1
Assistant Professor, Department of Religions and Mysticism, Qom University of Religions and Sects, Iran
2
university of religion and denomination
10.22111/jrm.2026.52287.1297
Abstract
The Mithraic tradition, divided into Eastern and Roman branches (Mithraism), shares with other Iranian religions the conceptualization of Ahriman as the source of evil forces and the Daevas (demonic entities) as his malevolent cohorts. Despite potential common origins, divergent worldviews have led to distinct approaches in confronting or suppressing Ahriman and his progeny across these branches. Building upon the author’s prior hypothesis, this study argues that the Iranian approach to Ahriman and his children within the Mithraic cult—primarily practiced in Greater Iran—was structured around four central axes, which informed strategies for their subjugation. The Mihr Yašt (the second longest Yašt in the Younger Avesta) serves as the primary textual foundation for this analysis. Here, the deity Mithra emerges as a militant adversary of destructive creation, employing varied methods to eradicate these forces. In contrast, Roman Mithraism, which proliferated across Western territories and nearly attained official status, elevates Mithra to a supreme divine position, confronting a qualitatively distinct manifestation of Ahriman. Notably absent are references to Daevas or Ahriman’s offspring; the focus rests solely on Ahriman himself, who diverges markedly from his Iranian counterpart. The esoteric nature of Roman Mithraism has left no written records of its rituals or doctrines, compelling scholars to rely on archaeological evidence and fragmentary historical accounts.
Farhoudi, M. and Soleimani, M. (2026). Ahriman-Deus: The Nature of Ahriman and Daevas in the Mithraic Cult. Comparative Study of Religions and Mysticism, (), -. doi: 10.22111/jrm.2026.52287.1297
MLA
Farhoudi, M. , and Soleimani, M. . "Ahriman-Deus: The Nature of Ahriman and Daevas in the Mithraic Cult", Comparative Study of Religions and Mysticism, , , 2026, -. doi: 10.22111/jrm.2026.52287.1297
HARVARD
Farhoudi, M., Soleimani, M. (2026). 'Ahriman-Deus: The Nature of Ahriman and Daevas in the Mithraic Cult', Comparative Study of Religions and Mysticism, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22111/jrm.2026.52287.1297
CHICAGO
M. Farhoudi and M. Soleimani, "Ahriman-Deus: The Nature of Ahriman and Daevas in the Mithraic Cult," Comparative Study of Religions and Mysticism, (2026): -, doi: 10.22111/jrm.2026.52287.1297
VANCOUVER
Farhoudi, M., Soleimani, M. Ahriman-Deus: The Nature of Ahriman and Daevas in the Mithraic Cult. Comparative Study of Religions and Mysticism, 2026; (): -. doi: 10.22111/jrm.2026.52287.1297
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