eye" that are related to ones used around the Mediterranean?
Painted figures on the prows of boats and amulets for warding off the "evil eye", sometimes themselves called "evil eyes", are used around the Mediterranean and connected seas (North Africa, the ...
- 474
24
votes
5
answers
4k
views
How were djinn traditionally depicted in pre-Islamic Arabic myth?
Today, many people are aware of "genies" as beings from Arabic myth, mostly thanks to Disney's Aladdin. Other works of fantasy have often co-opted djinn as creatures in their worlds.
But Disney's ...
- 2,936