Tradition: Iraqi Mythology
Alternative Names: Kharāti
Category: Insect
The Myth
Shahmat al-Ard, meaning “fat of the earth” or “grease of the earth,” is a worm that contracts into a bead when touched. Its appearance is described differently by various writers. Al-Qazwini, who called it the Kharāti, described it as long and red, living in damp areas. Al-Zamakhshari, however, described it as small and white, with red spots, resembling both a white fish and a woman’s hand. Hurmus stated that it had a pleasant smell and was immune to fire, able to crawl through a bonfire unharmed.
The worm was believed to possess numerous medicinal properties. Its fat, applied to the skin, was said to protect against fire. The entire worm, dried and eaten, was believed to cure jaundice and scrofula, while taking it dried with water was said to bring about immediate delivery during a difficult birth. Roasted and eaten with bread, it was believed to dissolve bladder stones. When reduced to ashes, mixed with oil, and applied to the head, it was said to cure alopecia and restore hair growth.
Despite these purported benefits, Shahmat al-Ard was not generally eaten because it was considered a filthy worm, unclean and unsuitable for human consumption.
Sources
A Book of Creatures. (2015, August 28). Shahmat al-Ard. https://abookofcreatures.com/2015/08/28/shahmat-al-ard/