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| By Kamal Ghazal |
In Saudi and broader Arab folklore, jinn (plural of jinni) are supernatural beings made of smokeless fire, believed to live alongside humans in a parallel, invisible realm. The concept of jinn is deeply woven into Islamic culture and Arabian folklore, often associated with mysterious disappearances, strange voices, or unexplained phenomena.
The Story of the Eyes of the Jinn
According to the legend, small springs or "water eyes" mysteriously appear and disappear across the rugged landscape of Al-Soudah, particularly during foggy nights or at dusk.
Locals believe these are not ordinary springs: they are deceptive gateways into the world of the jinn. What looks like inviting pools of water are actually traps.
It is said that those who approach these "eyes," stare into them too long, or touch the water, might hear eerie voices and feel an invisible force pulling them downward - and sometimes, they vanish without a trace.
Real-Life Accounts
While this tale has been passed down orally for generations, there are accounts that add an unsettling layer of mystery to the region.
Some locals recount incidents of people getting lost in the mountains, only to be found days later in a dazed state, unable to explain what happened.
Such stories keep the legend alive, blending folklore with occasional unsettling experiences in this remote part of the country.
Why Did the Legend Spread ?
Several cultural and environmental factors contributed to the spread and endurance of the "Eyes of the Jinn" legend:
The region’s eerie natural beauty: Thick forests, swirling fog, and sudden weather changes make Al-Soudah an environment ripe for ghost stories.
Oral tradition: Saudi Arabia has a strong tradition of passing down folklore by word of mouth, enriching each generation’s imagination.
Historical beliefs about the unseen: In Arabian culture, the existence of jinn as unseen beings is deeply rooted, making supernatural explanations for odd events more culturally acceptable.
Actual disappearances: True cases of hikers getting lost or disoriented in the mountains may have been mythologized over time.
Why Al-Soudah Specifically ?
Beyond its legends, Al-Soudah is a major tourist attraction in the Asir region of southwestern Saudi Arabia. Known for its dense forests, cool climate, and stunning vistas, it's popular for hiking, camping, and adventure activities.
Yet beneath its natural splendor, the myths persist - carried by the cold winds that sweep through the mountains when night falls and the fog rolls in.
Possible Explanations: Science vs. Supernatural
1- Geological Explanation
The "eyes" may be temporary pools formed in small limestone fissures. Al-Soudah's geology, characterized by porous rocks, could explain the sudden appearance and disappearance of water.
2- Psychological Explanation
Dense fog, the silence of the mountains, and natural echoes can easily trigger auditory and visual hallucinations, especially for those already predisposed to believe in the supernatural.
3- Sociocultural Explanation
It’s possible that the legend served as a practical warning in ancient times: discouraging children or shepherds from wandering into dangerous terrain or drinking from unsafe water sources.
4- Paranormal Explanation (Jinn Activity)
According to believers, Al-Soudah might be a location where cosmic energies are unusually strong, creating portals to the unseen world.
Some researchers in parapsychology suggest that certain places have electromagnetic anomalies that could either fuel human perception of the supernatural - or, if you believe the lore - actually host hidden entities.
In this view, the jinn "protect" their domain and may retaliate against human intrusion.
Myth, Memory, and Mystery
Whether the "Eyes of the Jinn" are geological phenomena, psychological illusions, or true gateways to a hidden world, they embody something much deeper: the way landscapes and legends intertwine to create a sense of sacred mystery.
For the people of Al-Soudah and adventurous visitors alike, the mountains whisper that not everything unseen is imaginary — some mysteries may simply be waiting, just beyond the mist.
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- Al Madam Ghost Village: When Sand Whispers of Abandonment
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