Page:History of Zoroastrianism.djvu/392

Artavahisht is joined by Atar, Srosh, and Vahram in the work of combating the demon of cold and the torments of Aposh and Spenjagra. Khurshed, Mihr, Asman, and Aniran join Shatravar to smite Bushasp, the demon of sloth. Spandarmad has Aban, Din, Ashishvang, and Marespand as her comrades in her struggle with Astovidhot, the bone-breaker or the demon of death. Khurdad is helped by Tishtar, Vad, and Farvardin in his fight with the demons of avarice, Tarich and Zarich. Amardad is joined by Rashn, Ashtad, and Zamyat to co-operate with him in withstanding the demons of thirst and hunger.^[1]

The great change wrought in the concept of the function of the Amshaspands, in contradistinction to Gathic and Later Avestan times, is that their work of guarding the concrete objects of the world receives greater attention than their prime work of enforcing the abstract virtues which they personify. In the Pahlavi period they have severally been assigned the work of guarding seven worldly creations, man, animals, fire, metal, earth, water, and plants.^[2] The text just cited goes further and asserts that each Amshaspand has produced his own creation.^[3] These objects are the counterparts of the Amshaspands, and their propitiation is equivalent to propitiating their spiritual masters.^[4]

His materialization. Ormazd is the father of Vohuman, or Good Mind, who is the first, after the godhead, in the entire creation,^[5] and therefore standing next only to Ormazd himself.^[6] He is possessed of good thoughts, peace-giving and evil-smiting, courageous and noble.^[7] Vohuman is intangible,^[8] but is depicted as assuming the form of a man when he is commissioned by Ormazd to hold a conference with Zaratusht about the new faith. The prophet sees Vohuman coming from the southern regions.^[9] The archangel seems to be of as great height as three