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His work. He accompanies Vohuman to protect Zaratusht when he was born, and when he became a prophet, the archangel goes to the royal court of Vishtasp as an envoy of Ormazd to convince him of the divine nature of the seer's mission.^[1] Ormazd sends through him also a cup of immortal drink to King Vishtasp to enlighten that monarch with spiritual vision.^[2] We can see, therefore, why Artavahisht is implored to grant understanding and intelligence.^[3] When a sick person is healed, the spiritual debt is due to Artavahisht.^[4] He is the mighty power that will smite his adversary Indar at the Renovation.^[5]

Once the genius of the Divine Kingdom of Ormazd, but in the Pahlavi period the guardian spirit of the mineral kingdom only. The abstract virtue of sovereign power which this archangel personified is unknown throughout the Pahlavi literature, his activity being now mainly restricted to metal, which is placed under his guardianship.^[6] When Shatravar confers with Zoroaster in heaven he advises him to teach mankind to make good use of metals.^[7] Metals are the special product of Shatravar, and those who desire to profit in both the worlds through the propitiation of this genius of those elements should not give gold and silver to the wicked, or make any ill use of them.^[8] It is said that the best way of such propitiation of the divine personage is to be pure and unsullied of the heart, so that even if one is subjected to the ordeal of the molten metal and the burning liquid is poured on his breast, one may not burn and die like a sinner, but may come out of the trial as successful as the great Sasanian Dastur Adarbad, who felt as if milk were being poured on his breast when he voluntarily submitted himself to this test for the good of the religion.^[9] As the lord of the