Home

Gathas

The Gathas are a collection of 17 hymns traditionally attributed to Zoroaster (Zarathustra), the founder of Zoroastrianism. They constitute the oldest and most authoritative layer of the Avesta, the sacred scriptures of Zoroastrianism, and are composed in the Avestan language. Although commonly treated as Zoroaster’s own utterances, modern scholarship recognizes that the exact authorship and date are uncertain and may reflect later compilations or redactions by followers.

The Gathas are central to Zoroastrian theology and ethics. They present Ahura Mazda as the supreme, intelligent

In the Avesta, the Gathas are embedded within the liturgical Yasna, not as a separate book. They

Scholarly study emphasizes the Gathas for their linguistic features, historical context, and influence on later Zoroastrianism

creator
and
advocate
of
truth;
articulate
the
concept
of
asha,
the
cosmic
order
and
righteousness;
and
describe
the
ongoing
struggle
between
the
forces
of
order
and
chaos,
personified
as
Angra
Mainyu.
A
recurring
ethical
motif
is
the
triad
of
good
thoughts,
good
words,
and
good
deeds,
summarized
as
the
path
of
truth
and
righteousness.
are
characterized
by
archaic
diction
and
concise
poetry
that
conveys
doctrinal
points
and
exhortation
rather
than
mythic
narrative.
and
Iranian
thought.
Translations
and
commentaries
have
been
produced
by
scholars
such
as
James
Darmesteter
and
Mary
Boyce,
and
debates
continue
regarding
precise
dating,
editorial
history,
and
the
interpretation
of
key
terms
such
as
asha
and
the
nature
of
Ahura
Mazda.