Bundahishn

The Bundahishn (“Primal Creation”) is the primary Zoroastrian cosmological and eschatological text, preserved in Pahlavi (Middle Persian). It describes the creation of the world, the cosmic battle between Ohrmazd (Ahura Mazda) and Ahriman, and the final renovation.

Structure

34 chapters covering:

• Chapters 1-23: Creation of sky, water, earth, fire, plants, animals, humanity
• Chapters 24-29: Human history, kingship, demons, Gayomard
• Chapter 30: Resurrection and Future Existence — the eschatological climax
• Chapters 31-34: Zoroastrian duties, Zoroaster’s birth lineage, conclusion

Chapter 30 — Resurrection and Future Existence

The most eschatologically significant chapter:

• Three Saoshyants: Ushedar, Ushedarmah, and Soshyant
• Seed of Zarathushtra preserved in Lake Kansaoya
• Frashegird (Frashokereti) — final renovation of creation
• Molten metal ordeal: righteous pass through like warm milk; wicked purified

Chapter 4 — The Primeval Ox

Goshurvan, the soul of the primordial ox, is the first creature slain. Its soul cries to Ohrmazd for a guardian — one of the oldest parallels to the Mesopotamian primordial sacrifice.

Translated by E.W. West (Sacred Books of the East, Vol. 5, 1880). Public domain.