druj

   In Persian lore and ZOROASTRIANISM, a class of chiefly female evil beings, sorcerers, monsters, fiends, the unrighteous, and the hosts of HELL. Some of the specific drujes are the following:

   • Druj Nasu, the Corpse Fiend, who represents corruption, decomposition, decay, contagion, and impurity. The glance of a dog can expel it from a corpse. It can be expelled from a living person by a bathing and purification ritual lasting nine days.

   • AZHI DAHAKA, half-man and half-monster with three heads, six eyes, three jaws, and two SERPENTs growing out of his shoulders. Azhi Dahaka was created by AHRIMAN to wreak destruction in the world. He committed incest with his mother, AUTAK, also a demon.

   • Sej, a personification of pestilence and “the fiend who brings about annihilation and misfortune.”

   • Jahi, a female druj of debauchery, whose name is the root of jahika, or “harlot” or “prostitute.” AHRIMAN kissed her and caused menstruation to begin in the world. Jahi’s name is also associated with wizards and sorcerers.