Al (Childbirth Demoness)
The Al is a demonic being in Persian folklore that personifies puerperal fever, targeting women during and after childbirth. The name derives from Iranian 'al' meaning red. Described as a red-haired, stunted female creature with a clay nose, red face, and a straw basket hanging from her shoulder containing the liver or lung of a young mother. She attacks mothers within the first six days after birth, causing sickness (al-zadagi) and death. Belief in the Al is widespread across Iran, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. According to tradition, God created an Al for Adam's first consort, but the eart