Ahriman : The Evil One

Ahriman

Introduction

The evil spirit known as Ahriman is found in Zoroastrianism, early Iranian religion, and Zorvanism. He is also referred to as Angra Mainyu, which means dark or evil spirit. He is in opposition to the good spirits known as Ahura Mazda and Ormuzd.

Ahura Mazda reigned as the god of the world and was known for creating it. He was also the opponent of Angra Mainyu, who was the ruler of the legions of demons. Following the reforms of Zoroaster, which occurred in the 1500s BCE, Ahura Mazda became the only true god of Zoroastrianism and Ahriman was the embodiment of evil.

Physical Traits

It is believed that Ahirman brings darkness, as he opposes purity and enlightenment. In some depictions, he has serpent-like features, such as serpent heads. The various attributes of Ahirman, such as cunning, immorality, and deceit, are depicted in his serpentine forms. His horns also represent his rebellious nature and desire to challenge the forces of good.

Ahirman is often depicted as having features that are distorted or contorted, which are a reflection of his twisted nature. These could include a grotesque appearance or a twisted face that represents his disruption and perversion.

Family

The birth of Ahura Mazda and Ihriman by Zorvan didn’t cause evil. It was because of Ahriman that evil was created. He was the one who sought the opposite of the good. His figure has been linked to the creation of various supernatural entities in other religions such as Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The corpse of Gavaevodta was carried to the moon by Ahura Mazda. It was then purified and turned into the seed all animals were made from. Ahura Mazda also created the first man, who was called Gayomartan. He was quickly killed by Ahriman.

The seed of Gayomartan is cleansed by the sun, and a rhubarb plant grows from this to produce the first couple, Mashya and Mashyanak. They live in harmony as they coexist with the animals, the earth, and their creator. However, after Ahriman reveals himself to them and tells them that he is the creator and Ahura Mazda is the enemy, they are deceived.

They are convinced that the lies have entered the world and have lost their relationship with the animals. They cannot conceive a child for a long time following their fall. When Mashyanag finally gives birth, she and her husband eat the babies because they have no idea why they are eating them. Eventually, they are able to get married and have twins, who go on to become the world’s first humans. Ahriman’s lies have ruined the paradise that was once created, and humans are now at odds with both the animals and the earth.

Following the birth of Gayamartan, Ahura Mazda extinguished his fire as his final act of creation. Because of Ahriman’s influence and humanity’s fallen nature, gods were needed to help people live their lives. They were tasked with assisting people in making the crucial decisions between following Ahriman or Ahura Mazda.

Other names

The Avestan’s name for the hypostasis of evil or the destructive spirit is the Angra Mainyu. The name can also appear in works as Ahrimanes.

Powers and Abilities

The dedication of Ahriman to undermining the good that was done by Ahura Mazda could not be equated with any other kind of strategy. He focused his attention on doing so at every turn, and he did not consider using his power for the promotion of others. Ahriman is capable of narrating the unpredictable and often chaotic aspects of life, which can come without warning and disrupt one’s plans and daily routine.

Modern Day Influence

The song Temple of Ahriman, which was released by Swedish metal band Dark Funeral in 2016, is about the Towers of Silence and Angra Mainyu. Various versions of this character can also be found in the various Final Fantasy video games. Ahzek, the protagonist of Warhammer 40,000, is based on Ahriman, while Ohrzmund, his brother, is modeled after Ahura Mazda. Michael Ford’s “Drauga Drauga” is an occult work that explores the mythology, lore, and modern practices of daeva-yasna and Yatuk Dinoih from ancient Persia using a Luciferian approach.