Aptar Joli is a frightening folkloric entity from the oral traditions of Pahreh, the ancient name of present day Iranshahr. The creature is known for one purpose: stealing children. According to local belief, Aptar Joli comes to houses in the darkness of night and takes young children away. Its exact appearance is not clearly preserved in the surviving accounts, with the stories focusing more on its role as a night time child stealing figure. The legend was also used by parents and elders to frighten children and keep them from wandering outside at night.