Zerdusht
Role: prophet and philosopher · First appears: Gushtásp, and the Faith of Zerdusht · Part 1
In the Story of Gushtásp, and the Faith of Zerdusht, Zerdusht went to Balkh and restored the gravely ill Lohurásp to health. On his return, he was received with increased favor by Gushtásp, who became his disciple and converted to the fire-worshippers’ religion. Zerdusht told him he was God’s prophet, spoke of miracles and heavenly visions, and said the Zendavesta had descended for him.
When Gushtásp refused tribute, Arjásp threatened invasion and war followed. Gushtásp taught the people fire worship and sought to establish Zerdusht’s religion everywhere; after victory, he increased his favor toward Zerdusht, who had originated the war.
Relationship record
Life events
- Zerdusht restored the gravely ill Lohurásp to health.(Gushtásp, and the Faith of Zerdusht · Part 1 · 📍 Balkh)
- With: Lohurásp
- “In consequence of the illness of Lohurásp, who was nearly at the point of death, Zerdusht went to Balkh for the purpose of administering relief to him, and he happily succeeded in restoring him to health.”
- Gushtásp became Zerdusht's disciple and converted to the fire-worshippers' religion.(Gushtásp, and the Faith of Zerdusht · Part 1)
- With: Gushtásp
- “On his return he was received with additional favor by Gushtásp, who immediately afterwards became his disciple. Zerdusht then told him that he was the prophet of God, and promised to show him miracles. He said he had been to heaven and to hell. He could send anyone, by prayer, to heaven; and whomsoever he was angry with he could send to hell. He had seen the seven mansions of the celestial regions, and the thrones of sapphires, and all the secrets of heaven were made known to him by his attendant angel. He said that the sacred book, called Zendavesta, descended from above expressly for him, and that if Gushtásp followed the precepts in that blessed volume, he would attain celestial felicity. Gushtásp readily became a convert to his principles, forsaking the pure adoration of God for the religion of the fire-worshippers.”
- Gushtásp's refusal of tribute and Arjásp's invasion threat set the kingdoms on the path to war.(Gushtásp, and the Faith of Zerdusht · Part 1)
- Gushtásp taught the people fire worship and sought to establish Zerdusht's religion everywhere.(Gushtásp, and the Faith of Zerdusht · Part 2)
- With: Gushtásp
- “and he also taught the people the worship of fire, and was anxious to establish everywhere the religion of Zerdusht.”
Gushtásp, and the Faith of Zerdusht · Part 1
- protégé: Lohurásp “In consequence of the illness of Lohurásp, who was nearly at the point of death, Zerdusht went to Balkh for the purpose of administering relief to him, and he happily succeeded in restoring him to health.”
- pupil: Gushtásp “On his return he was received with additional favor by Gushtásp, who immediately afterwards became his disciple.”
- protégé: Gushtásp “The philosopher further said that he had prepared a ladder, by which he had ascended into heaven and had seen the Almighty. This made the disciple still more obedient to Zerdusht.”
- with Gushtásp (Arjásp accuses Zerdusht of influencing Gushtásp; this is presented as an accusation, not an established relationship.) “This letter gave great offence to Arjásp; who at once suspected that the fire-worshipper, Zerdusht, had poisoned his mind, and seduced him from his pure and ancient religion, and was attempting to circumvent and lead him to his ruin.”
Gushtásp, and the Faith of Zerdusht · Part 2
- patron: Gushtásp “Gushtásp rejoiced at the glorious result, and ordered the drums to be sounded to celebrate the victory, and he increased his favor upon Zerdusht, who originated the war, and told him to call his triumphant son, Isfendiyár, near him.”
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Extracted from the original text of The Sháh Námeh. Made with Rho MD.