In a remote and dusty small town, nestled between vast desert landscapes, there existed a humble bar known as the “Oasis Haven.” This was a sanctuary for travelers seeking rest from their long journeys through the unforgiving terrain. It was a place where stories were shared, and strangers became friends over hearty meals and soothing drinks. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the town, a group of young high spirited travelers arrived at the Oasis Haven. Among them was you, a curious wanderer with an urge for adventure. Alongside your fellow explorers, you had left behind the comforts of home to embark on a grand adventure. You swing open the double doors of the bar. With a deep breath, you announce loudly, ‘This will be a night to remember!’.
A Tale of Umm AI Duwais
The group enters the bar, they are immediately greeted by the warm glow of lanterns hanging from the wooden beams. You can hear laughter and conversation all around, and the aroma of spiced food fills the room. The travelers find an empty table and order their meals, eager to share their amazing tales of the road. Your eyes sparkle with the thrill of discovery. Your companions notice that you seem to be entranced by something out of a window facing the desert. As the Oasis Haven continued to buzz with conversation and laughter, the night grew darker.
You feel a bit tipsy and decide to take a walk to the desert hill to get some fresh air from the crisp cold breeze of the night. You stare at the stars wondering what wonderous discoveries will come next. A sweet intoxicating smell of rose and vanilla wafted passed your nose. Your eyebrows bend and you turn your head quickly looking for the trail of the scent. In the distance, you spot a shadowy figure making its way from the heart of town, eventually stepping into the glow of lanterns. To your surprise, you could clearly discern a woman in a cloak walking along the town’s outskirts. You decide to descend the sandy hill, each step sending sand into the night.
As he near the woman, she unveiled her face by pulling back the hood of her cloak. You admire by her beauty by lowering your head respectfully and gestured politely. The woman, her gaze unwavering, softly spoke, “I’m lost, can you help me?”. You momentarily to your head to your right shoulder, but dismiss the odd sensation. You continue to speak to the woman.
After a few exchanges of words, the woman turns and strides away. With a graceful motion, she removed her robe, revealing her elegant appearance – her dark black, silken hair, her pale, flawless skin, and her breathtaking complexion. Excitement surged within you as you’re unable to control your emotions. You shout, ‘wait’! The woman pauses in her movement but remains facing forward. You approach her and reach out to touch her shoulder, and at that moment, the woman turns around…
A scream pierced through the town, but it was abruptly silenced by a thud. The mysterious woman walks away, gradually vanishing into the night. Your friends, alarmed by your earlier cry, rushed outside, calling your name and initiating a frantic search. One of them let out a horrified scream as they stumbled upon a gruesome sight – your severed head.
In the end, the travelers of the small town learned that even the most remote and unassuming places allure the unknown.
The Origin
Umm Al Duwais is a woman often part of Middle Eastern folklore. Her tale is most known in the Arabian Peninsula. She’s usually spoke of as a female jinn or a lonely roaming spirit. Her origin comes from the oral storytelling traditions of the Middle East, and her character has evolved to adapt various interpretations. Jinn are pictured as shape-shifters, capable of taking on a variety of forms and live alongside humans.
Umm Al Duwais’s story vary from regions and cultures within the Middle East. She is often associated with tales of charms, trickery, and as a seductive figure who lures unfaithful men to her demise. While certain narratives cast her as an evil jinn targeting humans, alternatives potray her as a complex figure, occasionally looking for feelings of solitude or a longing for companionship. The tale of Umm Al Duwais likely had a specific intent. In this instance, it likely aimed to instill fear in men, encouraging them to remain loyal to their wives and steer clear of the sin of adultery.