Imagining the End: Visions of

Frashegerd

. This period was naturally

of  particular interest to Zoroastrians, as it includes the present age. Many

different traditions about it may have existed side by side before the demands

of  a written tradition forced the compilers to impose a sort of  unity. Thus,

in some Pahlavi sources, the period is not only divided into three millennia,

but the first of  these, Zarathustra’s millennium, is further subdivided into

four (or seven) deteriorating ‘metallic ages’:



,



–



,



: The first millennium began with Zarathustra’s revelation.

Supported by his royal patron, Vishtaspa, Zarathustra brought the

---

38

Origins

Zoroastrian religion to the world. During Vishtaspa’s reign there were

terrible wars with unbelievers. His reign was followed by those of  other

kings, including the last of  the Achaemenians (on the historical figures see

below), who was defeated by the evil rule of  Alexander. Then the Parthian

kings reigned, followed by the Sasanians, until the last scion of  that house

was forced to flee before the wicked Arabs.

36

From then on calamity is destined to follow calamity, and Iran will be

overrun by various wicked aliens. Towards the end of  this period the

wonder-working Wahram will appear, who will restore the Zoroastrian

religion

37

 and will help to prepare the world for the coming of  the first of

Zarathustra’s miraculously-born sons. Wahram’s coming is followed by the

reappearance of  Peshotan, the son of  Zarathustra’s patron Vishtaspa. Until

then Peshotan has dwelt in a mysterious place. He will also help to defeat

the forces of  evil.



,



–



,



 subdivided: According to a group of  traditions, Zara-

thustra’s millennium will in turn see four or seven deteriorating epochs.

The four are: a 

golden

 age belonging to Zarathustra and Vishtaspa; a

silver

 age, which belongs to the first Sasanian; a 

steel

 age, viz. that of  the

pious, late Sasanian king Khusraw of  immortal soul; and an age of  ‘

iron

mixed with clay

’,

38

 when the world will be dominated by evil people and

wicked demons.

In the alternative tradition, the seven deteriorating ages are: 

gold

  –

King Vishtaspa; 

silver

 – Kay Ardasher; 

copper

 – Ardasher, the first

Sasanian; 

brass

 – the Parthian Kings; 

lead

 – the Sasanian King Wahram

Gor; 

steel

 – Khusraw of  immortal soul; 

iron mixed with clay

 – the

demons.

39



,



–



,



: Wahram and Peshotan are, in a way, the forerunners of

Ushedar, the first of  Zarathustra’s saviour-sons.

40

 Like Zarathustra he will

receive a revelation from Ohrmazd and bring this to the people. The sun

will stand still at the zenith of  the sky for ten days and nights. Drought

and affliction will diminish, prosperity and peace will increase. Trees will

be green for three years. Rivers and springs will flow again. The wolf

species will disappear for ever, and the effectiveness of  medicines will be

such that none will die of  illness.

Towards the end of  this millennium, however, the sorcerer Malkus,

who belongs to the family of  Zarathustra’s murderer, will bring torrential

rain, hail and snow for three years, causing much destruction.

41

 According

to one source,

42

 Peshotan will appear to counteract the demonic Arabs,

Turks and Romans, who will once more become dominant.



,



–



,



: Then Ushedarmah, the second of  Zarathustra’s saviour-

---

39

Millennialism in the Zoroastrian Tradition

sons will appear, according to some sources with Peshotan as his priestly

counsellor.

43

 Ushedarmah will receive a revelation from Ohrmazd. The

sun will stand still at the zenith of  the sky for twenty days and nights.

Serpents will be destroyed. Trees will remain green for six years. Hunger

and thirst will diminish. Cattle will give much milk; people will first give

up eating meat and then drinking milk. Joy and righteousness will increase.

Towards the end of  the millennium Azhdahak, who has been imprisoned

since the second millennium after Ahriman’s attack (see under 



,



–



,



),

will escape and cause great destruction. The legendary hero Keresasp will

be brought back to life in order to slay him.

44



,



-



,



: Then the Saoshyant, Astvat-ereta, will come from Lake

Kayansih, and the process leading to