ZOROASTER

(17th century BC)

Zoroaster, Gk. Zoroastr, also Zarathustra. Avestan worldly name ‘possessing old camels’; mystic name ‘Golden Sirius’. Reformer of the Great Brotherhood (Maz-Magi), founder of the religion of Veh Den, the ‘good faith’, later called Zoroastrianism. The central issue of Zoroastrian ethics is the problem of choosing between good and evil, and this influenced most Eurasian traditions. In the Christian tradition, Zoroaster was included among the ‘Hellenic philosphers’. Iranian. Born in a settlement on the River Daredzhi, in Padiragtasarati, Hairat (the northeast of ancient Iran). His mother was Dukdaub, daughter of Phrahimravana, and father Porushasp from the family of Spitama, priest of Chaoma. Elder brothers were Ratushtara, Rangushtru; younger brothers Notariga and Nivetish. Tall and well-built, with long arms. Zoroaster’s first wife was a widow (her name is unknown), the second was Hvovi, daughter of Frashaoshtra. Sons of his first marriage: Urvatat-nara, Hvara-chitra. His second wife gave birth to a son by the name of Isad-vastra and daughters Phreni, Triti and Pouruchista. Ashvan (‘true believer’). From the age of 7 to 15, Zoroaster studied with atharvan and zaotar priests. Belonged to the order of zaotars (chief priests); became known as a mantran (composer of mantras) and advisor to the king of Dranginana. He was sentenced to death for blasphemy by the priesthood and leaders of his family, but due to the intercession of Aurvaito-danga the sentence was lifted and he was exiled instead. Wandered through the lands of Ariana Vedzhy, Atropateny (now Southern Azaibaijan), Dranginana (the borders of Iran and Afghanistan). Arrested by the king of Dranginana Kavi Vishtaspa for blasphemy, then pardoned. Rehabilitated after providing irrefutable evidence of his innocence. Original works written by Zoroaster include the Gathas, the liturgy of the Yasna-Khaptankhaiti, the prayers of Ienkhe-Khatam and Ashem-Vokhu and several Yashts (hymns). Died in Dranginana at the age of 77 years and 40 days. According to the Mazdean religion his body was left to be torn apart by wild beasts in the dakhma (burial chamber).