Péri

Péri is a term from Persian folklore referring to a mythical being akin to a fairy or elf. The word is derived from Persian pari, typically meaning a winged, beautiful, supernatural being. In Persian literature, peris are considered celestial or semi-divine creatures living in the domains of paradise, gardens, or heavenly realms. They are often depicted as guardians of beauty and nature and as capable of enchantment or benevolence toward humans; in some tales they assist heroes or lovers, while in others they can be dangerous or capricious. They are distinct from jinn and demons in traditional Islamic cosmology, though both groups appear in similar folklore contexts.

Over time, the concept of the peri has influenced literary and artistic traditions beyond Iran, appearing in Persian, Ottoman Turkish, Urdu, and Indian literature, as well as in translations of Persian poetry. In Western languages, peri is sometimes used to refer to such beings in general. The French spelling Péri is sometimes used as a personal name or surname, particularly in Francophone contexts, and as a given name or nickname in Iran, Turkey, and the Indian subcontinent. The accent mark in French transliteration does not imply a separate meaning.

In contemporary usage, Péri or pari may appear as a proper noun in literature, film, or place names, though the mythic sense remains most common. See also pari, fairy, and Persian mythology.