Tag Archives: Zoroastrianism

March 13, 2013 · 8:30 pm

MYTHOLOGY: INTERCULTURAL INFLUENCE

puck1A reader asked me a question about Egyptian mythology being influenced by other cultures. Since I get occassional e-mails asking me similar questions I figured I would post my answer in the spirit of an FAQ. 

My Answer:  This sort of inter-cultural influence is pretty standard in mythology. No belief system springs from a vacuum. It springs from previous belief systems in the region and also from appropriating elements of belief systems of other cultures they come into contact with. The process is Continue reading →

25 Comments

Filed under Mythology

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

May 6, 2012 · 6:29 pm

END OF THE WORLD MYTH: ZOROASTRIAN VERSION

 Since so many gullible people actually believe the world will end this December 21st Balladeer’s Blog has been looking at other end of the world scenarios on a regular basis.

In the Zoroastrian version of the end times the Big Event will happen 3,000 years after Zoroaster/ Zarathustra introduced the world to the belief system that bears his name. For those who date Zoroaster’s birth to around 1,000 BCE that means the end could come any year now, but for those who date his birth closer to 600 BCE the world still has hundreds of years to go.

The approaching climax to the ancient battle between the chief deity Ahura Mazda/ Ohrmazd and his evil archenemy, the demonic Ahriman/ Angra Mainyu, will be kicked off when the sun and moon are no longer seen in the sky and a Continue reading →

29 Comments

Filed under End of the World Myths

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

October 11, 2011 · 12:08 am

MYTHOLOGY: INTER-CULTURAL INFLUENCE

Mascot 1

Balladeer’s Blog

Recently one of my favorite bloggers, Sara from Midaeval Maiden and Life With 4 Cats, asked me a question about Egyptian mythology being influenced by other cultures. I provided an answer where the words just flowed along nicely and so, since I get occassional e-mails asking me similar questions I figured I would post my answer to Sara in the spirit of a FAQ. All in all, it saves me from coming up with a totally new post today     …     I think you’ll agree.

My Answer:  This sort of inter-cultural influence is pretty standard in mythology. No belief system springs from a vacuum. It springs from previous belief systems in the region and also from appropriating elements of belief systems of other cultures they come into contact with. The process is called syncretism.

Even the big three religions have done it. Zoroastrianism predates Christianity, Islam and Judaism and all three of those Continue reading →

16 Comments

Filed under Mythology

Tagged as , , , , , , ,