Peshyotan
Peshyotan or Peshotan is the Middle Persian name of a figure of the 9th-12th century texts of Zoroastrian tradition. In the genealogy of the mythical Kayanians, Peshyotan is the son of Vishtasp, the patron of Zoroaster.
The more common form of the name is 'Peshyotan' (or 'Peshyotanu'), with 'Peshotan' only appearing in a few instances. The principle source of information on the figure is the apocalyptic Zand-i Wahman yasn (also incorrectly known as the Zand-i Vohuman Yasht or Bahman Yasht), which - despite its name - is neither a portion of the Yasna nor an Avestan language Yasht, but a Middle Persian translation and commentary on a now lost Avestan text.
According to Denkard's summary of the Sugdar Nask 15.12-15 (the Sugdar Nask text has been lost and is only preserved as a summary), the Peshyotan is one of seven "immortal rulers," residing in "Khandez" (location unknown). This section of the Sudgar Nask serves as the introduction of the Zand-i Wahman yasn, which goes on to foretell various events, including several that had already occurred by the time the translations were made.
As described in the second half of the Zand-i Wahman yasn, Peshyotan will serve as "protector of the religion," and at the end of the "eleventh millennium" will bring about a revival of the faith. Peshyotan, son of Vishtasp, will live that long because he has gained immortality through his devotion to God. Until the revival, Peshyotan lives in a fortress in Khandez with 150 of his disciples.
The time of Peshyotan will come when the daevas will have exceeded their term of rule by 1,000 years. At that time, Peshyotan will come down to battle their armies and restore Iran and its religion. In the fight, Mihr (Avestan: Mithra) will intervene on Peshyotan's behalf, and together they will drive the demon Kheshm (Avestan: Aeshma) and his forces back into the underworld.
This prediction, which may have its roots in Zurvanite doctrine, is viewed with considerable scorn by present-day Zoroastrians; the devout consider it an apostasy since it suggests Peshotanu was holier than Zoroaster himself. Peshyotanu should not be confused with Avestan peshotanu (pəšōtanū), which is a common noun denoting someone who has greviously sinned. Peshyotanu should also not be confused with the Saoshyant, who - although also an eschatological figure - arrives later to bring about the final renovation of the world.
Further reading
- Bahman
Yasht, in
West, E. W., trans. (1897), Müller, Max, ed., Sacred Books of the East, vol. 5, London: OUP,
pp. 189-235
note: West's chapter divisions are different from those typically used for this text.
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
