The Peri
In Persian tradition, the peri are beautiful winged beings of light, who appear in poetry, stories and paintings across the Islamic world.
What was reported
In Persian mythology and literature, peri are graceful winged beings, often imagined as beautiful women, who live in a magical world apart from humans. In older Zoroastrian tradition they were mischievous spirits, but over time they came to be seen as gentle, benevolent beings.
They appear in the poetry of Hafez and Ferdowsi, in miniature paintings and in folk tales across Iran, Central Asia and the Middle East, and the word passed into English and other languages.
Explanations offered
The peri are figures of mythology and literature. They inspired European writers too: the English word 'fairy' is sometimes linked to them, though the connection is uncertain.
- When
- Told for thousands of years
- Where
- Shiraz, Fars, Iran
- Witnesses
- Persian tradition
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.