The Eternal Cosmic Struggle
Zoroastrian theology centers on the fundamental opposition between two primordial spirits who chose their paths at the beginning of time. This is not a balance of equals, but rather a temporary struggle where good (Ahura Mazda) will ultimately triumph over evil (Angra Mainyu) at the end of the world.
⚡ Ahura Mazda
The Wise Lord
Creator of all good things, source of light, truth (Asha), and wisdom. Ahura Mazda is the uncreated supreme deity who existed before all else and will exist after the defeat of evil.
Allies:
- The Amesha Spentas (7 Bounteous Immortals)
- The Yazatas (worthy of worship)
- Fravashis (guardian spirits)
- All who follow Asha (truth/order)
😈 Angra Mainyu
Also called Ahriman. The embodiment of evil, chaos, destruction, and the Druj (lie/falsehood). Angra Mainyu is not created by Ahura Mazda but is a separate spiritual entity who chose evil at the beginning of time.
Minions:
The Amesha Spentas
The "Bounteous Immortals" or "Holy Immortals" - seven divine emanations of Ahura Mazda. Each represents a virtue and protects an element of the good creation. They are both abstract concepts and personified divine beings who aid Ahura Mazda in the cosmic struggle.
The Yazatas - Worthy of Worship
The Yazatas are divine beings worthy of veneration, including both personified natural forces and abstract virtues. While subordinate to Ahura Mazda, they are powerful allies in the cosmic struggle and are invoked in prayers and rituals.
Major Yazatas
Covenant, Light, Justice
Waters, Fertility, Healing
Moon, Keeper of Time
Wind, Atmosphere
Fravashis - Guardian Spirits
Every person, animal, and even Ahura Mazda himself has a Fravashi - a divine guardian spirit that existed before birth and continues after death. The Fravashis of the righteous dead are powerful protectors who aid the living and fight against evil forces.
The Daevas - Evil Spirits
The daevas are malevolent spiritual beings who serve Angra Mainyu and oppose Asha (truth/order). Unlike fallen angels in other traditions, the daevas were never good - they are primordial forces of chaos and destruction who have always opposed the good creation.
Major Daevas
- Aka Manah (Evil Mind): Opposite of Vohu Manah, corrupts good thoughts
- Aeshma (Wrath): Demon of violence, fury, and rage
- Az (Avarice): Demon of greed, lust, and gluttony
- Apaosha: Demon of drought who opposes Tishtrya
- Bushyasta: Demon of sloth and laziness
- Jahi: Demoness of defilement and menstruation
- Zairik: Demon who poisons food and spreads disease
📖 Sources
- Yasna: Liturgical texts including invocations of the Amesha Spentas and Yazatas
- Yashts: Hymns to individual Yazatas (especially Mithra, Anahita, Verethraghna)
- Bundahishn: Descriptions of the creation and the cosmic struggle
- Denkard: Encyclopedia of Zoroastrian theology and demonology
Related Across the Mythos
Hindu Deities
Vedic Pantheon