V. Persian Demonology

The dualism of Zoroastrianism has been considered the chief influence upon Hebrew demonology at the time of Jesus. The idea of a kingdom of evil ruled by a chief demon and opposed diametrically to a kingdom of the good is quite similar to the New Testament opposition between God and Satan. Perhaps the most striking similarity between Persian and New Testament ideas is that between the temptations of Zoroaster and Jesus:

First it is said Angra Mainyu [the head of the kingdom of evil] sent the demon Buitu to kill Zoroaster. But the prophet chanted aloud the Ahuna-Vairyu formula, and the demon fled back to Angra Mainyu. Then Angra Mainyu himself assailed the prophet. He offered to besto\v upon him the sovereignty of the worlds if he would only renounce the good religion of the worshippers of Mazda. But the prophet resisted the temptation and affirmed that neither for body nor life would he do the bidding of Angra Mainyu.(17)
The Persians, like many other cultures including the Babylonians, Arabians, Assyrians, and Egyptians, had elaborate beliefs in various local demons who could inflict disease, suffering, and death upon those who did not take adequate precautions. Thus there were many rites of exorcism and protection from demons in the cultures surrounding Galilee, and it would be difficult to trace single lines of development from one to another.

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17. Edward Langton, Essentials of Demonology (London, 1949), p. 66-67. Taken from Persian Vendidad, xix. 1-7.

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