Conclusion

In this exhibit, I have analyzed the literary monster of the Ifrit in the story of the Fisherman and the Demon. I have compared the Ifrit to the dragon in Beowulf and have also discussed the association of the Ifrit’s portrayal in the story to the portrayal of the demons in the chosen artifacts. These depictions raise the questions of whether the ifrit represents the ‘ethnic other’ or whether he is a creature of wisdom that can attain more human attributes with time. The many layers of storytelling are woven into both the artifacts and the story that explore the themes of the wronged victim and justice.