Persian mythology
|
|
The beliefs and practices of the culturally and linguistically related group of ancient peoples who inhabited the Iranian Plateau and its borderlands, as well as areas of Central Asia from the Black Sea to Khotan (modern Ho-t'ien, China), form Persian mythology.
Much of the information about Persian (old-Iranian) gods can be found in the religious texts from Zarathushtra (Zoroaster) such as the Avesta, and in later sources such as the Bundahishn and the Denkard. The original Avesta dates back to 1400 - 1200 BCE, and was kept in Istakhr until Alexander of Macedon destroyed it. The current version dates from the 13th or 14th century, and contains only a fragment of the original text.
Unlike many other mythologies, Persian mythology has only 2 main gods: Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu. Ahura Mazda was the god of light, construction, fertility, and light. In contrast, Angra Mainyu was the god of darkness, destruction, sterility, and death. The pair was always in constant conflict. Evil people followed Angra Mainyu, while good people followed Ahura Mazda.
Key Texts
Related subjects