Tishtrya
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tishtrya is the Avestan language name of an Indo-Iranian benevolent divinity associated with life-bringing rainfall and fertility. During the Achaemenid period, Tishtrya was conflated with Semitic Nabu-*Tiri, and thus came to be associated with the Dog Star, Sirius. The July Tiregan festival, previously associated with *Tiri (a reconstructed name), was likewise transferred to Tishtrya. During the Hellenic period, Tishtrya came to be associated with Pythian Apollo, patron of Delphi, and thus a divinity of oracles.
In a hymn of the Avesta (incorporated by Ferdowsi, with due acknowledgement, in the Shahnameh), Tishtrya is involved in a cosmic struggle against the drought-bringing demon Apaosha. According to the myth, in the form of a pure white horse the god did battle with the demon who, in contrast, had assumed the form of a terrifying black horse. Apaosa soon gained the upper hand over Tishtrya, who was weakened from the lack of sufficient prayers and sacrifices from mankind. The yazata proceeded to call upon the creator god Ahura Mazda, who himself then intervened by offering a sacrifice to the overwhelmed god. Infused with the power brought by this sacrifice, Tishtrya was able to overcome Apaosa, and his rains were able to flow to the parched fields and pastures unabated by drought. This story serves to underscore the importance of votive offerings and sacrifice in religious tradition.
[edit] References
- Boyce, Mary (1975a). A History of Zoroastrianism, Vol. I. Leiden/Köln: Brill.
- Boyce, Mary (1982). A History of Zoroastrianism, Vol. II. Leiden/Köln: Brill.
- Hinnells, John R. (1997). Library of the World's Myths and Legends: Persian Mythology
