A Ghoul a demon-like being or monstrous humanoid, often associated with graveyards and the consumption of human flesh. The concept originated in pre-Islamic Arabian religion. Modern fiction often uses the term to label a specific kind of monster. The term "ghoul" is often associated with flesh eaters but the majority of creatures with this name are actually vampires.
Origins[]
The concept of ghouls can be traced back to ancient Middle Eastern folklore, particularly in Arabian and Islamic traditions. In these cultures, ghouls were depicted as malevolent spirits or demons that inhabited graveyards and desolate places, feasting on the flesh of the dead and sometimes even on the living. The word "ghoul" itself is believed to derive from the Arabic "ghūl," meaning "to seize" or "to snatch away."
Characteristics[]
Ghouls are typically described as grotesque and corpse-like creatures with an insatiable appetite for human flesh. In many legends, ghouls are said to inhabit graveyards or burial grounds, where they dig up corpses to feed upon. They are often depicted as nocturnal creatures, emerging from their lairs under cover of darkness to hunt for their prey. Ghouls are also sometimes associated with shape-shifting abilities, allowing them to take on the guise of humans or animals to lure unsuspecting victims.
Cultural Depictions[]
Ghouls have appeared in various forms of literature, folklore, and popular culture throughout history. In Arabian and Islamic folklore, ghouls are often depicted as demonic beings that embody the corruption of the flesh and the decay of the grave. In Western literature, ghouls have been portrayed as undead monsters or creatures of the night, lurking in the shadows and preying upon the living. From classic horror stories to modern fantasy novels and horror films, ghouls continue to captivate audiences with their terrifying presence.
Religion[]
In some cultures, ghouls play a significant role in religious beliefs and cosmology. In Islamic tradition, for example, ghouls are considered to be jinn or demonic beings that inhabit desolate places and lead travelers astray. In Hindu mythology, creatures known as "preta" are similar to ghouls in their association with death and the afterlife. Ghouls may also feature in rituals or ceremonies designed to ward off evil spirits or protect against malevolent forces.
Modern Interpretations[]
Julius Jones as a Ghoul in Vampire in Brookyln
In modern times, ghouls continue to be a popular trope in literature, film, and gaming. From the undead creatures of horror franchises like "The Walking Dead" to the monstrous ghouls of fantasy role-playing games like "Dungeons & Dragons," ghouls remain a staple of popular culture, inspiring fear and fascination in equal measure.
Trivia[]
The female Ghul of Muslim folklore is the "ghoul" most people think of when they imagine a flesh eating creature. While it is true the Arabic ghoul eats corpses it is a corpse animated by a "vampire spirit".
The Ghole of Arabic lore is a shapeshifter that in its true form is a hairy long tusked cyclops with a long neck like an ostrich. They can on occasion fall in love with a human and fore them to become its mate. The offspring of such a union is another "type of ghole, a monstrous being that is a fast, savage, extremely effective predator that takes delight in killing and raping."
In AD&D1 a Ghast was effectively a Ghoul that has carrion stench so powerful that it hinders fighting it.
There are other types of vampires that are also ghouls:
- Alqul (Arabic folklore)
- Aluga (Mediterranean)
- Aluka
- Balbal (Tagbanua, Philippines)
- Dodelecker (Germany)
- Ghoulas (Algeria)
- Katacan (Sri Lanka)
- Pacu Pati (India).
References[]
- Bane, Theresa (2010). Encyclopedia of Vampire Mythology. McFarland.
- GURPS Blood Types