Utukku
Spiritual beings believed in by the Sumerians and Babylonians of ancient Mesopotamia. There were both good guardian spirits and evil spirits, and many incantations to drive away evil utukku survive on clay tablets.
Mystery Timeline｜Undated myths and BC
Mysteries of the Myth & Prehistory
Gods and mythical beasts of world mythology, ancient ruins and legends from before recorded history.
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3rd millennium BC onward
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Medieval period (Norse mythology)
Elves
A fairy people rooted in Norse mythology, said to include light elves and dark elves. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings created the standard fantasy image of a long-lived, beautiful race.
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Pre-Islamic times onward
Jinn
Spiritual beings in Arabian folklore and Islam, said to have been created from smokeless fire. Also known as the genie of the lamp in the Thousand and One Nights, they are called "genies" in English.
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Ancient Greece
Dryad
A tree spirit (nymph) of Greek mythology, said to live especially in oak trees. The hamadryad, who shares her life with a tree, is said to die when the tree dies.
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Medieval period (Norse mythology)
Dwarves
In Norse mythology, a race of master smiths who live underground and inside rocks. They are said to have made the gods' weapons, such as Mjolnir and Gungnir. In fantasy, they are the classic stubborn, bearded craftsmen.
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Ancient Greece
Nymph
The general name for nature spirits in Greek mythology. They dwell in springs, rivers, the sea, mountains and trees in the form of young, beautiful women. There are many kinds, including naiads, nereids and dryads.
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Ancient Persia onward
Peri
A beautiful winged spirit of Persian (Iranian) folklore. Once considered evil, peris later became symbols of goodness and beauty. They are known for stories of trying to return to paradise.
