ghoul etymology

Etymology:

The word "ghoul" derives from the Arabic word "ghūl", which means "demon" or "evil spirit." It is believed that the term entered European languages through the French "goule" or the Spanish "ghul".

Meaning and Origin:

In Arabic folklore, ghouls are supernatural beings that inhabit cemeteries and feed on human flesh. They are often depicted as female, with long, unkempt hair, sharp nails, and a craving for human blood.

In Western literature, ghouls evolved from their Arabic origins to become more varied in their characteristics. They became associated with the undead, often depicted as corpses that had risen from the grave to feed on the living. In modern pop culture, ghouls are commonly portrayed as supernatural creatures with a taste for the macabre and a penchant for haunting or terrorizing the living.

Additional Notes:

  • The term "grave robber" arose from the association of ghouls with the dead.
  • In some cultures, ghouls are believed to possess the power to shapeshift.
  • The ghoul has become a popular figure in horror fiction and film, such as in Bram Stoker's "Dracula" and the "Resident Evil" franchise.

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