Afrita

Afrita may refer to a term used in several languages to denote a class of supernatural beings in Middle Eastern folklore, most commonly known in English as ifrit or afrit. The form afrita can appear as a feminine variant in certain transliterations or languages. In traditional Arabic folklore, afrits are djinn—powerful, often dangerous beings associated with fire and the desert—capable of shapeshifting and granting wishes, though usually with perilous consequences for the human who bargains with them.

In many tales, afrits are described as strong, cunning, and sometimes capricious, existing apart from other types of djinn such as marids or jinn al-shayatin. They are sometimes said to reside in remote places or ancient ruins and may be bound to serve or tempt humans under certain conditions.

In literature and popular culture, ifrits and afrits have appeared in classical folk tales, as well as modern fantasy novels, films, and video games. They are frequently depicted as powerful adversaries or enigmatic allies, often requiring cleverness, bravery, or strategic thinking from protagonists to outwit them or secure a favorable outcome.

The term also appears as a transliteration variant in non-Arabic sources and may be used as a proper name or in titles for works, characters, or products. As with many folklore terms, the precise meaning and depiction of afrita depend on the cultural and linguistic context.

See also: Ifrit, Djinn, Jinn.