marids

Marids are a class of jinn in Islamic and Arabian folklore. In traditional sources they are among the most powerful and independently minded jinn, often described as proud or rebellious. They are commonly associated with water and are said to inhabit seas, rivers, lakes, springs, or underground reservoirs, reflecting a maritime or aquatic affinity. Compared with other jinn such as ifrits, marids are portrayed as formidable and more difficult to command, sometimes requiring skilled summoning and binding to be controlled.

In folklore, marids are depicted as capable of great magical feats, wealth, or vast knowledge, and they are said to grant favors or perform tasks for humans, usually in exchange for tribute, obedience, or a favorable bargain. Such bargains are typically framed as risky, aligning with the marid’s wilful and powerful nature. The concept appears in classical Arabic literature and has carried into later folktales and popular depictions. In modern media, marids are often portrayed as water-dwelling djinn-like beings; portrayals vary across works, and there is no single canonical description.