The Al (Childbirth Demoness)
In Persian folklore, the Al is a demonic being personifying puerperal fever, targeting women during and after childbirth. The name derives from Iranian 'al' meaning red, and she is described as a red-haired, stunted female creature with a rudimentary black humanoid form. 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, with parallels in Jewish Lilith, Mesopotamian Lamaštu, and Armenian al traditions. Talismanic scrolls (hmayils) invoking saints are used to ward her off.