Simurgh lived high in the Alburz Mountains, existing for a span of 1,700 years before it dove into a fire of its own creation and died, only to rise again (like the later Phoenix). Saena (Senmurv) the great falcon who sits in the top branches of the Tree of All Seeds. Submitted by Joshua J. Ahura Mazda king of the gods. Web. This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. She is one of the seven Amesha Spentas and is also the patron goddess of plants and flowers. Mark, J. J. Agas demon of illness, especially of the eyes. Hara Berezaiti (Alburz, Mount Hara, Haburz) - the first mountain whose name means "high watchtower", in the Vendidad, it is the mountain on the far side of the crossing between the land of the living and the dead, the Chinvat Bridge. Thank you! It flew over the earth constantly, never landing, and it was thought that if its shadow passed over a person it would bring good fortune (in some versions, the shadow would predict future kingship). These stories concern the origin and nature of the world, the lives and activities of deities, heroes, and mythological creatures, and the origins and significance of the ancient Persians' own cult and ritual practices. Indra the demon of apostasy who encouraged the abandonment of religious practice and true faith. They were generally regarded with suspicion, and amulets were carried by merchants and travelers for protection against them. Karmak continuously fed on human beings and livestock until killed by the hero Karsasp who showered it with arrows. On the other side of the fence is Zahhak, a symbol of despotism who was, finally, defeated by Kve, who led a popular uprising against him. Her archenemy is Zarich, the demon of ageing. The couple cannot conceive for 50 years after their fall and, when Mashyanag finally does give birth, she and Mashya eat the children because they have lost any sense of balance and reason. This world, and the next, was thought to be inhabited by invisible spirits who, just like humans, were engaged in the cosmic struggle between good and evil. Thraetaona also known as Fereydun, the great hero-king of the Shahnameh who defeats the dragon Azhi Dahaka. Cite This Work He was also known as Thrisaok (meaning "three burning places") as deliverer of the fires which stood against the forces of darkness and chaos. Siyavash hero of the Shahnameh symbolizing virtue, innocence, integrity, and courage. Persian Hero RustumMaksim (Public Domain). We want people all over the world to learn about history. Bushyasta demon of sloth who causes people to slip toward the forces of darkness as he makes them too lazy to resist comfort and commit to fighting for truth. [4][5] The Encyclopdia Iranica uses the term Iranian Cultural Continent for this region.[6][7]. Ask students to focus on the differences and similarities. Huma Bird a mystical bird who lived an exceptionally long life before dying in its own flames and rising again like the Phoenix. The first three Fargards contained Zoroastrianism's most ancient tales, some of which date back to the 8th century BC. When Hushedar-mar appeared, people would stop drinking milk and the sun would stand still for twenty days. Zal becomes a great prince and marries the princess Rudabeh who has a difficult time giving birth to their son. Anahita (Ardvi Sura Anahita) goddess of health, healing, water, and wisdom. These stories concern the origin and nature of the world, the lives and activities of deities, heroes, and mythological creatures . We care about our planet! After Zoroastrianism's development, he became the only god of the new faith; later known as Ormuzd and Hormuzd. Kay Khosrow son of the hero Siyavash and warrior-king in the Shahnameh who avenges his father's death and rules justly after restoring order. The stories which form the basis of Persian mythology come from early Persian religious belief. Mark, Joshua J.. "Twelve Ancient Persian Mythological Creatures." Mashya and Mashyana - Wikipedia Tahmineh mother of the hero Sohrab in the Shahnameh. Mark, published on 10 December 2019. Haoshyangha (Hushang) the grandson of the first mortal king, Gaya Maretan, and known as the great lawgiver who established civilization including agriculture. Tishtrya god of rain and the harvest, sometimes given a twin, Tiri (god of agriculture). Afterwards, his successors must struggle to maintain just rule since deception and trickery will now regularly play a part in politics. Karmak the giant bird of evil so large that its wings blot out the sky and prevent rain from falling, thereby bringing drought to the land. Her name means evil eye. A comprehensive list, or at least an attempt at one, should therefore prove useful to anyone interested in the subject of Persian mythology and religion specifically or the study of myth, folklore, and religion generally. Tang (Public Domain). He may have been later replaced by Mithra or, more likely, worked with Mithra in dispensing justice after death. It struck without warning but, sometimes, would announce itself with a growl like a trumpet. A minor god originally, who later became the Supreme Deity as Lord of the universe embodying Time. The early Iranian deities were almost completely reimagined by Zoroaster but many retained their original function to greater or lesser degrees. It was thought to live in lonely places outside of communities, could kill anything except elephants, and was invincible because its hide was so thick. It was said to be so large it could easily stride the seven regions of the earth and people could climb on its back to travel from one place to another. The ahuras were good spirits and the daivas were evil; both influenced human life and thought. The stories which had once made up the religious understanding of the people now became fables myths which entertained while also encouraging the same cultural values they always had, only now in a monotheistic context. Khvarenah divine glory the force which enables a person to perform the function they are supposed to in life, synonymous with farr (divine grace) which legitimized the reign of a king. There is little notice of the Persian god in the Roman world until the beginning of the 2nd century, but, from the year 136 ce onward, there are hundreds of dedicatory inscriptions to Mithra. Nanghaithya demon of discontent and ingratitude who whispers poisonous lies to people of what they should have or could have and so deprives them of gratitude for all the good things they do have. Dogs warded off evil spirits, comforted and guided, and watched over one's most valuable possessions. Numerous educational institutions recommend us, including Oxford University. He was later recognized in the post-Zoroastrian movement of Zorvanism as god of limited space and time. Ardashir I & Ahura MazdaLutf 'Ali Khan (Copyright). This is also true for many creatures of ancient Persian mythology, the forces for good as well as evil, in that they touch upon universal concerns of the human condition through the specific details of their characters symbolizing various apprehensions and possibilities. According to Herodotus, a 5th-Century Greek writer and geographer often credited with being the first historian, the Amazons maintained an idyllic all-female existence in modern-day Turkey. Jinn were supernatural entities who, like the Peri, were neither immortal nor human souls. Chinvat Bridge the span between the world of the living and the land of the dead. Mithra is depicted riding in a great chariot drawn by white horses, armed with a silver spear, bow, and arrows of gold. His name means smiting of resistance, and he epitomizes the concept of victory. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U W Y Z. Aeshma a demon of cruelty who inspires brutality; later re-imagined as one of the archangels. The world, seen and unseen, was created by Ahura Mazda, the source of all good and all life. The Al were part of a larger body of evil and dangerous spirits known as khrafstra who troubled, disrupted and, at times, ended human lives. The Zoroastrian Story of Creation || Ancient Persian Mythology || Afro He is shown as a warrior with golden weapons, notably an impressive spear, charging against the forces of light or whirling about to destroy those of darkness. The archenemy of Spenta Armaiti, goddess of devotion, who encourages gratitude and thankfulness. Persian Hero RustumMaksim (Public Domain). Associated with, and possibly the same demon, as Vizaresha. Cista - an early goddess of health and well-being who presided over one's path in life and also one's spiritual walk of faith. Her name means immaculate and she is depicted as a beautiful young woman in a white gown brocaded with gold wearing a gold crown and carrying the sacred barsom twigs which represented the earth; sometimes also shown with a water pitcher. License. At death, after three days, the urvan is reunited with the fravashi who assists it in crossing the Chinvat Bridge. Bibliography Her name means offering and she presided over and encouraged sacrifice to the gods. Rudaabeh (Rudaba, Rudabeh) a beautiful princess of Kabul in the Shahnameh, wife of the hero Zal, mother of the champion Rustum. At birth, the fravashi sends the soul (urvan) into the physical body so that it can contribute to the fight against evil and experience the material world. Ameretat goddess of immortality whose name means life or living. Vayu was considered a yazata (spirit worth worshipping) or a daeva (evil spirit) depending on how he sided at a given time. He is best known as the spirit of light who delivered the revelation of divine truth to Zoroaster on the banks of a river. Guardian of the summer solstice. One of the most potent invisible spirits was the Jinn (also known as Djinn and best known as Genies) who, unlike any other entity, were collectively neutral in the war between good and evil. Last modified December 10, 2019. In some versions, Rashnu reads from the scrolls relating the good and bad deeds done by the soul in life, in others he holds golden scales which weigh these deeds against each other to determine the soul's destination in the afterlife. Ahura Mazda was uncreated and eternal and, by his goodness, made all that was known in seven steps: Sky was an orb suspended in the midst of nothingness and, within it, Ahura Mazda released waters and then separated the waters from each other by earth. Known as the Watcher of the South. He is the father of Apam-Natat, the god who provides these waters to humanity. Karshiptar (Karshipta) the swiftly flying giant bird who spreads the truth of Ahura Mazda around the world; later said to have spread Zoroaster's vision of Ahura Mazda as the one true god which enabled the faith to reach so many people and take hold. The Catholic concept of Purgatory was also earlier imagined by the Persians in their Hamistakan, a place for the souls of . Zal is raised by the dog-bird Simurgh and is later reconciled with his father. Gavaevodata the Primordial Bull (also known as the Uniquely Created Bull, Primordial Bovine, Primordial Ox), the first unique creature made by Ahura Mazda after the creation of sky, water, earth, and vegetation. We want people all over the world to learn about history. Srosh an angel, possibly the same as Sraosa/Suroosh, who announces the time of death of the king. Drvaspa goddess of cattle, children, and friendship, who promotes harmony. Known as the Watcher of the North. Owing to the first couple's acceptance of the lie, however, paradise has been lost and humans will now live in strife with the natural world and each other. Gavaevodata was so beautiful, it attracted the attention of Angra Mainyu who killed it and, afterwards, it was transported to the moon and purified; from its purified seed came all animals who would feed on, and fertilize, the earth's vegetation. Hvar Ksata (Hvare Khshaeta) god of the full sun, the many-horsed god who drives his chariot across the sky throughout the day. It was considered invincible since its hide was so thick that no weapon could penetrate it and it moved faster than any other living thing on earth. Sagdid glance of the dog, the ritual in which a dog is led into the presence of the corpse of the newly deceased to drive away evil spirits, especially Nasu (Naush) who will corrupt the dead body and make it unclean. Some, like the Peri or the Al, were considered a constant in one's life while others such as Simurgh or Azhi Dahaka represented a universal paradigm which informed one's present. Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Persia Rustum and Sohrab meet in battle, neither knowing the other's identity, and Sohrab is killed. Azhi Dahaka was the great three-headed dragon created out of the lies of Angra Mainyu to thwart any positive impulse in the world and create chaos. Founded by Zoroaster, an Iranian prophet, In 6th Century BC. . His second flood creates the Vourukasha Sea, source of all waters. World History Publishing is a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom. CAT I. In Mythology and Folklore - Encyclopaedia Iranica Airyaman god of friendship, healing, reconciliation. Zoroastrianism was developed from this earlier Persian mythology by a prophet called Zarathustra, also known by the Greeks as Zoroaster. Robert Alter in the Art of Biblical Narrative, recognizes that the Persian creation story of Genesis is utterly dualist. When she found it produced pleasing sensations, she brought the rest to Jamshid who reinstated her and decreed that grapes should be used in making wine. . Angra Mainyu the chief of the dark spirits of evil and chaos. Persian mythological motifs are evident in aspects of Vedic, Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Greek religious systems and, through later development by Zoroastrian thinkers, would come to influence significant aspects of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, among others; suggesting Persian mythological thought as foundational to religious belief worldwide in the modern era. She was later replaced by Daena who welcomed or rebuked souls arriving at the Chinvat Bridge. Zam-Armatay Mother Nature, the goddess of deified earth, the earth-energy which makes all things live and grow. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. He is, like Tishtrya, depicted as a white horse battling the demon Apaosha (shown as a black horse). Faravahar the famous Persian symbol of a royal figure seated on a solar disc in the center of outstretched wings, usually interpreted as representing divine grace and higher powers. Royal Stars the four major stars which influenced or, at times, governed human events. Mark has lived in Greece and Germany and traveled through Egypt. Similar to the Jinn were the Peri (fairies) who could be mischievous or helpful. With your support millions of people learn about history entirely for free, every month. Cultural Trends. Norse* mythology says that the first man and woman . Like Simurgh and the later Phoenix, the Huma was thought to live an immensely long life, die in its own flames, and give birth to itself afterwards. She is the later form of the earlier goddess Cista but with significant modifications such as her pivotal role at the Chinvat Bridge. Ancient Persian Gods, Heroes, and Creatures - The Complete List Guardian of the winter solstice. Her archenemy is the demon of hunger, need, and want, Tawrich. She continues this pattern for one thousand and one nights and so saves herself. Dogs dogs feature prominently in Persian mythology as forces for good. Her name is translated to mean "to understand" or "to notice" and she inspired people to recognize the path they were on, change it if they were going wrong, and continue on with strength and perseverance if they were doing right (essentially, the personification of one's conscience). This hiking route explores an untouched wilderness in the Western Balkans Many of the other gods of the original Early Iranian Religion were forgotten, however, and are only known through brief reference in Zoroastrian scripture, religious literature, and the tales collected and written down in works such as the Shahnameh and One Thousand Nights and a Night. Upon the earth, Ahura Mazda spread all different kinds of vegetation and imbued it with its own life and then created Gavaevodta, the Primordial Bull (also given as the uniquely created bull, Primordial Bovine, and Primordial Ox) who would give life to all other animals which would feed on, and fertilize, the vegetation. In early myths, she is known as Saena, the Great Falcon, who sits in the upper branches of the Tree of All Seeds and, by fluttering her wings, sends seeds flying to the ground and across the world to find their way into the earth. The Huma Bird is a later version of Simurgh, who was said to fly eternally over the earth, never landing, and if its shadow should fall upon an individual, that person would be blessed and happy all the days of their lives. The Shahnameh is an enormous epic spanning generations but, roughly speaking, tells the story of the forces of good, symbolized by the kingdom of Iran, battling those of chaos and evil personified by the kingdom of Turan. Iran's army said two Iranian crew members were missing and several others injured after a collision Thursday in the Gulf involving an oil tanker which was later seized by its forces.
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