Introduction
Zarathustra, known in Greek-derived form as Zoroaster, is the historical prophet and founder of Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest continuously practised religions. He is understood in the tradition not as a deity but as a human prophet who received direct revelation from Ahura Mazda and taught a message centred on the ethical triad of good thought, good word and good deed.
Family
- Father: Pourushaspa
Historical uncertainty
The exact dates of Zarathustra's life are much debated among scholars, with estimates ranging from as early as 1500 BCE to as late as the sixth century BCE, and even his precise geographic origin within the ancient Iranian-speaking world is uncertain. The oldest and most reliable source for his teachings is the Gathas, seventeen hymns preserved within the Yasna section of the Avesta, believed by scholars to preserve, in a poetic and archaic form of Avestan, material closer to Zarathustra's own words than any other surviving text.
Revelation and teaching
According to tradition, Zarathustra received his revelation from Ahura Mazda after being led into his presence by Vohu Manah, one of the Amesha Spentas. His core teaching emphasised monotheistic worship of Ahura Mazda as the one true, uncreated god, moral responsibility and free will (each person must choose between asha, truth, and druj, the Lie), and the ethical formula of good thoughts, good words and good deeds (humata, hukhta, hvarshta) as the path of righteousness.
In the family tree
Zarathustra is included in Zoroastrian genealogical and legendary tradition as the son of Pourushaspa, though as a historical prophet rather than a deity, he stands somewhat apart from the purely mythological figures of the Amesha Spentas and Yazatas around him.
Legacy
Zoroastrianism, the religion Zarathustra founded, became the state religion of the Achaemenid, Parthian and Sasanian Persian empires and profoundly influenced later religious thought, including aspects of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, particularly in concepts such as a cosmic struggle between good and evil, a coming saviour figure, and final judgment and resurrection. Zoroastrian communities, notably the Parsis of India, continue to practise the faith today.