Saoshyant

Saoshyant West Asia
Literally, ‘saviour’. In Persian mythology the one who will come to renew all life at the end of time. He will remove every trace of the evil wrought in the world by Ahriman, and usher in the ‘second existence’, uniting souls with their bodies. The resurrection of the dead was expected to include both the good and the wicked: the followers of Ahura Mazdah, who dwelt in the abode of light along with celestial beings, or ‘shining ones’; and the inhabitants of Druj, the cold, foul place of darkness reserved for those who chose Ahriman as their master. A mighty conflagration would ensue, molten metal pouring forth on the earth and hell. All men will have to endure the burning torrent which will seem like ‘warm milk’ to the just and be exactly what it is to the wicked. But the sins of the damned should be purged away in this dreadful ordeal and all creation return to Ohrmuzd in joy. It was to be the frashkart, ‘the final...

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