👹 Div (Daeva)

Etymology and Evolution

The word "div" (or "daeva") is cognate with the Sanskrit deva (deity) and Latin deus (god). Interestingly, while in Vedic Hinduism the devas are benevolent gods and the asuras are demons, in Zoroastrianism this relationship is inverted: the Ahuras are good (Ahura Mazda is the supreme good god), while the Daevas are evil demons.

This inversion reflects the theological revolution initiated by Zoroaster (Zarathustra), who rejected the old Indo-Iranian pantheon and established a dualistic cosmology of absolute good versus absolute evil. The old gods (daevas) were recast as demons, while Ahura Mazda alone was elevated as the supreme deity.

The Cosmic Battle

In Zoroastrian cosmology, the universe is the battleground between:

• Ahura Mazda (Ohrmazd) - The Wise Lord, supreme god of light, truth, and creation
• Angra Mainyu (Ahriman) - The Destructive Spirit, principle of darkness, lies, and chaos

The Divs are the servants and soldiers of Angra Mainyu, created to corrupt Ahura Mazda's good creation. Each Div opposes one of the Amesha Spentas (Holy Immortals) or corrupts a particular virtue. Humanity's role in this cosmic drama is to choose between truth (Asha) and falsehood (Druj), thereby contributing to the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Appearance

Divs are typically described as hideous, monstrous beings with various demonic features:

• Horns, fangs, and claws
• Dark, shadowy forms or burning, fiery appearances
• Sometimes depicted with animal features (wolves, serpents, etc.)
• Ability to shapeshift and appear beautiful to deceive humans
• Enormous size in some traditions

Powers and Abilities

• Deception: Master deceivers who lead humans astray through lies and illusions
• Shapeshifting: Can assume pleasing forms to tempt mortals
• Corruption: Spread disease, drought, discord, and moral corruption
• Magic and Sorcery: Wield dark supernatural powers
• Possession: Can enter and control human minds and bodies
• Physical Strength: Possess great physical power in combat

Weaknesses

• Repelled by prayers, especially the Ashem Vohu prayer
• Cannot withstand the sacred fire (Atar)
• Weakened by truth, righteousness, and good thoughts/words/deeds
• Can be bound or banished by powerful magi and heroes
• Flee from the crowing of the rooster (symbol of dawn and Ahura Mazda)

Aeshma - Demon of Wrath

Aeshma Daeva is the demon of wrath, fury, and violence. He incites rage and bloodlust in humans, leading to warfare and murder. In later tradition, Aeshma becomes "Asmodeus" in Jewish and Christian demonology. He is one of the seven arch-demons opposed to the Amesha Spentas.

Aka Manah - Demon of Evil Mind

"Evil Mind" or "Evil Purpose," Aka Manah spreads corrupt thoughts and malicious intentions. He opposes Vohu Manah (Good Mind), one of the Amesha Spentas. Aka Manah tempts humans to evil deeds and clouds judgment with wicked counsel.

Azhi Dahaka (Zahhak)

The three-headed dragon demon, one of the most famous Divs. In the Shahnameh (Persian Book of Kings), Azhi Dahaka appears as Zahhak, a tyrant king with serpents growing from his shoulders that must be fed with human brains. He represents oppression, foreign domination, and the corruption of kingship. Eventually defeated by the hero Fereydun.

Druj - Demon of the Lie

Druj (also Druj Nasu) personifies falsehood, deceit, and corruption. Druj Nasu specifically is the corpse demon that pollutes dead bodies, representing death's corruption. The concept of Druj (the Lie) is opposed to Asha (Truth/Order), the fundamental cosmic principle of Zoroastrianism.

Apaosha - Demon of Drought

The demon of drought who withholds rain and brings famine. Apaosha appears as a black horse and battles with Tishtrya (the star Sirius), who appears as a white horse and brings rain. Their cosmic battle determines whether the land receives life-giving water.

The Shahnameh

In Ferdowsi's epic Shahnameh (completed c. 1010 CE), Divs play prominent roles as adversaries of heroes. They inhabit remote mountains, caves, and dark places, emerging to challenge heroes like Rostam. Famous episodes include:

• Rostam's battle with the White Div in Mazandaran
• The defeat of Zahhak (Azhi Dahaka) by Fereydun
• Various heroes encountering and defeating Divs in their quests

In these narratives, Divs often guard treasures, hold captives, or serve as tests of the hero's courage and righteousness. Victory over a Div represents the triumph of good over evil, order over chaos.

Dualism and Moral Choice

The Divs embody Zoroastrianism's dualistic worldview. Unlike some religious traditions where evil is merely the absence of good, in Zoroastrianism evil (represented by Angra Mainyu and his Divs) is an active, destructive force with its own reality. However, this dualism is not eternal—Zoroastrian eschatology predicts that good will ultimately triumph, and the Divs will be destroyed in the final renovation of the world (Frashokereti).

Humans are called to actively choose good over evil through:

• Humata - Good thoughts
• Hukhta - Good words
• Hvarshta - Good deeds

By living righteously, humans help Ahura Mazda in the cosmic battle against the Divs and hasten the final victory of good.