DHIVEHI DEMONS
A pantheon of imaginary Dhivehi demons, beasts, and beings
Although inspired by dhivehi folklore and culture I must be clear that these beings are imaginary in the sense that they come from my mind. They are not “real” in that they are not demons from the scraps of folklore that we have recorded. I do not trust the gatekeepers of Dhivehi folklore. So as a Dhivehi person born and raised I am going to make my own folklore. I refuse to keep regurgitating the same old crap. The same few government approved legends that have been so warped through the ages that we can hardly comprehend what they were meant to be. These are also not djinn. Our belief in Djinn is a result of Arab colonisation. All our demons, monsters, and beings, became Djinn so that they would fit into the new belief system. These demons are older.
Fashion Fureytha
(Fashion Monster)
A benevolent beast of the reef. The fashion fureytha adorns itself in colourful corals, which attracts little fish like natural jewels. It can be observed strutting up and down the reef edge on moonless nights. Upon death they are said to crystallise, with their remains being much sought after for use as fabric dye.
Digital illustration
(2022)
Gas Venfunna
(Tree Blenny)
As the sun sets, the Gas Venfunna climb up into the canopy, where they wait. Under the cover of darkness, they drop down onto the shoulders of unsuspecting passers by. They then crawl up into the nostrils and lodge themselves inside the sinus cavity, where it secretes a mucus that causes its victim to lose consciousness. The crafty Gas Venfunna then lays its microscopic eggs and retreats back into the ocean, leaving its victim none the wiser.
Digital Illustration
(2022)
Enmaari
The enmaari (roughly translated as bait leviathan) rises from the depths around uninhabited islands to ensnare castaways with promises of treasures and nourishment.
Digital illustration
(2022)
The Matriarch
The beginning.
Digital illustration
(2022)
Siyaasee Fureytha
(Political Demon)
One hand to rule them all
Digital Illustration
(2022)
Liyelaa Makunu
(Lacquer Spider)
The liyelaa makunu is known to lurk in abandoned storerooms, where it seeks out lacquer work containers to make it’s home. Jewellery taken from such containers is said to have mystic powers. However, the spider must not have been killed, in which case the contents of the container have the possibility of being cursed. While they are peaceful creatures, they will not hesitate to bite if disturbed. Their venom, while not deadly, is noted to cause psychedelic conniptions. This has led to rumours that ancient mystics used them in shamanistic rituals, and that the liyelaa patterns were inspired by the spiders themselves.
Digital Illustration
(2022)
Dhunthari Kokaa
(Comet Butterfly)
A timid and fragile creature that inhabits the ocean facing sides of mangroves, where they are often mistaken for fire flies at night. Once a month, on the night of the new moon, they are said to swarm, flying high into the sky to form glowing orbs amongst the clouds. They swoop back down like fiery comets, diving into the mud to lay their eggs. Fanditha verin (sorcerers) are rumoured to collect these eggs to make a concoction that allows them to see in the dark. They are considered to be friends of sailors, who rely on their glowing swarms to find land during moonless nights.
Digital Illustration (2022)