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men's spears and he holds a twig, the spiritual symbol of religion, in his hand.^[1] Another text speaks of him as coming in the form of a handsome, brilliant, and elegant man, of nine times the height of Zaratusht, clad in rich, shining clothes.^[2] When Vohuman escorted Zaratusht to the council of the Amshaspands, the prophet saw that Vohuman took only nine steps to cover as much space in walking as he himself did in ninety steps.^[3] The pure, white garment, the sacred shirt of the faithful, is designated as Vohuman's raiment.^[4]

He protects Zaratusht from the time of the prophet's birth, and helps him in his prophetic work. Ormazd consults Vohuman together with Artavahisht about the appropriate time of sending Zaratusht to the world, and Vohuman accordingly works miraculously to facilitate the birth of Zaratusht.^[5] He enters into the reason of the infant,^[6] and makes the child laugh immediately at birth.^[7] When Ahriman lets loose the fiends to destroy the babe, Ormazd sends Vohuman to save it.^[8] The archangel hastens to the home of Zaratusht and dispels Akoman, whom he finds there.^[9] When the child prophet, according to the legend, was put in the den of wolves by the wizards, Vohuman, with the help of Srosh, took a sheep full of milk at night and suckled the child.^[10] The Gathas refer to Vohuman's coming to Zaratusht in order to impart to him enlightenment. We have in the Pahlavi texts the details of their meeting and their conversation. On being questioned by Vohuman as to his most ardent desire, Zaratusht declared it to be righteousness,^[11] and Vohuman even conducted him into the celestial council.^[12] Ormazd, as the Pahlavi writings record, sent Vohuman along with the other Amshaspands to the court of Vishtasp in order that they might testify to the truth of the sacred mission of the prophet.^[13] The archangel is the friend of Zaratusht.^[14]