Apaosha
Apaosha is the demon of drought in Zoroastrianism, representing the antithesis of Tishtrya, the divinity of rainfall. He is notably depicted in the Avesta as a dark horse battling Tishtrya, symbolizing the struggle against arid conditions. Apaosha's defeat by Tishtrya is a key mythological narrative explaining the onset of the rainy season.
Key Facts
- ›Apaosha is the Zoroastrian demon of drought, known in Avestan as Apaosha.
- ›He is the primary antagonist of Tishtrya, the divinity associated with rainfall and the star Sirius.
- ›In the Tishtar Yasht, Apaosha appears as a black horse confronting Tishtrya, a white horse, in battle.
- ›Apaosha's defeat by Tishtrya is linked to the mythological onset of the rainy season.
- ›Later Zoroastrian traditions identify Apaosha with the planet Mercury and associate him with the destruction of water.
ApaošA, ApaušA, Aposh, Apaush
Drought, Aridity, Barrenness
Causing Drought, Battling Divine Beings, Preventing Rain, Attempting To Damage With Rain After Defeat
Avesta, Bundahishn, Dadistan I Denig, Zadspram
Tishtrya, Ahura Mazda, Angra Mainyu, Spenjagr, Verethragna, Haoma, Apam Napat, Fravashis, Vayu, Vata, Khwarrah
Aridity, Lack of Prosperity, Struggle Against Life-Giving Forces
Tishtrya, Ahura Mazda
Black Horse
About Apaosha
Apaosha: The Demon of Drought
Apaosha is the principal demon of drought in Zoroastrianism, representing the antithesis of life-giving rain and prosperity. The name "Apaosha" originates from the Avestan language, with its meaning evolving from "burning away" or "stemming the waters" to the more widely accepted "not thriving." This latter interpretation directly links the demon to the barrenness and lack of sustenance that drought brings.
Mythological Depictions
The most prominent depiction of Apaosha appears in the Tishtar Yasht of the Avesta. Here, Apaosha confronts Tishtrya, the divinity of the star Sirius and guardian of rainfall, in a fierce battle. Apaosha is described as a horrible black horse with black ears and a black tail, while Tishtrya appears as a mighty white horse with golden ears and tail. Their struggle lasts for three days and nights, with Apaosha initially driving Tishtrya away. Tishtrya's subsequent victory and the ensuing rainfall are interpreted as a mythological representation of the transition from the dry season to the rainy season, often correlated with the heliacal rising of Sirius.
Later Traditions and Interpretations
In later Zoroastrian traditions, documented in texts like the Bundahishn and Dadistan i denig, Apaosha continues to be a significant figure. These texts often reproduce the battle narrative and further associate Apaosha with the planet Mercury, positioning it in astrological opposition to Sirius. Apaosha is also linked to the "numbing frost" and is described as attempting to cause damage through rain even after his defeat by Tishtrya. These continuations of the myth highlight the enduring struggle against forces that threaten natural order and well-being within Zoroastrian cosmology.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Apaosha in Zoroastrianism?
Apaosha is the demon of drought in Zoroastrianism, representing the destructive force that prevents rain and water. He is the antithesis of Tishtrya, the divine being of rainfall.
What is the origin of the name Apaosha?
The name Apaosha is in the Avestan language and originally meant "not thriving." It is derived from the antonym of a word meaning "thriving," reflecting the demon's association with barrenness.
How is Apaosha depicted in Zoroastrian mythology?
In the Tishtar Yasht, Apaosha is depicted as a horrible black horse with black ears and tail. He battles Tishtrya, who appears as a mighty white horse with golden features.
What is the significance of the battle between Apaosha and Tishtrya?
The mythological battle between Apaosha and Tishtrya symbolizes the cosmic struggle against drought and the eventual triumph of life-giving rain. It is often interpreted as a representation of astronomical and seasonal cycles.
Are there any other traditions or identifications for Apaosha?
In later Zoroastrian traditions, such as the Bundahishn, Apaosha is identified with the planet Mercury. He is also associated with the 'numbing frost' and an attempt to cause damage with rains after his defeat.
Related Demons
Aeshma
Aeshma is the demon of "wrath" in Zoroastrianism, known by the epithet "of the bloody mace." As a hypostatic entity, he represents fury and rage, and is a significant adversary within the Zoroastrian cosmology. He is notably opposed by Sraosha, the principle of religious obedience, and is considered a messenger of Angra Mainyu, the destructive spirit.
Aka Manah/Akem Manah/Akoman/Akvan
Aka Manah, also known as Akoman or Akvan, is a prominent daeva in Zoroastrianism, representing the concept of "Evil Mind" or "Evil Purpose." He is characterized as the malevolent force of sensual desire, sent by Ahriman to tempt the prophet Zoroaster and to sow discord and evil intent. His eternal adversary is Vohu Manah, the "Good Mind," and he is considered one of the most dreaded demons.
Bushyasta
Bushyasta is the Zoroastrian demon of sloth, known by the epithet "the long-handed." She is the personification of laziness and idleness, striving to prevent the righteous from performing productive tasks and causing the faithful to forget their prayers. While named in scripture, she is not described in great detail compared to other demons.