Meet the Baddies: From Ghouls to Pharaoh Demons

• Għul (Ghoul) – The original creepy crawly. This beastly jinn is drawn to death and rotting flesh, often slinking into cities in the form of snakes. If it possesses someone, a beggar, a villain, or a hapless victim, it can turn them into a cannibalistic fiend haunting cemeteries. Even witches risk possession if they try to control a ghoul.

• Fergħun (Pharaoh Demon) – Got a dictator in your family tree? Probably a Ferghun involved somewhere. These loud, foul-mouthed jinn love encouraging violence, quarreling, and even wars. They’re the ultimate chaos-makers for anyone in a position of power.

• Bedudu (Nemesis Worms) – Ever lost at marbles or bocci as a kid and felt cursed? Chances are, a Bedudu was involved. These invisible worm-like jinn hate winners and make life miserable for anyone with the upper hand.

• Mingħul (Devil Ghoul) – The soul-snatcher. They’re particularly interested in the sick or dying, working to overpower guardian angels and drag souls down to hell. Creepy, right?

The Tricksters: Imps, Xifajk, and Brejbes

Not all jinn are about doom and gloom. Some are here for a little chaos and laughs… at your expense.

• Xifajk (Imp) – Tiny, mischievous, and obsessed with messing up your day. They hide things, break stuff, and make you mess up your work. If you find yourself cursing, blaming everyone, or fighting over minor annoyances, thank your friendly Xifajk.

• Grimbu – The prankster who thrives on awkwardness. Losing money, running into that one person you’ve been avoiding, or being blamed for someone else’s crime? That’s a Grimbu classic.

• Brejbes – These little devils love peer pressure and pushing teens to the dark side. From bullying and vandalism to bigger crimes, Breybes can make a mischievous teen turn into a full-blown troublemaker, and they hop from one target to another with lightning speed.

The Darker Demons: Karfusu and Mingħul

• Karfusu (The Lame Devil) – Think of the ultimate manipulator. He walks with a limp but causes chaos through lies, betrayal, and secrets. His favourite trick? Getting people to betray loved ones, then spreading the fallout for maximum despair.

• Mniegħel (Devil Ghoul) – Always on the hunt for souls, particularly those at the edge of life. They gang up, scare their victims, and aim to drag their souls into the afterlife’s darker corners.

Fun Fact: Mirrors Are Portals!

In Maltese lore, mirrors aren’t just for checking your hair. They’re portals for jinn. Vanity over humility weakens the barrier between worlds, letting demons slip through. Some say Satanists even communicated with them this way. No wonder mirrors were often banned in old Maltese homes!

So, Should You Be Afraid?

Maybe a little, but mostly, it’s fascinating. These tales of Jinn and demons are more than just ghost stories; they’re a window into Malta’s cultural past, a mix of Arabic, Islamic, and European folklore, passed down through generations.

From the mischievous Xifajk to the soul-snatching Mniegħel, these legends remind us that Malta’s history isn’t just stone and sun, it’s also full of shadowy mysteries.

Next time you hear a strange noise in the night, or notice something “moving” in your house… maybe it’s just the wind. Or maybe… it’s a Għul, a Brejbes, or even a Pharaoh Demon checking up on you. 👀

Which of these scares you the most?
Information courtesy of The Maltese Bestiary by Stephan D.Mifsud