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Index / Religions / Iranian / Zoroastrianism / Amesha Spentas /
Bahram
Also called: Verethraghna; Vahram
In Zoroastrianism, a deity of the yazata order representing victory and war, agent of vengeance for Mithra, who was the god of truth. He also was the agent of Rashnu, the god of justice.
His origins are pre-Zoroastrians, called Verethraghna, going deep back into the history of Iranian religions. In the Zoroastrian texts, his name changes by Middle Persian into Vahram, then Bahram. The 14th yasht, or hymn, of Avesta was dedicated to Verethraghna.
Verethraghna or Bahram was the 7th of the Amesha Spentas, and related to act of driving Angra Mainyu back to hell.
Bahram was highly revered in the Sassanid era, with 6 kings taking his name. The 20th day of the month was also named after him.
With the arrival of Hellenism, Bahram became identified with Ares and associated with Heracles, and given the Greek name Artagnes.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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