Genie The word �genie� comes from two separate sources (Latin and Arabic) and originally had different meanings, however over the last several hundred years the two words sounded so similar that their meaning and usage has all but merged into one. In the Latin version, the word comes from genius - the Roman mythology meaning "guardian spirit" and eventually evolved to mean spirit, wit, or talent. Much later it became known as someone of native or unusual intelligence or talent. The French variation of the Latin genius is "genie". On the Arabic side, the English usage of "genie" (or jinn, or djinn) comes from jinni a supernatural creature with free-will found in Islamic and pre-Islamic folklore. With the French translation of One Thousand and One Nights the similarity of the sound, and meaning of the French "genie" and the Arabic "jinni" were so close they blurred into one. It is here the familiar word "Genie" came also into the English language. The jinni of Arabian folklore (and religious belief) are creatures with free will Allah made from "smokeless fire" - much as he created man from earth. A jinn can be good or evil. It some respects they are similar to Christian belief in angels (particularly guardian angels) and demons (fallen angels). Like humans, jinns will be judged on Judgment Day and will be sent to Heaven or Hell according to their deeds. The most iconic of the evil Jinn in Islamic faith is Iblis (Satan), who refused to bow down to Adam when commanded to do so by Allah. For this he was promptly thrown out of Shaitan (Paradise). Genies or jinn have appeared as male or female in numerous stories in religious texts, folklore, to a myriad of western literature and entertainment. This spans from King Solomon�s wife (the Queen of Sheba) being half-Jinn to Robin Williams voice as the genie side kick to Aladdin in the famous Disney film, to the countless "three wish" jokes told around water coolers� and of course the classic TV show "I dream of Jeanie". In most accounts the jinn or genies have many supernatural or magical powers. They can do good or evil and are usually powerful. Because of this, in much literature they are imprisoned is some �vessel� are offer a reward (wishes) to those who free them. These are typically evil and called Ifrit "the seed of Iblees". It is a common theme in literature these wishes are purposely or inadvertently misinterpreted by the genie and the recipient does not get exactly what he/she was truly desired. Throughout history there have been numerous variations and classifications of genie. The Prophet Muhammad reportedly divided jinn into three classes: those who have wings and fly in the air, those who resemble snakes and dogs, and those who travel about ceaselessly. Another popular classification is those jinn who can and those who cannot alter their form. Of those who can change their form, one of the most intriguing is the mard�zm� (tester of men). These jinn assume the form of a beautiful women usually for the purpose to mislead or destroy men. ---------- My SooleeV3 character (modified face) - AS Eclipse, Sapphire fox hair Hair, a wee bit of post work ~wink~ In any case, I hope you like her. Rick