Iran Through Mount Damavand Mythology

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Many might know Damavand as the highest mountain in Iran or the most popular destination for trekking in Iran. But apart from Damavand trekking, it’s more than just a mountain. Damavand is a symbol that unites the whole country. Also, some of the most famous Iranian myths happen in Damavand. I believe the best way of knowing what Damavand means for Iranians is through learning about Mount Damavand mythology. In other words, Mount Damavand facts are not enough for knowing this mountain! Following, I will tell you more about some of the most famous Damavand Myths so that you can learn more about this magnificent beauty.

Mount Damavand Mythology in Ancient Iran

The roots of Mount Damavand in the Iranian Mythology date back to thousands of years ago. Mount Damavand has always been enigmatic to the ancient Iranians. Therefore, it has always been bound with magical and holy beliefs.

What Does Damavand Originally Mean?

There are different ideas about the origin of this name. Some say that we should separate the word Damavand into two parts: “Dama” and “Vand.” The word Dama means breath and “Vand” is a suffix showing ownership. In other words, people thought of the smokes coming out of this volcanic summit as its breaths. There is another opinion saying that Damavand is the changed form of Dunbāvant. Dunbāvant is a word dating back to the Sassanid era meaning “the mountain of many faces.”

Ancient Iranians and Mount Damavand Mythology

As the tallest peak in the Alborz mountains, Damavand has always had great significance for the Iranians. The Mount Damavand mythology of ancient Persia is extensive and here we will point out only some of them. According to the beliefs of the ancient Iranians, earth and sky were a mountain in the first place. Its hillsides formed the earth and its peak formed the sky.

The Divinity of Sun Lives in Damavand

Before the emersion of the Zoroastrian religion, Mithraism was very popular among Iranians. Mithra was the divinity of sun, justice, friendship, and oath. The importance of Mithra for the Iranians is so immense that Zoroastrian books mention its name. Also, The Yashts, Zoroastrian holy hymns, mention Damavand Mount as the place of Mithra.

A Festival to Celebrate Autumn

One of the ancient Iranian Festivals is Mehregan Festival when Iranians celebrate the beginning of Autumn. This celebration dates back to more than 4000 years ago, begins on the 16th day of Autumn, and lasts six days. However, you can find the traces of Mount Damavand mythology in it. Many believe that Iranians celebrated it because they believe Fereydun defeated Zahaak on this day and imprisoned him in Mount Damavand.

In this ancient ceremony in the Iranian culture, people thanked Mithra for the blessings it gave them. They used to set a table almost similar to the Nowruz, the Persian new year. The only difference was that the items on the table including the tablecloth had to be purple. Also, during the Achaemenid era, this festival was held in Persepolis. Rulers from different regions of the Persian empire would gather in Perspolis to pay their taxes.

Mount Damavand Mythology in Shahnameh Epic

You can find a considerable part of Mount Damavand mythology in the Shahnameh epic, Ferdowsi’s poetry book. Mount Damavand has an important role in the story of characters in Shahnameh. Keyumars, Jamshid, Arash, Zahاak, Arash, and the White Devil are some of these characters.

Damavand, Home to The First King

Shahnameh mentions Keyumars’s name as the first king in the world. He landed on Damavand Mount from the heavens and was the first king who brought justice to the people. Also, he taught his sons and the others to make and wear clothes. This legendary king found the caves of Damavand to be the best site for the ruling. This way, his kingdom would be safe from the attack of other armies. He and his companions wore clothes made of leopard skin.

King Jamshid Flying Over Damavand

Another story related to the Mount Damavand mythology in Shahnameh is the story of King Jamshid. King Jamshid, the fourth Shah of the Pishdadian Dynasty bravely fought with demons, fairies, and pucks and defeated them. He started ruling them and ordered them to build a glass chariot.

The White Devil Hiding in Damavand

One of the other Characters in the Mount Damavand mythology is the White Devil. The White Devil (Div-e Sefid) was the ruler of the demons in Mazandaran and lived in Damavand Mount. After King Kay Kāvus and his army attack Mazandaran, the White Devil defeats them with a magical storm. Then, he blinds them all and holds them captive in a dungeon in the Mount Damavand. Rostam, the mythical Persian hero, decides to save his king. Therefore, he goes after the White Devil, fights with him and defeats him. Then, he uses the blood of the White Devil to cure the blind king and his army.

The Archer on Damavand Peak

Arash the Archer is the symbol of losing life for saving Iran in Iranian mythology. Damavand has an important role in this story, and it is one of the most significant myths in Mount Damavand mythology. It is the place where Arash dies to save his country.

One of the most famous ancient Iranian festival, Tirgan festival, is celebrating the day Arash shot the arrow. Iranians used to celebrate Tirgan Festival on the 13 thday of Summer. Still, people in a few regions of Iran celebrate this day by reading poetry and cooking special food.

Damavand, Zahaak’s Prison

One of the most famous stories in Mount Damavand mythology is Zahaak’s story. Zahhak, son of King Merdas was a handsome man who didn’t have a stable character. Ahriman (the Devil) chose to reach its goals. At first, Ahriman came to Zahaak in the shape of a wise man and deceived him into killing his father.

Damavand, The Valuable Iranian Symbol

From a magical mountain as the center of the world to Shanameh myths, Damavand has always been mystical for Iranians. The most momentous parts of Iranian stories take place in Damavand. So, by taking a look at Mount Damavand Mythology, it’s not hard to guess how valuable it is for Iranians. But, there is another thing that makes Damavand more special. Damavand is the symbol of union, and this is why all the Iranians respect this mountain. So, whenever they look at this white beauty, they remember that they should stay together no matter what happens.

Originally published at https://iranamaze.com on September 7, 2020.