afritum

Afritum is a Latinized term used in medieval Latin sources to refer to the ifrit, a class of jinn in Arabic and Islamic folklore. The form afritum reflects the adaptation of the Arabic word ifrit into Latin linguistic patterns. In broader English and European traditions, the creature is commonly identified with powerful fire-associated spirits of peril and wonder.

In folklore, ifrits are depicted as potent, often dangerous beings that inhabit realms adjacent to the human world, frequently linked to volcanic or other fiery domains. They are portrayed as stronger and more mysterious than ordinary jinn, with abilities including great magical power, shapeshifting, and the capacity to grant or withhold favors. Many stories emphasize their secretiveness and potential for rebellion against human control, as well as the risk they pose when summoned or enticed.

The afritum appears in scholarly editions and translations of Arabic texts as a historical label rather than a separate, distinct tradition. The concept of the ifrit has influenced literature beyond its origins, appearing in later Middle Eastern storytelling, as well as in European adaptations and translations that frame the creature as a formidable supernatural being rather than a mere benevolent spirit.

In modern culture, the idea of the ifrit (including the Latinized afritum) has permeated fantasy literature, role-playing games, and film, where it is frequently portrayed as a powerful, dangerous entity that may be summoned or bound by magical means. The portrayal often emphasizes themes of power, temptation, and the precarious balance between mastery and danger when dealing with supernatural forces.