Persian mythology, ancient

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | 700+ words | Copyright

Persian mythology, ancient Beliefs of the ancient Persian (Iranian) people. The oldest Persian deity was Mithra, who was identified with the sun. He was a god of courage and enlightenment, and led the chariot of the sun across the sky on its daily journey. He was associated with Anahita, the goddess of water and of fertility. In the Zoroastrian period, Mithra became subordinate to Ahura Mazdah, worshipped by the Achaemenid Kings of Persia as the creator and ruler of the world. Ahura Mazdah was engaged in an eternal conflict with Ahriman, the principle of evil. At a later period, both Ahura Mazdah and Ahriman (or Angra Mainyu) were regarded as the twin offspring of Zurvan (Time). Their cosmic struggle would end ultimately with the victory of Ahura Mazdah.

Cite this article
Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography.

MLA
Chicago
APA

"Persian mythology, ancient." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Persian mythology, ancient." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Persianmythologyancient.html

"Persian mythology, ancient." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Persianmythologyancient.html

Learn more about citation styles