Encyclopedia of Zoroastrianism. Angra Mainyu.

Angra Mainyu, also known as Ahriman, is the destructive spirit and the embodiment of evil in Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest continuously practiced religions. He is the eternal adversary of Ahura Mazda, the Wise Lord and supreme god of goodness, truth, and light. Angra Mainyu represents chaos, falsehood (druj), and all that opposes the harmonious order (asha) of the cosmos. According to Zoroastrian cosmology, he emerged as the malevolent counterpart in a primordial dualistic struggle, choosing to reject the good and embrace corruption.

Described in texts like the Avesta, Angra Mainyu is the source of death, disease, and suffering, commanding a host of daevas (demons) to enact his will. He seeks to undermine creation by sowing discord and tempting humanity into sin, yet he is not equal to Ahura Mazda in power—his existence is parasitic, thriving on opposition rather than independent strength. In the eschatological narrative, Angra Mainyu’s ultimate defeat is prophesied during the Frashokereti, a final renovation of the world where good triumphs, evil is eradicated, and the universe is restored to purity. This cosmic battle underscores Zoroastrianism’s emphasis on free will, moral choice, and the eternal conflict between light and darkness.