Definition of ghoul

The word "ghoul" is of Arabic origin, and it refers to a supernatural creature in traditional Middle Eastern folklore. The term "ghūl" (غول) appears in several ancient Arabic sources, including the famous 10th-century collection of stories known as the "Thousand and One Nights" (Arabian Nights). In Middle Eastern folklore, a ghoul is typically depicted as a corpulent and foul-smelling creature that resides in cemeteries and graves, preying on the nighttime traveler. Its modus operandi involves emerging from the shadows and strangling or devouring unsuspecting victims in their sleep. The origins of the ghoul can be traced back to pre-Islamic Arabia, where it was believed to be part of a larger class of jinn, supernatural beings said to inhabit the world around humans. Over time, particularly after the advent of Islam, the ghoul came to be seen as a separate entity, associated more closely with graveyards and the dead. The concept of the ghoul has had a lasting impact on popular culture, especially in the horror genre. In literature, the word "ghoul" is often used interchangeably with "ghast," and it has been employed in various works, such as Bram Stoker's Dracula and H.P. Lovecraft's At the Mountains of Madness. In cinema and video games, the ghoul has been depicted in a range of forms, from grotesque beasts to zombie-like creatures. Despite these cultural references, the original conception of the ghoul remains closely tied to Arabic folklore and serves as a reminder of cultural heritage and history.