When the world had become overwhelmed by the constant multiplication of its immortal beings, Ahura Mazda (see Ahura Mazda) decided that the earth must be enlarged and a new beginning made. He warned the faithful king Yima (see Yima, Zoroastrian Cosmogony) that a great flood was coming to cleanse the world and that Yima had to protect himself and two of each species in his castle on top of the highest mountain. The flood came, and the world, except for Yima's castle and its inhabitants, was destroyed. When the flood passed, Yima opened his doors and the world was inhabited again.
