Peri are supernatural beings of extraordinary beauty in Iranian and Kurdish folklore — winged, luminous creatures. Though initially mentioned as evil beings (pairika) in the Avesta, they transformed over time into kind-hearted, beautiful spirits who fall in love with humans and help them.
Peris live on mountain peaks, in hidden gardens, and at springs. They can become invisible and take human form at will. Love stories between peris and humans are frequently told in Iranian and Kurdish folk tales. The expression “peri-faced” is still used in everyday language as a compliment for extraordinary beauty.
