mittra

Mittra, also known as Mithra, is an ancient Indo-Iranian deity. He is primarily known from Zoroastrianism, where he is a divine being associated with covenants, oaths, truth, and justice. In Zoroastrian tradition, Mitra is a benevolent protector who upholds cosmic order and combats deceit. He is often depicted as a warrior, a sun god, or a judge. His importance in Zoroastrianism is evident in the existence of a hymn dedicated to him in the Avesta, the Zoroastrian sacred text.

The worship of Mitra predates Zoroastrianism and can be traced back to earlier Indo-Iranian religious beliefs. Evidence suggests he was a significant figure in the pantheon of the Proto-Indo-Iranian people. His cult spread significantly during the Roman Empire, where he became known as Mithras. The Roman mystery religion of Mithraism was popular among soldiers and merchants. This cult involved secret rituals and had a distinct iconography, often featuring the god slaying a bull, a scene known as the tauroctony. While sharing some similarities with the Zoroastrian Mitra, Roman Mithraism developed its own unique theological and symbolic interpretations. The relationship and potential influences between the Iranian and Roman traditions are a subject of scholarly debate.