ghoul

Ghul, or ghoul, is a creature from Middle Eastern folklore traditionally described as a demonic being associated with graves, deserts, and death. The English word ghoul derives from the Arabic ghul (ghūl), a term used in pre-Islamic and Islamic lore for a malevolent entity that robs graves and preys on travelers.

In traditional stories, ghouls dwell in desolate places such as tombs and ruins and are often depicted as shapeshifters capable of disguising themselves to lure people. They may lure travelers with tempting appearances or voices, then abduct or devour them. Depending on the source, the ghul can be male or female; the feminine form ghūlah or ghoulā appears in some Persian and Arabic traditions.

The concept has permeated Western literature and popular culture since the 18th and 19th centuries. In modern fantasy and horror, a ghoul is frequently portrayed as an undead or demonic creature that feeds on human flesh, sometimes with a paralyzing bite or a curse of hunger. In role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons, ghouls are undead humanoids that drain life and can paralyze opponents. In other media, ghouls appear as various monsters or mutated beings, often linked to graveyards, deserts, or necromantic themes, reflecting the evolving usage across different cultural contexts.