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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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