genies

Genies, also known as djinn or jinn, are supernatural beings in Middle Eastern folklore and Islamic tradition. They are described as created from smokeless fire, possessing intelligence and free will, and existing in a world parallel to humans. They can be benevolent, malevolent, or neutral and are capable of shapeshifting, magic, and granting or denying requests in some tales. The English term genie is borrowed from the French génie; the root jinn is Arabic.

In traditional belief, jinn occupy deserts, ruins, or hidden places and interact with humans in various ways. They appear in many folklore narratives alongside humans, sometimes as tricksters or guardians. Subtypes such as the Ifrit and the Marid appear in later lore as powerful and sometimes dangerous spirits.

In Islamic theology, jinn are a distinct creation from humans and angels, created by Allah from smokeless fire. Like humans, they have free will, may believe or disbelieve, and are subject to divine judgment. The Qur'an mentions jinn in several chapters, including stories that emphasize moral responsibility and the existence of both pious and wicked jinn. Iblis or Satan is described as a jinn who refused to bow to Adam and was expelled from Heaven.

In modern culture, genies are widely associated with magical lamps or bottles that grant wishes, a trope popularized by adaptations of Arabian Nights and especially Disney's Aladdin. Contemporary depictions often blend traditional folklore with fantasy, sometimes challenging stereotypes and exploring the broader roles of jinn.