The religion of the ancient Persians is known only from the later Zoroastrian scriptures, the Avesta, and in particular from the body of the hymns known as the Yashts.
Natural forces were worshiped, but also there were deified concepts and social phenomena.
Their supreme god was Ahura Mazdah or "Wise Lord", the all embracing sky.
Against him stood Angra Mainyu or Ahriman, god of darkness and sterility.
Life was the battle between forces of good and evil.
Between these two deities exists Vayu, god of air and wind.
Another important god was Tishtrya, the rain god, whose myth exemplifies the universal Middle Eastern conflict story.
Some time in the 6th or 7th century BC the prophet Zoroaster formalized the inherent dualism of the Persian faith. Ahura Mazdah became alone worthy of absolute worship. The main Zoroastrian myth deals with Mazdah as the creator of the beneficent universe.
The main conflict eventually ends with the victory of good over evil.
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