Asklemmy @lemmy.ml vis4valentine @lemmy.ml 3 mo. ago

Arabian people. What are some overlooked or not as well known elements of your culture that would make some incredible anime like powers?

Im looking for some writing inspiration. Im looking for not so known elements of different cultures that would make incredible powers.

23 comments

OP, you should probably go read 1001 Arabian Nights.
- Yeah I should. Thanks for the recommendation.
Not an Arab, but perhaps, you should check out Arabian aspect of paganism? So far, I've seen characters "bending" sand with their weapon, preferably sword. Or you know, stealthy group of super-human assassins. But all these characters are forced to incorporate South Asian elements.
- Yeah. Thats why im trying to get some more direct inspiration and not just get the classic Japanese style kind of powers.
  
  By any chance, do you know about Hathim Al-Tai of the Tayyi tribe? Then there's also Sinbad the Sailor. I don't remember well about his feats, but he's also a popular character from the Arabic culture.
  
  South Asian
  
  Japanese
  
  Are you confusing South with East?
Look up Jinn. While plenty of people get the general “genie” stereotype there’s a lot more to Jinn/Djinn Mythology to be explored that can give inspiration. Such as ones that… tickle you to death… cuz… why not.
Have you looked at 1001 Arabian Nights? Loads of fantasy and sci fi in there that might help. Jinn, mermaids, immortal space travellers, I read a fair few of them as a kid and they were cool.
Ramadan defeated Godzilla, with the powers of starvation.
The best writing inspiration comes from reading!

I recommend the holy Quran.
- There are also some excellent audiobooks now of the Qu'ran on audible, and torrents. I read a new-ish translation by prof Abdel Haleem, it was very well done.
  
  and the hadith as well! i only have the six books and the four books but there's a lot!
  
  lol at our downvotes.
- Yeah, not its purpose but it’s very good at explaining events, few words but very telling, not to mention the poetic nature of the Arabic language, who hasn’t heard about the people of the cave (Al-kahf)? That chapter also has some beautiful recitations (with English translations)
- I would not say just reading. I think more creativity comes out of sitting blank and in peace, out of boredom. The location can vary, in your room staring at walls, in a dark dingy place, out in nature, staring at horizon and so on.
  
  The OP is asking for inspiration related to a specific culture. Secluded boredom will not help you learn about things to write about a specific culture.
Can you give example?

I cannot understand what you mean by powers.
- Check out characters, like for example, the unnamed prince from Prince of Persia. Or Khaleed from Mobile Legends, a wannabe LoL clone. Or Arabic characters from Genshin Impact.
- Any kind of anime like powers inspired by a culture. For example. A bird man with incredible force Sun fueled powers, or a Woman can turn into a Snake, or a silent assasin that confuses their victims with their whistling.
OP, you need to check out Path of Achra!

The game is fantastic in its own right, and I don't know if it's directly related to any Arabic mythos/lore or if it's just one person's inspired creation, but there are tons of characters, cultures, gods and elemental powers to check out that are all along the lines of what you're looking for I think.
Have you read City of Brass? This novel (and the other two in the trilogy) might inspire you.
What the fuck?

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