What Came Before the World: A Simple Retelling of the Zoroastrian Cosmogony

The story of creation differs from nation to nation and religion to religion. Most ancient religions have faded into the past, preserved only in ruins and scrolls, but one remains strong and growing due to the younger generation’s rising nationalism.

Younger people show more interest and educate themselves in their national religion, but for many reasons, still do not join or practice it; even though they might wear the symbol Faravahar as a necklace. For them, it is not about the religion but more about origin and ancestry, in hopes of finding something that can make them proud of their identity.

In Zoroastrianism, the creator god is Ahura Mazda or Ohrmazd, and his adversary is Ahriman — a being of destruction.
Because there are two opposing forces, some call the religion dualistic. But Zoroastrians themselves consider it monotheistic, as no one worships evil.

The story of creation and the stories from before history, for some, is their belief, and for others, it is mythology.

Before the existence of Earth, there was Ohrmazd, living in brightness and possessing all knowledge. And there was Ahriman, living in darkness and unaware of what existed beyond it.

Between them stretched a great void, known as Vāyu or Vāy.
This void later came to be seen as a god of wind, drifting between good and evil, never choosing either. When disaster struck, ancient Iranians would call his name, pleading for balance or warning. That’s why, even today, Iranians say “Ey vāy!” when something goes wrong — invoking, perhaps unknowingly, the god of wind.

One day, the devil, Ahriman, came out of the abyss and saw the light and the good creatures of Ohrmazd and became jealous and decided to battle him in the void. Ohrmazd, who knew of his intentions, went to meet him in the void and offered his peace. He told Ahriman, "Join me. Help my creations. If you do, you and your followers will become immortal and live without hunger or thirst."

But Ahriman shouted that he will not only never do such, but he will give his all to destroy his creatures and turn them against him. he thought Ohrmazd was weak and alone, and that is why he is offering peace.

The god already knew of his answer and the end of their conflict so he offered to agree on a 9,000-year time period for their battle.

Ohrmazd knew exactly how these 9,000 years would go:

• The first 3,000 years: everything would go as he wanted.

• The next 3,000 years: the forces of good and evil would mix and fight.

• The last 3,000 years: Ahriman would become weak, and evil would lose its power.

And then he recited the prayer Ahunwar, which is the most sacred manthra of Zoroastrianism.

The will of the Lord is the law of righteousness.
The gifts of Vohu-mano to the deeds done in this world for Mazda.
He who relieves the poor makes Ahura king.

Vohu-mano: in the Avestan language is a term for a Zoroastrian concept, generally translated as “Good Purpose", "Good Mind", or "Good Thought"

When Ahriman heard this prayer, Ahriman became afraid, dropped to his knees, and was completely confused and powerless. And so on, he went back to darkness.

Then, Ohrmazd began creating the world.
First, he created Vohuman, which means Good Thought, to guide the growth of creation.
Through Vohuman came the good religion of Mazdayasna and the Amesha Spentas, the divine forces of truth, order, and harmony.

Ahriman, still full of hate, created Falsehood and Evil Thought to fight back.

And so on, Ohrmazd created:

• the sky, with its stars, moon, planets, and the sun,

• then water,

• earth,

• plants,

• the sacred ox, (animals)

• and finally, Gayōmard (also known as Kiyumars), the first human who was neither female nor male

On the other side, Ahriman also created six evil spirits to oppose each of Ohrmazd’s creations.

These are just fragments of a much older story, one I’ll keep exploring here, piece by piece.
If you're curious to learn more about Iranian mythology and the stories behind the symbols, stay with me.