Kaftar and Witchcraft

Kaftār is a deceitful demonic being that appears in medieval and modern texts, myths and folklore. Some cultures have alternative names for or variations of this character. In this study, ancient written works, myths, popular culture, and folk tales are examined to better understand the role and significance of Kaftār. According to Iranian sources, i.e. Pahlavi, Pazand and Persian texts, Kaftār is one of the manifestations of the devil that is repelled by the Holy Word. In these sources, there is no direct reference to Kaftār being female or male. In Indian texts and mythology, Kaftār is a liver-eating, blood-vampire and child- killing witch, often female. Kaftār is closely related to Dākin and Kāli; their similarities include witchcraft, vampirism, hostility to procreation, infanticide, and deception. Kaftār overlaps with Al in popular beliefs. There is a close relationship between Kaftār and hyena in terms of witchcraft and liver abducting. According to what obtained from the research, Kaftār is one of the often female evil forces with a deceptive function, which is hostile to good creation and birth through magic. Belief in the transformation of Kaftār in the body of a predator - like other similar ones in mythology, stories and popular culture - is evident.