History of Egypt, Chaldæa, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, Volume 9 (of 12) by Gaston Camille Charles Maspero
page 25 of 338 (07%)
page 25 of 338 (07%)
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bones_.
*** The Greater Bundehesh connects the demon Bûiti with the Indian Buddha, and J. Darmestefer seems inclined to accept this interpretation. In this case we must either admit that the demon Bûiti is of relatively late origin, or that he has, in the legend of Zoroaster, taken the place of a demon whose name resembled his own closely enough to admit of the assimilation. The female demons, the Bruges, the Incubi (Yâtus), the Succubi (Pairîka), the Peris of our fairy tales, mingled familiarly with mankind before the time of the prophet, and contracted with them fruitful alliances, but Zoroaster broke up their ranks, and prohibited them from becoming incarnate in any form but that of beasts; their hatred, however, is still unquenched, and their power will only be effectually overthrown at the consummation of time. It is a matter of uncertainty whether the Medes already admitted the possibility of a fresh revelation, preparing the latest generations of mankind for the advent of the reign of good. The traditions enshrined in the sacred books of Iran announce the coming of three prophets, sons of Zoroaster --Ukhshyatereta, Ukhshyatnemô, and Saoshyant* --who shall bring about universal salvation. * The legend ran that they had been conceived in the waters of the lake Kansu. The name Saoshyant signifies _the useful one, the saviour_; Ukshyate-reta, _he who malces the good increase_; Ukshyatnemô, _he who makes prayer increase_. Saoshyant, assisted by fifteen men and fifteen pure women, who have |
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