Persian Mythology PDF Download

Persian mythology developed in what is now Iran after about 1500B.C. About a thousand years later, a religion known as Zoroastrianism emerged in the region. It held on to many of the earlier beliefs but added new themes, deities, and myths. The result was a mythology based on a dualistic vision: a cosmic conflict between good and evil. The stories which form the basis of Persian mythology come from early Persian religious belief. One refers to these - and similar stories from any culture - as "mythology" in the present day only because the theological paradigm has changed and a universe of many gods, spirits, angels, and demons has been replaced either by the monotheistic or atheistic model. In their time, however, they would have served the same basic purpose as the scripture of any religion does in modern times: to teach important spiritual and cultural values and assure people of order and meaning in the face of an often chaotic and frightening world. In this book of captivating myths from the rich culture of ancient Persia, you will encounter: The struggle between the good creator, Ahura Mazda, and the evil destroyer, Angra Mainyu The story of Ahura Mazda's creation of the world and the Blessed Immortals who guard it and keep it in existence How Yima the good shepherd enlarged the world to make room for all its creatures and then saved it from an apocalyptic winter The victory of the prophet Zarathustra over the demons sent to kill him The story of Kuyamars, the very first Persian king, and his grandson Hushang, who discovered fire The downfall of King Jamshid the Magnificent, who thought he was as powerful as God The evil Prince Zahhak, who had serpents growing out of his shoulders The fearsome but kindly Simorgh, a mythical giant bird with a lion's head The great hero Rostam and his faithful stallion, Rakhsh And more!