The ability to bring misfortune upon another - from an annoyance to a tragedy - with no more than a glance. Nearly all genies are thought to have this power. They need not stand before a character to use it, but can spy upon him or her from afar. When Islanders receive a compliment, they often protest and belittle their skills, lest a jealous genie overhear and bedevil them with the evil eye. </p><p> The evil eye is a common, ordinary part of life in a world where genies run rampant and elemental spirits seek to cause trouble.