Bible Encyclopedias
Dews, in Persian Mythology

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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The Dews of the teachings of Zoroaster are not personifications of the good, but of the physical and moral evil, formed to combat with the beings of light created by Ormuzd. Thus Ahriman set over against the seven Amshaspands of Ormuzd the seven Erzdews. From these, the highest beings of the kingdom of darkness, downward, there is just as great a number of harmful daemons as of good, friendly genii. The supreme Dews have creative powers; their names are Ahriman, Ashmoph, Eghetash, Boshasp, Astujad, Tarik, Tosius; also the following, Ander, Savel, Tarmad, and Zarej. Many others are mentioned in the poetical and moral works of the Persians. An exceptional class are the Peris — light, airy beings of extraordinary beauty, living in the upper regions on the perfume of the flowers. They are fallen spirits, but the way to paradise is open to them, as also to Ahriman, if they reform.