Daevas

Daevas were demons in ancient Persian mythology. They caused plagues and diseases and fought against every form of religion. The males were servants (or followers) of Angra Mainyu, also known as Ahriman. The female servants were named the Drugs.

Originally, the Daevas were a classification of gods and spirits. In later Persian religion they were demoted to demon status. The word "devil" originates from daeva.

Last updated: June 08, 2004.

In the reformed Iranian religion as proclaimed by Zarathustra (see Zoroaster, Zoroastrian entries), the world is presided over by the supreme god Ahura Mazda (see Ahura Mazda), the Wise Lord, and the daevas (daivas), whose name ties them to the Hindu devas or gods, have been relegated to an inferior level of being associated with unreality and even falseness. They have become, in fact, devil-demons of sorts, who attempt to steer humans away from the supreme wisdom that is Ahura Mazda (see Asuras).