Hurmiz

Hurmiz is a lesser-known but historically significant figure in the context of Zoroastrianism, the ancient Persian religion founded by the prophet Zarathustra (also known as Zoroaster). While not as widely documented as other key figures in Zoroastrian tradition, Hurmiz is occasionally referenced in medieval and later Zoroastrian texts, particularly in connection with the *Bundahishn*, a 10th-century Pahlavi text that synthesizes Zoroastrian cosmology, mythology, and eschatology.

The name Hurmiz appears in various forms across different Zoroastrian sources, including *Hormizd* or *Hormuzd*, and is often linked to the concept of the *Fravashi* (divine spiritual beings) or the *Amesha Spentas* (Benevolent Immortals), which represent divine attributes and virtues. Some interpretations suggest Hurmiz may be an epithet or a manifestation of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god of Zoroastrianism, embodying attributes such as wisdom, justice, or divine light. In the *Bundahishn*, Hurmiz is sometimes associated with the *Fravashi* of the prophet Zarathustra himself, symbolizing his spiritual essence or divine guidance.

Hurmiz is also mentioned in connection with the *Yasna*, the central liturgical text of Zoroastrianism, where certain hymns or rituals may invoke divine names or attributes, including those represented by Hurmiz. His role, however, remains ambiguous, as he is not a central figure in the core Zoroastrian scriptures like the *Avesta*. Instead, his references appear in later compilations that expanded upon or reinterpreted earlier traditions, reflecting the evolution of Zoroastrian thought over centuries.

In modern Zoroastrian communities, Hurmiz is not a figure of widespread veneration or ritual practice. His significance lies primarily in his appearance within historical and theological texts, offering insights into the complex layers of Zoroastrian cosmology and the ways in which later scholars and priests interpreted and expanded upon the original teachings of Zarathustra. The study of Hurmiz contributes to understanding the development of Zoroastrianism as a living tradition that adapted to changing cultural and intellectual contexts.