Daevas

Daevas are supernatural beings prominently featured in Zoroastrianism and later Persian mythology. In Zoroastrian scripture, the Avesta, daevas are considered malevolent spirits or demons who oppose Ahura Mazda, the benevolent creator god. They are often depicted as being associated with evil thoughts, deeds, and the forces of darkness. The term "daeva" itself is derived from the Proto-Indo-Iranian word *daiva, which likely referred to a divine being in earlier Indo-Iranian religions.

In Zoroastrianism, the daevas are believed to have been created by Angra Mainyu (Ahriman), the destructive spirit who is the antagonist to Ahura Mazda. They represent the embodiment of lies, wickedness, and ignorance, actively tempting humans away from righteousness and the path of truth. The struggle between the forces of good, led by Ahura Mazda and the Amesha Spentas (immortal benefactors), and the forces of evil, led by Angra Mainyu and the daevas, forms a central theme of Zoroastrian cosmology.

Over time, the concept of daevas evolved in post-Avestan Persian literature and folklore. While retaining their malevolent nature, they became more akin to the demons and evil spirits found in other mythologies. Stories and traditions often describe them as monstrous creatures with harmful intentions, capable of causing misfortune and suffering. Despite their negative portrayal, the initial concept of daevas as corrupted divine beings is a significant aspect of their historical and religious significance.