Witches, whores, and sorcerers : the concept of evil in early Iran / by S.K. Mendoza Forrest ; foreword and other contributions by Prods Oktor Skjærvø.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Forrest, Satnam Mendoza.

Contributor:

Skjærvø, Prods O.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Avesta.

Good and evil--Religious aspects.

Good and evil.

Zoroastrianism--Iran--History.

Zoroastrianism.

Avesta--Criticism, interpretation, etc.

History.

Iran.

Physical Description:

x, 231 pages ; 24 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Austin : University of Texas Press, 2011.

Summary:

Viewing Magic And Religion As Dichotomies, as did many people before the advent of modern anthropology, is practically unimaginable today. For every example we can find to set these two belief systems apart, another will appear to link them. Many religions employ magic to some extent, and examining the role and use of magic provides us with deeper insights into the worldviews of the people who practice or practiced particular magico-religious systems. For the Zoroastrians in early Iran, magic had an important function in assuaging fears of problems that seemed beyond human control. Belief in demonic forces allowed people to answer the questions of the origin of evil and evil events. More importantly, it gave them an instrument for fighting back.

Early Iranians believed evil had to have a source outside of God, which led to the concept of an entity as powerful and utterly evil as God is potent and good. These two forces, good and evil, which have always vied for superiority, needed helpers in this struggle. According to the Zoroastrians, every entity had to take sides, from the cosmic level to the microcosmic self.

One of the results of this battle was that certain humans were thought to side with evil. Who were these allies of that great Evil Spirit? Women were inordinately singled out. Male healers were forbidden to deal with female health disorders because of the fear of the polluting power of feminine blood. Female healers, midwives, and shamans were among those who were accused of collaborating with the Evil Spirit, because they healed women. Men who worked to prepare the dead were also suspected of secret evil. Evil even showed up as frogs, snakes, and bugs of all sorts, which scuttled to the command of their wicked masters.

This first comprehensive study of the concept of evil in early Iran uncovers details of the Iranian struggle against witchcraft, sorcery, and other "evils," beginning with their earliest texts. Book jacket.

Contents:

The Avesta and its translation / by Prods Oktor Skjærvø

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. The study of an ancient tradition

2. The Iranians and their literature

3. Magic and the magi

4. General concepts of evil in the Avesta

5. "Naturally" occurring evils

6. Sorcerers, witches, whores, and menstruating women

7. The evil eye, corpse-abusing criminals, demon worshippers, and friends

8. Exorcistic and apotropaic rituals

9. Structure of Avestan incantations

10. Uses for Avestan incantations

11. Exorcisms

12. Conclusion

Notes

Bibliography

General index

Index of verses.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780292726871

0292726872

OCLC:

703621262