Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The founder of Zoroastrianism: Zarathustra is the name of the ancient Iranian prophet and spiritual teacher who established the religious system known as Zoroastrianism. He is traditionally believed to have lived in the 6th or 7th century BCE.

Usage Notes

• "Zarathustra" is used exclusively as a proper noun to refer to the historical religious figure. It is the original Avestan name, which later entered Western languages via Greek as "Zoroaster."
• The name is central to discussions of ancient Persian religion, philosophy, and history.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The teachings of Zarathustra emphasized the cosmic struggle between good and evil.
  • Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical work, "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," uses the prophet as a literary mouthpiece for his ideas.

Advanced Usage

• "Zarathustrian" (adj): Pertaining to Zarathustra or his teachings. (Note: This is a less common variant; "Zoroastrian" is standard).
  • Scholars study Zarathustrian texts to understand early Iranian thought.

Variants and Related Words

• Zoroaster: The more common Hellenized (Greek-derived) form of the prophet's name used in English.
• Zoroastrianism (n): The monotheistic religion founded by Zarathustra, characterized by the worship of Ahura Mazda and a dualistic cosmology.
• Zoroastrian (n/adj): A follower of Zoroastrianism, or pertaining to this religion.

Synonyms

• Zoroaster: The Greek/Latin name for the same prophet.

Related Concepts and Terms

• Avesta: The primary collection of sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, which contains the Gathas, hymns traditionally ascribed to Zarathustra.
• Ahura Mazda: The supreme god and creator in Zoroastrianism, whose worship was promoted by Zarathustra.
• Dualism: A key concept in Zarathustra's teachings, involving the opposition between the good spirit (Spenta Mainyu) and the evil spirit (Angra Mainyu).

Noun

1. Persian prophet who founded Zoroastrianism (circa 628-551 BC)