Daevas (also known as devas, divs, or dews) are a type of supernatural being in Zoroastrianism and other Magian religions. They are often associated with evil, chaos, and deception, and are opposed by the ahuras, the good spirits. Some of them are fallen angels who rebelled against Ahura Mazda, the supreme god of Zoroastrianism. This race is derived from ancient Iranian mythology and later influenced other religions and cultures in the Middle East and Asia.
Etymology[]
The word daeva comes from Old Iranian *daiva, which in turn derives from Indo-Iranian *daivá- "god", reflecting Proto-Indo-European *deywós with the same meaning. The Vedic Sanskrit cognate of Avestan daēuua is devá-, continuing in later Indo-Aryan languages as dev. The word daeva has both positive and negative connotations in different contexts and traditions. In Zoroastrianism, daevas are "gods that are (to be) rejected", while in Hinduism, devas are benevolent gods. In Persian folklore, dews are monstrous creatures that cause harm and mischief.
Characteristics[]
Daevas are usually depicted as having human-like forms, but with animal features such as horns, tails, claws, or wings. They can also shapeshift into various forms to deceive or seduce humans. Daevas have various powers and abilities, such as flying, creating illusions, manipulating elements, or possessing people. They are often associated with darkness, fire, storms, droughts, diseases, or death. Daevas can be divided into different classes or categories according to their functions or attributes. Some of the most well-known daevas are:
- Aka Manah: The daeva of evil mind or evil intention. He tempts humans to do evil deeds and opposes Vohu Manah, the good mind.
- Aeshma: The daeva of fury or violence. He incites humans to rage and bloodshed and opposes Asha Vahishta, the best truth.
- Indra: The daeva of storm or war. He causes thunderstorms and battles and opposes Sraosha, the obedience.
- Naonhaithya: The daeva of discontent or rebellion. He instigates humans to revolt against authority and opposes Khshathra Vairya, the desirable dominion.
- Saurva: The daeva of drought or famine. He brings dryness and hunger to the land and opposes Haurvatat, the wholeness.
- Taurvi: The daeva of decay or corruption. He spreads disease and decay among living beings and opposes Ameretat, the immortality.
- Zarich: The daeva of old age or death. She consumes life force and causes aging and death and opposes Spenta Armaiti, the holy devotion.
History[]
Daevas were originally parts of the ancient Iranian pantheon of gods before Zoroaster, the prophet of Zoroastrianism, reformed the religion and rejected them as false gods. According to Zoroastrian cosmology, Ahura Mazda created the world and its inhabitants in six stages, each represented by an Amesha Spenta (a good spirit). However, Angra Mainyu (the evil spirit) corrupted each stage by creating a corresponding daeva to oppose it . Thus began the cosmic conflict between good and evil that will last until the end of time.
In Zoroastrian scriptures, such as the Avesta and the Bundahishn, daevas are often mentioned as enemies of Ahura Mazda and his followers. They are also called druj (lie) or drug (deceiver), implying their deceptive nature. They dwell in the dark regions of the world or in hell (druj-demana), where they are punished by their own evil deeds . They also try to tempt or harm humans who follow the path of righteousness (asha) by offering them worldly pleasures or false promises.
In later traditions and folklore, daevas became more diverse and complex in their roles and characteristics. Some of them were identified with foreign gods or demons from other cultures, such as Babylonian, Greek, Roman, Indian, or Islamic . Some of them were also revered as heroes or ancestors by certain groups or sects .