Theophanes’ account of Kavadh I, legendary treasure, and exorcism at a demon-guarded castle in late antique Persia Zoubdadeyer is the name of a fortified site mentioned in the Chronicle of Theophanes the Confessor, a Byzantine source composed in the early 9th century, recounting events from late antiquity. According to Theophanes, the castle stood on the … Read more
Yashd is a sacred book referenced by the Bedhin (Zoroastrian) community. Its use in prayer is said to confer a special property: after death, the corpse of a person who has prayed with the Yashd emits a delightful fragrance. The Yashd is considered extremely rare and is part of Zoroastrian esoteric tradition. The belief in … Read more
Yesdhoon (Yesdoon-Urmuzd, Ormusd) is a name for the supreme god in Zoroastrianism as identified by the Bedhin or Guèbres, descendants of ancient Persian fire-worshippers. Yesdhoon-Urmuzd is ascribed with a thousand and one names and is venerated alongside three angels guarding fire, water, and vegetation. Rituals include keeping an ever-burning fire and the use of a … Read more
Xerxes I (c. 519–465 BCE) was King of Persia and led the Achaemenid Empire during its wars with Greece. According to ancient historians, Xerxes was dissuaded from invading Greece by his uncle Artabanus, but dream visions compelled him to proceed. The supernatural element, including warnings from apparitions, is noted in Herodotus’ Histories, emphasizing divine intervention … Read more
The Simorgue, also spelled Simurgh or called Anka in Arabic, is a giant mythical bird in Persian lore. It features in Iranian legends, including the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi, described as immense enough to consume entire mountains’ produce. The Simorgue is rational and said to have lived through multiple world cycles predating humanity. It appears in … Read more
Rostam (in some older sources Roustem) is a Persian epic hero from the Shahnameh, composed by Ferdowsi around the tenth century. He is credited with extraordinary feats, battling mythical beasts and foes, representing one of the most prominent champions in Iranian literature. Related Posts:Mythological Anatomy: The Hidden Vocabulary of the…Bag: The Persian Idol That Never … Read more
Ner, or Nere, are malevolent divs (demons) in Persian mythology. They are known for their ferocity and are said to have waged war against the first monarchs of the East in mythical times. Among the most renowned for their fierceness are Demrousch-Nere, Séhélan-Nere, Mordach-Nere, and Cahamérage-Nere. According to legend, King Tahmuras defeated them and imprisoned … Read more
Wednesday holds significance in folklore and mythology. In European witchcraft traditions, it is associated with the Witches’ Sabbath, a clandestine gathering of witches. In Persian culture, Wednesday is generally considered a lucky day, as it is believed to be the day light was created. However, the last Wednesday of the month of Safar (in the … Read more
Melek-al-Mout (Arabic: ملك الموت, meaning ‘Angel of Death’) is the name given to the angel of death in Islamic tradition. In Persian tradition, he is also known as the ‘Angel with Twenty Hands,’ signifying his ability to efficiently dispatch souls. He is often depicted as a terrifying figure, wielding a sword and accompanied by assistants … Read more
Masquerades, festive celebrations involving costumes and disguises, have ancient roots. The Gauls believed that Mithras, the Persian god of light and truth, presided over the constellations. Initiates into Mithraic mysteries were divided into groups, each symbolized by a constellation. They celebrated their festivals disguised as lions, rams, bears, and dogs, representing these constellations. This practice, … Read more