2024/05/17 by Kryukova, V.
paper · doi:10.34920/1694-5794-2022.36en.003
The article discusses the development of ancient Iranian ideas about xrafstra – harmful and dangerous animals who, according to the Zoroastrian concept, were the creations of the Evil Spirit. In the most ancient Avestan texts, including The Gathas of Zarathustra, the word xrafstra- can be found in several places, but its exact meaning and etymology remain unclear. In later Avestan texts (the Hymn to the Star Vanant and the Videvdad), the image of xrafstra acquires more distinct features. This group of creatures begins to include harmful animals, mostly small ones, such as snakes, toads and frogs, insects, and mice. All Zoroastrian classifications of living beings are subordinated to the ideas of dividing the living creatures into animals belonging to Truth and the good and those related to the evil and death. The latter are to be killed for the sake of defeating evil, although the practical aspect – their danger, harmfulness or simply uselessness to humans – are also taken into account. It is interesting to make a comparative analysis of the attitude towards “evil creatures’’ in the ancient Iranian and related ancient Indian traditions. The similarities and differences in the priestly interpretation of harmful creatures can help make a full picture of the formation of both Zoroastrianism and the Vedic religion. The Atharvaveda describes several exorcisms of snakes, scorpions,dangerous insects, and diseases. However, unlike Zoroastrianism, where the “evil creatures” are interpreted as disgusting, ancient Indian texts show a different approach, respecting them and using them to cure bites and diseases.