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. Aesma (Aesma-Daeva) demon of lust and rage whose name means 'Fury'. The great heroes like Karsasp, Thraetaona, and Rustum express particularly Persian values but, as with all mythical figures, are recognizable to people of any culture as role models whose best qualities are worth emulating. Some Rights Reserved (2009-2023) under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license unless otherwise noted. For only $5 per month you can become a member and support our mission to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. Ahuras divine spirits of light, emanations of Ahura Mazda, protectors and defenders of humanity; also known as ahuranis. Since both of these originated from roughly the same environment and culture, they shared a common religious belief system, which would develop in time as the Vedic lore and Hinduism of India and the Early Iranian Religion and Zoroastrianism of Persia, all of which share key concepts and types of supernatural beings. Only Rustum was able to ride Rakhsh as Rustum's superior strength and power would have killed any other horse, although Rakhsh would not allow any other rider through devotion to Rustum. They are best known from the Persian work One Thousand Nights and a Night (also known as The Arabian Nights) where Jinn play a pivotal role. Vouru-Kasa a water god who is the keeper and protector of the waters of the Vourukasha Sea, the source of all waters, and is the embodiment of that sea. His son, the great Kay Kosrow, later avenged him. No matter how many times they were beheaded, new heads grew on them to guard him. Neriosang an angel, messenger of the gods. Zam the earth, home of the mortals, which should be cared for as one cares for one's own house. There are two main parts to the Persian creation story this second part of the story is what we shall be focusing on for today's lesson in Persian mythology, the spirit of good, one of the original beings in the universe, was the creator of the world his name. . Related Content Simurgh had the head of a dog, body of a peacock, and claws of a lion and lived 1,700 years, acquiring all knowledge, before dying in a flame of its own making and rising again. Kara Fish fish that protect the Tree of Seeds and the plant Gaokerena in the middle of the Vourukasha Sea. President Joe Biden spoke about the creation of new manufacturing jobs Tuesday at the . A freelance writer and former part-time Professor of Philosophy at Marist College, New York, Joshua J. The early Iranian deities were almost completely reimagined by Zoroaster but many retained their original function to greater or lesser degrees. Rustum and Sohrab meet in battle, neither knowing the other's identity, and Sohrab is killed. https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1484/twelve-ancient-persian-mythological-creatures/. They were also, like the Peri, adopted by the Muslim Arabs as neutral, though potentially dangerous, supernatural forces. The Al (Hal) is the most feared of these demons as it preyed upon newborns and sleeping mothers and their children. Srisok - the celestial bull known earlier as Hadhayans who brought the three sacred ritual Great Fires, kindled by Ahura Mazda, to earth. They are Armaiti (Devotion), Asha Vahishta (Truth/Righteousness), Haurvatat (Wholeness), Khshathra Vairya (Desirable Dominion), Vohu Manah (Good Purpose), Spenta Mainyu (Holy Spirit), Ameretat (Immortality). Gaya Maretan the first king of the Iranians (in some legends) who established law in the land and initiated civilization. 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. One of the central values of ancient Persian culture was storytelling, and through their rich mythology, they created some of the most memorable characters and tales in world history which have fascinated audiences ever since. Zam-Armatay Mother Nature, the goddess of deified earth, the earth-energy which makes all things live and grow. They were allegedly imprisoned in their fairy-form until they had atoned for a past sin but were neither human souls nor immortal entities. Mark, Joshua J.. "Ancient Persian Mythology." Apam-Napat a water god whose name means child of the waters. These include a creation myth and a vision of afterlife, which Islam shares with the other Abrahamic . Other information on pre-Zoroastrian religion comes from later works known as the Bundahisn and the Denkard and, to a lesser extent, the Vendidad. 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. Hushedar-mar would continue the work begun by Hushedar, but this would be interrupted by the demonic dragon Azhi Daraka who would break his chains and wreak havoc on the world before his defeat and death, which would signal the coming of the last messiah, the Saoshyant. She was the agent through whom Angra Mainyu killed the Primordial Bull Gavaevodata and is among Ahura Mazda's greatest enemies. Al (Hal) nocturnal predator demons who fed on newborns and could harm or kill women in late-stage pregnancies. Sraosa (Sorush, Suroosh) angel of the Chinvat Bridge who guides and protects souls of the newly deceased as they cross toward final judgment by Rashnu. . (2019, December 09). Please note that some of these recommendations are listed under our old name, Ancient History Encyclopedia. After the soul has left the body, it was thought to linger on earth for three days while the gods came to a decision regarding one's life and final fate. The long tradition of telling these tales attests to the popularity of their rich imagery and dramatic tension as they were repeated orally for centuries before they found written form. The dog was considered the best protection against these spirits as well as their physical manifestations. However one chose would then dictate the quality of one's life and, naturally, one's afterlife. When someone in the community went missing, and there was no clue as to what happened to them, it was judged to be the work of a manticore. 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. The Arabian NightsK.C. The regal period, 753-509 bc The waters are said to come from the Alburz Mountains through ice-melt and collect in the Vourukasha Sea and, from there, flow outwards to form all the other bodies of water in the world. Tistar god of rain, possibly another form of Tishtyra but most likely a separate deity. English/Language Arts: The study of creation myths from around the world can be an incredibly engaging and meaningful activity. Another great threat to order and human happiness was the dragon (known as azhi) and the most fearsome of these was Azhi Dahaka who is described as three-mouthed, the three-headed, the six-eyed, who has a thousand sensesmost powerful, to destroy the world of the good principle (Yasht 9.14; Curtis, 23). He was considered the greatest protection against evil. Peris are tiny, beautiful, winged creatures usually female who can deliver important messages from the gods or, just as easily, steal and hide some important object or misdirect a person. The Supreme Deity first created sky an orb and then filled it with water and separated the water with earth, which was planted with various types of vegetation, and then made the Primordial Bull, which was brilliant white and glowed like the moon. Vourukasha Sea the primordial sea from which all other waters flow on earth. Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter! We want people all over the world to learn about history. This Persian marvel was lost for millennia Only one ancient account mentions the existence of Xerxes Canal, long thought to be a tall tale. World History Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Canada. To prove his innocence, he rode his great horse Shabrang Behzed through a towering fire and emerged unscathed. Although the claim that the ancient Persians recognized these stars has been challenged, the Zoroastrian cosmological text Bundahisn, attests to such. His second flood creates the Vourukasha Sea, source of all waters. License. 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. Saena Tree (Tree of All Remedies, Tree of All Seeds) the great tree and mother of all trees, mother of all plants which grows in the middle of the Vourukasha Sea and sends the seeds of all vegetation out into the world when the Saena Bird, who lives in its branches, flaps its wings. License. It originated in Persia but most followers today live in India and some still live in Iran. 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. Angra Mainyu the chief of the dark spirits of evil and chaos. 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. The effort of firing his great bow such a long distance killed him, but his spirit remains and continues to encourage others, especially those who are in danger of losing their way. Fourth edition, new print. The first person and the founder of the Pishdadian Dynasty was Keyumars, according to Persian creation myth, and his offspring Mashya and Mashyana carried on the human species by their procreation. World History Encyclopedia, 16 Jan 2020. Chamrosh is also a protective entity, who swoops down upon non-Iranian invaders, pecking at them and driving them away. A minor god originally, who later became the Supreme Deity as Lord of the universe embodying Time. It restored health when eaten and its juice granted vision and immortality to the resurrected dead. World History Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Canada. Vohu Manah encourages people to do the right thing under any circumstance. Once animals and plant life were in place, Ahura Mazda created the first man, Gayomartan (also given as Gayomard, Kiyumars) who is beautiful and bright as the sun and so attracts the attention of Angra Mainyu who kills him. The land of Israel, and the Levant more generally, is more subject to drought than floods, so it is natural to suppose that the story originated outside this area. He is the son of the water god Vouru-Kasa, keeper of the waters, who gives water to humans. We want people all over the world to learn about history. They were later elevated to benevolent spirits by the Muslim Arabs and served the same purpose as angels in bringing messages from the divine. Rakhsh the great stallion of the hero Rustum, mightier and more intelligent than any other horse, and of amazing strength and speed. Web. The world, seen and unseen, was created by Ahura Mazda, the source of all good and all life. They largely appear in folklore as pranksters who hide objects or misdirect, and their most popular antics would be the ancient Persian equivalent of hiding a person's car keys. He is only finally killed through deceit but still is victorious in maintaining order against chaos. Twelve Ancient Persian Mythological Creatures. 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. 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. License. It was later re-imagined as the bull Srisok who brought the holy ritual fires to earth which had been first kindled by Ahura Mazda. Persian mythology, ancient Beliefs of the ancient Persian (Iranian) people. He derives strength from the proper worship of the people; fighting well when offerings are made in the right spirit and faltering when his worshipers neglect him. In the Zoroastrian text Vendidad, it is the mountain in the afterlife on the other side of the Chinvat Bridge, the span between the world of the living and the dead. Our latest articles delivered to your inbox, once a week: Our mission is to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. Web. He is also known as Ahriman, especially in later texts on Zorvanism, where he is referenced as Ahura Mazda's twin brother. Our publication has been reviewed for educational use by Common Sense Education, Internet Scout (University of Wisconsin), Merlot (California State University), OER Commons and the School Library Journal. Jinn (Djinn) supernatural entities, neither immortal nor human spirits, who are better known as genies. Spenta Mainyu Holy Spirit, one of the seven Amesha Spentas, the embodiment of the light and goodness of Ahura Mazda. World History Encyclopedia is a non-profit organization. The Peris are tiny, lovely, winged creatures neither good nor evil who enjoy playing pranks on people but can also be helpful. Last modified December 10, 2019. Yima does so, and the world is saved. Thank you! Tishtrya is represented as a white horse with golden ears, ornamented with gold trim, who battles the demons Apaosha (drought) and Duzhyairya (bad harvest), rising from the Vourukasha Sea, the source of all waters, to fly across the sky or dive into the waters to defeat his enemies. Submitted by Joshua J. Jamshid (Jam, Yima Kshaeta) the fourth king of the world who brought civilization to its greatest height, initiated the construction of cities, established social hierarchy, and introduced winemaking. Azhi Dahaka. With your support millions of people learn about history entirely for free, every month. When he marries Shahrazad, she preserves her life by telling him a story the night of their wedding but not finishing it; to hear the conclusion, he lets her live, and so she continues telling her stories in the same way and escapes execution. The most prominent and unique feature of ancient Iranian religion was the development of dualism, primarily expressed in the opposition of truth ( arta) and falsehood ( drug, drauga ). Please support World History Encyclopedia. There were four levels descending down from the Chinvat Bridge, each one increasing in darkness until the lowest which was completely absent of all light. The most plausible hypothesis seems to be that Roman Mithraism was practically a new creation, wrought by a religious genius who may have lived as late as . The other major sources for Persian mythology are the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings) written by the Persian poet Abolqasem Ferdowsi (l. 940-1020 CE) drawing on the much earlier oral tradition, and the popular One Thousand Tales (better known as The Arabian Nights), written during the Sassanian Period (224-651 CE) and also based on oral tradition. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. This renewal of interest is not easily explained. Last modified January 16, 2020. The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Mythology: An A-Z Guide to the Myths and Twelve Ancient Persian Mythological Creatures, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. 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. 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. Simurgh known as the dog-bird was an enormous winged creature with the head of a dog, body of a peacock, and claws of a lion, sometimes also imagined with a human face. Srosh an angel, possibly the same as Sraosa/Suroosh, who announces the time of death of the king. The world, seen and unseen, was created by Ahura Mazda, the source of all good and all life. World History Publishing is a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom. Dogs in Antiquity: Anubis to Cerberus: The Origin of the Domestic Dog, Gods in the Desert: Religions of the Ancient Near East. They were generally regarded with suspicion, and amulets were carried by merchants and travelers for protection against them. It struck without warning but, sometimes, would announce itself with a growl like a trumpet. Creation & the Problem of Evil. Mithra's heroic qualities formed the basis for the central figure of the Roman mystery religion known as the Cult of Mithras, but the two deities are not the same. 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. He is eventually defeated and destroyed by Ahura Mazda at the end of the world. The mythology of any civilization reflects its core values, greatest fears, and highest hopes and so it is with the mythology of ancient Persia.The great heroes like Karsasp, Thraetaona, and Rustum express particularly Persian values but, as with all mythical figures, are recognizable to people of any culture as role models whose best qualities are worth emulating. Its horn was thought to be a powerful antidote to poison and seeing one was thought to bring good luck. Rudaabeh (Rudaba, Rudabeh) a beautiful princess of Kabul in the Shahnameh, wife of the hero Zal, mother of the champion Rustum. Then Ahura Mazd created Gaymart . He inspires the hero Fereydun to lead the revolt. Peri (Avestan Pairika), a beautiful albeit evil woman in early mythology, gradually became less evil and more beautiful. How these deities were venerated by the pre-Zoroastrian Persians is unclear but it is certain that rituals involved fire (considered a divine element and also a god), were conducted outdoors, and elevated the supreme principle of Goodness personified in the being of Ahura Mazda, king of the gods. One notable example of this is the creature not yet mentioned here known as the Karakadann/Koresk better known as the unicorn a shy and elusive animal who kept to itself in remote places. Yima (Yama) the first mortal king to have ruled. For only $5 per month you can become a member and support our mission to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. Like the Peri, they were neutral in the struggle between good and evil and seem to have based their actions on the circumstance of the moment. 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. One of the seven Amesha Spentas. Persian mythology or Iranian mythology (Persian: ) is the body of the myths originally told by ancient Persians and other Iranian peoples, and a genre of Ancient Persian folklore. In a story which some scholars cite as a direct influence on the later biblical Noah's Ark tale, Yima also saves the world from destruction. About a thousand years later, a religion known as Zoroastrianism (pronounced zor-oh-AS-tree-uhn-iz-m) emerged in the region. On earth, he assists the righteous in their war against the forces of darkness; after death, he helps protect the justified soul on its journey to paradise. Royal Stars the four major stars which influenced or, at times, governed human events. When Hushedar-mar appeared, people would stop drinking milk and the sun would stand still for twenty days. Amesha Spentas also known as yazatas, the Amesha Spentas are seven immortal beings worthy of worship who personify the highest values and greatest goods. Traditional legends and stories originally told by ancient Persians and other Iranian peoples, For example, those regions and peoples in the, Indogermanisches etymologisches Wrterbuch, Learn how and when to remove this template message, List of articles related to Persian mythology, Dialect, Culture, and Society in Eastern Arabia: Glossary, Ferdowsi millennial celebration in Berlin, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Persian_mythology&oldid=1146589156, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from September 2021, All articles needing additional references, Articles containing Avestan-language text, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. The Avesta (Zoroastrian scriptures) is the primary source in the section known as the Yasht which deals with pre-Zoroastrian deities, spirits, and other entities. Shahbaz a giant bird, larger than any other, who watches over and encourages humanity; thought to be the Imperial Eagle representing royalty under the reign of Cyrus the Great. Zal summons Simurgh who teaches him how to deliver the child through Caesarian section and also instructs him in the medicinal use of plants. The general khrafstra manifested themselves frequently in the natural world, taking on the form of wasps, stinging ants, beasts of prey, rodents, spiders, and similar creatures. This was a polytheistic faith with a pantheon led by the supreme god Ahura Mazda ("Lord of Wisdom"), champion of order, against the dark forces of Angra Mainyu ("Destructive Spirit") and his legions of chaos. Mark has lived in Greece and Germany and traveled through Egypt. 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. She continues this pattern for one thousand and one nights and so saves herself. Mark, Joshua J.. "Ancient Persian Gods, Heroes, and Creatures - The Complete List." Their enemies are the daevas, evil spirits of darkness. He was a god of courage and enlightenment, and led the chariot of the sun across the sky on its daily journey. A freelance writer and former part-time Professor of Philosophy at Marist College, New York, Joshua J. Persian Hero RustumMaksim (Public Domain). Help our mission to provide free history education to the world! At this point, Ahura Mazda's supernatural enemy enters the narrative Angra Mainyu (also known as Ahriman) who embodies chaos, darkness, and evil. Between 1500 and 1000 B . Rustum is the greatest and best-known Persian champion, invincible in battle, who fights to maintain order and justice against the Kingdom of Turan. Mark has lived in Greece and Germany and traveled through Egypt. Suroosh symbolized protection & Daena one's own conscience. Myth and history represent alternative ways of looking at the past. Saurva demon of chaos and one of the central Daevas, archenemy of the Amesha Spenta Khshathra Vairya, protector of the desirable dominion of paradise.
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