Jinn vs. Oni — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 10, 2024
Jinn, originating in Islamic tradition, are supernatural beings capable of good or evil, while oni, rooted in Japanese folklore, are malevolent demons or ogres known for causing harm.
Difference Between Jinn and Oni
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Jinn are supernatural beings from Islamic mythology, often associated with invisible realms and known for their shape-shifting abilities. Oni, on the other hand, are demons from Japanese folklore, usually depicted as large, fearsome creatures with horns and a malevolent demeanor.
Jinn can possess humans and have varied personalities, ranging from benevolent to malevolent. Oni, however, are typically malevolent by nature, terrorizing people and often acting as harbingers of disaster or punishment.
While Jinn are believed to inhabit unseen parallel worlds and have their own societies, oni are thought to dwell in remote mountains or the underworld, occasionally emerging to interact with the mortal world.
In Islamic beliefs, Jinn can be influenced through exorcism and rituals, whereas oni are warded off using protective charms and rituals rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions.
Jinn have been portrayed in literature as powerful allies or antagonists, offering wishes or causing mischief. In contrast, oni are usually depicted as purely destructive, adversaries to humans and other gods.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Islamic mythology
Japanese folklore
Nature
Can be good, neutral, or evil
Predominantly malevolent
Habitat
Parallel worlds, hidden realms
Mountains, underworld
Physical Form
Shapeshifters
Humanoid ogres, often with horns
Influence
Wishes, possession, mischief
Terrorizing, disaster-bringing
Compare with Definitions
Jinn
Supernatural being in Islamic belief.
The story told of a jinn who could grant three wishes.
Oni
Demonic creature in Japanese folklore.
The oni terrorized the village from its mountain cave.
Jinn
Creature made of smokeless fire.
Islamic tradition describes jinn as beings of fire.
Oni
Giant with supernatural strength.
The oni crushed rocks with its supernatural strength.
Jinn
Entity capable of possession.
The exorcist was called to rid the house of a jinn.
Oni
Malevolent ogre with horns and sharp claws.
An oni is often depicted with fearsome horns.
Jinn
Spirit with good or evil inclinations.
Not all jinn were evil; some even aided humans.
Oni
Demon bringing disaster and punishment.
People feared the oni as harbingers of disaster.
Jinn
Shapeshifting creature living in hidden realms.
In myths, jinn can assume the forms of animals.
Oni
Creature residing in remote mountains or the underworld.
People believed oni came from the deepest parts of the mountains.
Jinn
Jinn (Arabic: جن, jinn)—also romanized as djinn or anglicized as genie (with the broader meaning of spirit or demon, depending on source)—are supernatural creatures in early pre-Islamic Arabian and later Islamic mythology and theology. Like humans, they are created with fitra, neither born as believers nor as unbelievers, but their attitude depends on whether they accept God's guidance.
Oni
An oni (鬼 (おに)) is a kind of yōkai, demon, ogre, or troll in Japanese folklore. They are typically portrayed as hulking figures with one or more horns growing out of their heads.
Jinn
In the Koran and Muslim tradition, a spirit often capable of assuming human or animal form and exercising supernatural influence over people.
Oni
A Japanese evil spirit or demon.
Jinn
(Muslim demonology) A genie and descendant of the jann, normally invisible to the human eye, but who may also appear in animal or human form, equivalent to demons in Jewish demonology.
Oni
The military intelligence agency that provides for the intelligence and counterintelligence and investigative and security requirements of the United States Navy
Common Curiosities
Can jinn and oni possess humans?
Jinn are capable of possession according to Islamic belief, while oni generally do not possess humans but instead directly terrorize them.
Do jinn and oni have similar habitats?
Jinn are believed to live in unseen parallel worlds, whereas oni are said to inhabit remote mountains or the underworld.
How are jinn and oni depicted in literature and art?
Jinn appear as helpful allies or antagonists with wishes, while oni are portrayed as large, fearsome ogres.
How are jinn and oni viewed in their respective cultures?
Jinn are considered part of Islamic cosmology, whereas oni are seen as supernatural threats in Japanese culture.
Are jinn and oni both considered evil?
Jinn can be benevolent, neutral, or malevolent, while oni are typically malevolent in nature.
What powers do jinn and oni have?
Jinn can grant wishes, shape-shift, and possess humans. Oni possess great strength, often terrorizing or bringing disaster.
What is the origin of jinn and oni in mythology?
Jinn originate from Islamic mythology, while oni come from Japanese folklore.
Are there ways to protect against jinn and oni?
Jinn are warded off using Islamic rituals, whereas charms and rituals rooted in Shinto and Buddhism are used against oni.
Can jinn and oni be controlled or influenced by humans?
Jinn can sometimes be controlled through magic or rituals, while oni are usually beyond human control.
How do people perceive jinn and oni in modern times?
Jinn are still part of Islamic beliefs today, while oni continue to be a prominent element in Japanese folklore and popular culture.
Do jinn and oni have social structures?
Jinn are believed to have societies in hidden realms, while oni are often solitary or in small groups.
Can jinn and oni shape-shift?
Jinn are known for shape-shifting, whereas oni are typically fixed in their monstrous forms.
What are jinn and oni typically associated with?
Jinn are associated with wishes, magic, and possession, while oni are linked to disaster, punishment, and fear.
Are there festivals or rituals associated with jinn or oni?
Oni are featured in Setsubun, a Japanese festival, while jinn have various rituals in Islamic traditions.
Do jinn and oni interact with gods or other supernatural beings?
Jinn are thought to interact with angels and demons, while oni may clash with gods in Japanese mythology.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
