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Zartai-Zartanai

Zartai-Zartanai is a demon from the Mandaean World of Darkness, a realm of the underworld. This being is notable for its encounter with the savior figure Hibil Ziwa during his descent, as documented in the Mandaean scriptures.

Key Facts

  • Zartai-Zartanai is a demon within the Mandaean World of Darkness.
  • The demon's wife is identified as Amamit, an epithet of Libat (Venus).
  • Zartai-Zartanai is encountered by Hibil Ziwa during his descent to the underworld.
  • This encounter is described in Chapter 1 of Book 5 of the Right Ginza, a Mandaean sacred text.
  • The demon resides in the alma ḏ-hšuka, the Mandaean underworld.
Domains Of Influence

Underworld

Source Texts

Right Ginza

Associated Figures

Hibil Ziwa, Amamit, Libat

About Zartai-Zartanai

Zartai-Zartanai is a demon recognized within Mandaeism, a Gnostic religion originating from ancient Mesopotamia. This entity is situated in the Mandaean "World of Darkness," known in Classical Mandaic as the alma ḏ-hšuka, which represents the underworld.

Encounter with Hibil Ziwa

The primary textual attestation of Zartai-Zartanai appears in the Mandaean sacred text, the Right Ginza. Specifically, in Book 5, Chapter 1, the text recounts an encounter between Zartai-Zartanai and the significant savior figure, Hibil Ziwa. This narrative depicts Hibil Ziwa's descent into the World of Darkness, a perilous journey where he confronts various demonic entities, including Zartai-Zartanai.

Family Associations

Within the context of this encounter, Zartai-Zartanai is identified as having a consort. His wife is named Amamit, who is further described as an epithet of Libat, a celestial body associated with Venus. This familial connection links the demon to cosmic and planetary spheres within Mandaean cosmology.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Zartai-Zartanai in Mandaeism?

Zartai-Zartanai is a demon figure within the Mandaean religion. This being is associated with the World of Darkness, which is the Mandaean concept of the underworld.

What is the World of Darkness in Mandaeism?

The World of Darkness, known as alma ḏ-hšuka in Classical Mandaic, is the Mandaean spiritual realm of the underworld. It is the domain inhabited by demons and adversarial spiritual forces.

Where is Zartai-Zartanai mentioned in Mandaean texts?

Zartai-Zartanai is mentioned in Chapter 1 of Book 5 of the Right Ginza, a significant Mandaean scripture. This text describes an encounter with the demon.

Who encountered Zartai-Zartanai?

The savior figure Hibil Ziwa encountered Zartai-Zartanai. This meeting occurred during Hibil Ziwa's descent into the World of Darkness.

Who is the wife of Zartai-Zartanai?

Zartai-Zartanai's wife is identified as Amamit. Amamit is also known as an epithet of Libat, which is associated with the planet Venus.