What Is a Goul? From Folklore to Modern Fiction
Delve into the transformation of the ghoul, from its origins in ancient folklore to its diverse and nuanced representations in contemporary fiction.
The ghoul is a monstrous figure from folklore and fiction, most commonly recognized as a creature associated with death and the consumption of flesh. This being has evolved from its ancient origins, adapting to new cultural fears and storytelling traditions. Its journey from a desert demon to a complex character in modern media reflects a fascination with the macabre.
Mythological Origins of the Ghoul
The ghoul originates in pre-Islamic Arabian folklore as the ghul, a malevolent demon inhabiting deserts and graveyards. Legends described the ghul as a shapeshifter, able to assume the form of an animal or human to deceive travelers. It lured people into desolate areas to slay and devour them, and also consumed young children and the flesh of the dead.
The ghoul was introduced to the Western world through Antoine Galland’s French translation of One Thousand and One Nights. Galland’s version cemented the ghoul’s association with cemeteries and feasting on corpses. This interpretation stripped away some of the creature’s shapeshifting abilities and focused on its role as a scavenger. The English term “ghoul” first appeared in literature in William Beckford’s 1786 novel Vathek.
The Ghoul in Modern Pop Culture
The modern interpretation of the ghoul was heavily influenced by H.P. Lovecraft. He reimagined the creature not as a demon, but as a once-human species that devolved into a ghoulish state. Lovecraft’s ghouls are canine-faced humanoids that dwell in subterranean tunnels, subsisting on the dead. They are not portrayed as malicious hunters of the living, but as a secretive society with its own culture.
In the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, ghouls are undead monsters that hunger for the flesh of the living and can paralyze victims with a touch. They are often created from individuals who engaged in cannibalism in life, linking their monstrous nature to a human transgression.
The Fallout video game series offers another take, where ghouls are humans mutated by intense radiation. While many become feral and dangerous, others retain their intelligence and live alongside non-mutated humans. These ghouls face prejudice and are often segregated, adding social commentary to their existence.
Ghouls in the World of Tokyo Ghoul
The manga and anime series Tokyo Ghoul presents a unique version of the creature. In this universe, ghouls are a carnivorous species that look identical to humans but can only survive by consuming human flesh. They possess biological traits that separate them from mythological predecessors.
A defining feature is the kagune, a predatory organ that can be released as a powerful, muscle-like appendage for hunting and combat. The appearance and function of the kagune vary between individuals. Another distinct characteristic is the kakugan, an eye with a red iris and black sclera that appears when a ghoul is hungry or using its powers.
The series explores the societal conflict between ghouls and the Commission of Counter Ghoul (CCG), a government organization tasked with their extermination. This creates a narrative where ghouls are not simply monsters but characters struggling with their identity in a world that fears and hunts them.