Persian Folk Creatures & Regional Entities

Overview

The lands of Persia are rich with diverse mythical creatures, each rooted in the folk traditions of specific regions. These beings range from protective spirits to malevolent entities, from shapeshifters to guardians of natural places. This bestiary documents creatures preserved in the oral traditions of Iran's provinces.

Notable Regional Creatures

Widespread Entities

Al (آل) / Al-Aarvadi (ال آروادی)

A dangerous female spirit found across multiple regions. Known as Al, Aleybani, Al-Baasti, or by many regional variants. This entity targets newborn children and their mothers, particularly in the vulnerable forty-day period after childbirth. She can shapeshift and is said to steal the livers of newborns. Protection requires amulets, prayers, and vigilance.

Div (دیو)

Powerful demonic entities that embody chaos and destruction. While major divs appear in ancient texts, regional folklore preserves countless lesser divs tied to specific locations—mountain divs, desert divs, and water divs. They possess immense strength and often appear in challenges against heroes.

Ouj/Owj (اوج)

Also Known As: Ouj ben Unaq, Ouj ben Og
A giant figure from ancient times, son of the devil according to some traditions. His height is legendary—some say his head reaches the clouds. Present in folklore across Azerbaijan, Gilan, and other northern regions. Associated with pre-Islamic mythology and mentioned in various religious traditions.

Khedr/Khizr (خضر / خدر)

Persian Names: Khedr, Khidr-e-Zendeh (Living Khizr), Khezr
A mysterious immortal prophet who appears to those lost or in need. Dressed in green, he offers guidance and aid to travelers, particularly those wandering in wilderness or spiritual confusion. Associated with water, hidden knowledge, and divine mercy. Appears across Persian, Islamic, and folk traditions.

Northern Regions (Gilan, Mazandaran, Golestan)

Ash & Fatemeh (اَش و فاطمه)

A folk tale pair representing the relationship between a woman and a bear/monster. The story explores themes of beauty, transformation, and the boundaries between human and beast. Appears in multiple northern provinces with variations.

Darre Khatun (دَرّه خاتُن)

A valley or mountain spirit, often female, associated with specific gorges and passes. She can be protective or dangerous depending on how travelers treat her domain.

Kal Musa (کل موسی)

Location: Mazandaran
Also Known As: Musa with the Basket
A mysterious figure carrying a basket, encountered in forests and rural areas. His appearance often presages important events or serves as a test of character.

Pire Kija (پیر کیجا)

Location: Mazandaran
An old entity associated with forests and wilderness areas. The name suggests an ancient guardian or spirit of the woods.

Northwestern Regions (Azerbaijan, Ardabil, Zanjan)

Oujubunugh (اوجوبونوق)

Variants: Ooji Buniq, Ouja Buyun
Regions: Ardabil, Azerbaijan, Gilan
A monstrous entity of significant size and power, spoken of in Turkic-influenced regions. Details vary by locality but consistently described as a formidable creature.

Galama Gozan (قلمه گوزان)

Also Known As: Qarama Gozan, Ghanbara Gozan
A creature from Azerbaijani folklore, possibly associated with darkness or night. The name suggests something that "places" or "sets" things—perhaps a bringer of nightmares or dreams.

Babeh Ghor-Ghori (بابه غُرغُری)

Variants: Baba Ghur-Ghur, Ghor-Ghor-Momo
A creature that makes growling or rumbling sounds, used to frighten misbehaving children. The name is onomatopoetic, suggesting its threatening vocalizations.

Western Regions (Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Ilam, Lorestan)

Shahmaran (شاهماران)

Also Known As: Queen of Serpents, Dada Marun
A being with the upper body of a beautiful woman and the lower body of a serpent. In Kurdish and related traditions, she represents wisdom, healing knowledge, and the mysteries of serpent lore. Her story involves capture, betrayal, and the transmission of secret knowledge.

Kawera Bari (کاوره بری)

Variants: Kafara we Kol, Daye Parcham
A spirit or entity associated with flags, banners, or standards. May represent a guardian of warriors or a supernatural presence on battlefields.

Gajhe Howeileh (گَژه‌ِهویله)

An entity from Kermanshah and surrounding areas, the name suggests something crooked or bent. Nature and specific attributes vary by local tradition.

Central Regions (Isfahan, Tehran, Qom, Markazi)

Musa-ku-Taghi (موسی‌کو‌تقی)

Also Known As: Taghi-ku-Naghi
A folk creature whose name combines two common Persian names, suggesting a dual or confused nature. Used in children's tales and warnings.

Dig-be-Sar (دیگ‌به‌سر)

Variants: Qazan-bash (pot-head), Sar Qazquni
A being with a cooking pot for a head. Appears in various regions with slightly different attributes. Represents transformations caused by greed, curiosity, or curses.

Ghalandar (قلندر)

Regions: Central and southern Iran
A wandering dervish figure who may be human, spirit, or something between. Associated with mysticism, poverty, and spiritual knowledge. Can appear as helper or trickster.

Southern Regions (Fars, Bushehr, Hormozgan, Khuzestan)

Abd al-May (عبدالمای)

Also Known As: Abid al-May, Abd al-Bahr, Bab Lowi
Translation: "Servant of the Water"
A water entity dwelling in seas, rivers, and wells. Can be helpful or harmful. Appears to drowning people—some he saves, others he drags deeper. Associated with coastal and riverine regions.

Busalame (بوسلامه)

A creature from southern coastal regions. The name and attributes suggest connection to the sea or maritime traditions.

Siher (سیحر)

A supernatural being from Hormozgan and related Gulf regions. The name may connect to concepts of magic or enchantment.

Eastern Regions (Khorasan, Sistan-Baluchestan)

Agha Khoon (آقاخون)

Location: Khorasan
Translation: "Master Blood"
A vampiric or blood-associated entity. The title "Agha" suggests nobility or authority, making this a powerful supernatural creature of the night.

Nasnaas (نسناس)

Translation: "Half-person"
A creature with only half a body—one arm, one leg, half a torso and head. Appears in desert regions and represents incompleteness or divine punishment. Moves by hopping.

Sang Jayook (سنگ جیوک)

Variants: Sang Jabook, Sang Junuk
Translation: "Stone Chirper/Squeaker"
An entity associated with rocks and stones, possibly living within them or able to move them. The name suggests it makes high-pitched sounds.

Common Creature Categories

Child-Snatchers & Mother-Threateners

Multiple regions preserve tales of entities that prey on newborns and new mothers:

• Al (آل) and its many variants across regions
• Aleybani (الیبانی) in Azerbaijan and Zanjan
• Chamche Khatun (چمچه خاتن) - "Lady Spoon"

One-Legged Entities

Various regions describe beings with a single leg:

• Ghalyavun (غلیاوون) - "One-Footed Ghoul"
• Ye-Chum Ye-Lang (یه چوم یه لنگ) - "One Eye, One Leg"

Shapeshifters & Animal Forms

• Boz-Mar (بُز مار) - "Goat-Snake," a serpent that can appear as a goat
• Khar-e-Dajjal (خر دجّال) - "Donkey of the Deceiver"
• Various bird forms - Including hoopoes, roosters, and mysterious flying entities

Water Spirits

• Ab Laku (آبلاکو) - "Water-Dweller"
• Madar Darya (مادر دریا) - "Mother of the Sea"
• Baba Darya (بابا دریا) - "Father of the Sea"

Protection & Interaction

Traditional Protections

• Iron and Steel: Most creatures fear cold iron
• Salt: Protection against evil spirits
• Prayer and Sacred Names: Invoking divine protection
• Amulets: Written verses, specific stones, blessed objects
• Fire and Light: Many entities fear bright flames
• Noise and Sound: Bells, drums, loud voices to drive away spirits

Dangerous Behaviors

Actions that attract or anger creatures:

• Traveling alone at night without protection
• Disrespecting natural places (springs, ancient trees, caves)
• Speaking their names without proper respect
• Leaving newborns or mothers unprotected in the forty-day period
• Wandering in liminal times (dawn, dusk, midnight)
• Breaking oaths or hospitality customs

Scholarly Notes

These creatures represent the deep folk memory of Persian lands. Many predate Islam, preserving elements of Zoroastrian, pre-Zoroastrian, and local tribal beliefs. Others show Islamic influences, syncretizing jinn traditions with older entities. Regional variations reflect the diverse geography and cultures within Persian civilization—mountain peoples have different creatures than coastal peoples, desert dwellers different from forest peoples.

The study of these beings reveals how communities understood danger, protected their vulnerable, explained natural phenomena, and maintained social order through cautionary tales. They are not merely superstitions but repositories of cultural wisdom.