Ahriman

/ɑːˈrɪ.mɑn/ noun

Definition

In Zoroastrianism, the supreme evil spirit or devil; the cosmic force of darkness and chaos opposing the good creator Ahura Mazda.

Etymology

From Old Persian 'Angra Mainyu' (the destructive spirit), later called 'Ahriman' in Zoroastrian texts. The name means 'the bad spirit' in Persian languages and represents pure evil in this ancient religion.

Kelly Says

Ahriman is one of history's first concepts of cosmic evil—Zoroastrianism's battle between Ahriman and Ahura Mazda may have influenced later religious ideas of good versus evil that shaped Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

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