Ahriman

Ahriman: The Persian price of evil, prototype of the Christian Satan.  According to Zoroaster, who was tempted by the archfiend but came off triumphant from the encounter, it was Ahriman who brought death to the world by virtue of slaying the prototype of man and beasts.  [Rf. Forlong, Encyclopedia of Religions.]  Ahriman was not entirely evil until Sassanid times.  The Magi once sacrificed to Ahriman.  He is co-evil with Ahura Mazda and equally supreme in power, but will be overcome in the end by the great Persian "omniscient lord of heaven and earth."  Early Zoroastrians believed that Ahriman and Ahura Mazda created the world together.  Some believe that the two were twins fathered by Zurvan (Boundless Time) (a)

AHRIMAN:  Ahriman is the Zoroastrian equivalent of the Christian LUCIFER, the King of darkness and death.  He is the despicable demon in ZOROASTRIANISM, the Middle Eastern faith that predates Islam.  Ahriman rules the underworld and torments the souls of the wicked. He is frequently referred to as the "Lord of Lies" and is blamed for causing evil in the world.  His twin brother is the good god Ohrmazd.  The two are locked in an ongoing battle for control over the world, although it is believed that Ohrmazd will ultimately prevail.

The name of Ahriman first appears in the Gathas, or Songs of Zoroaster, dating back to the seventh-century B.C.  Zoroastrianism centers on religious dualism, teaching that the created universe is the product of two equally powerful gods rather than one supreme being.  According to the story the deity Zurvan wanted a son and made sacred offerings in hopes of becoming a father.  After years without a child, he begins to doubt that his prayers will ever be answered.  At this instant, both Ohrmazd and Ahriman are conceived: Ohrmazd in response to Zurvan's faithfulness and Ahriman as punishment for his doubts.  Zurvan decides that the firstborn child will be given rule over the earth.

Upon hearing this, Ahriman tears his way out of the womb and demands his birthright.  Zurvan weeps, realizing that this child is dark and evil, while Ohrmazd is good and beautiful.  Reluctantly, Zurvan agrees to keep his word - but only for nine thousand years.  When that time is over, Ohrmazd will defeat his twin, and Ahriman will face ANNIHILATION.  The underworld will then be emptied and Ohrmazd will rule in peace for all eternity, a destiny similar to the Christian doctrine of the LAST JUDGEMENT.  Until that time, Ahriman reigns over both earth and hell, causing unceasing pain and suffering.  (o)

(a) "The Dictionary of Angels" by Gustav Davidson, © 1967

(o) "The Encyclopedia of Hell."  Miriam Van Scott.  St. Martin's Press.  ©1998