Djinn

Existing in Arab folklore prior to the Islamic era and subsequently mentioned in the Quran (Koran) as well, the djinn (often romanized as "jinn" or anglicized as "genie") is a generally malevolent being. The term "genie" actually includes a number of supernatural entities, among which the cruel "ghūl" ("ghoul") stand out. These particular spirits typically haunt cemeteries and, according to French demonologist Collin de Plancy (1793-1887), enjoy "making pregnant women abort, sucking the blood of the young, devouring corpses, [...] causing misfortune". The "ʿafārīt" aren't far behind - these deceitful demons are wont to attack wayfarers and caravans, typically with deadly ambushes.

Genies exhibit different habits and behavior depending on which "category" they belong to - ranging from djinn skilled at possessing human beings to those permanently linked to a given locale - although all genies share certain common traits, such as elusiveness and the ability to alter their appearance. This Tag will be assigned to films featuring one or more djinn/genies, whose current depiction has been heavily influenced by Western films, particularly after the first successful adaptations of the seminal "One Thousand and One Nights" (aka "Arabian Nights").

In contrast to fantasy films that tend to depict genies as friendly and benevolent creatures, the horror realm generally allows djinn to reclaim their traditional malevolence. In such cases, we're facing nefarious human-like beings with sardonic expressions, adorned with sparkling jewels, dangling earrings, and pierced eyebrows. And what about the ability to grant wishes? Films generally depict that, too, considering this trait dates back to the classic literary work "One Thousand and One Nights". Besides, in horror films, genies love playing fast and loose with how they grant wishes...

By extension, this Tag will also include gnomes, goblins, trolls, sylphs, leprechauns, and similar characters typical of European folklore who share traits that overlap those of the djinn.