The Peri (Fairy Spirits of Persian Myth)
Peris are beautiful, benevolent winged spirits in Persian mythology, originally fallen angels in Zoroastrian tradition who later became more benign in Islamic Persian folklore. They are depicted as exquisite beings who dwell in the lower heavens and enchant humans with their beauty. Peris are locked in eternal conflict with the malevolent Divs (demons), who often capture and imprison them in cages. Unlike divs (who are male), peris are usually female and friendly to humans. Queen of Sheba (Bilqis) is considered offspring of a Chinese emperor and a Peri. The word 'peri' entered English through