Zoroastrianism has evolved considerably over time, and important writings on the faith were generated over many centuries in multiple languages. As such, different source materials may provide conflicting doctrines as well as reference supernatural beings by varying names.
There are two main sources of Zoroastrian knowledge. The first are the Avesta, which are written in varying forms of the Avestan language and which were composed over several centuries, from the origins of Zoroastrianism down to perhaps the fourth century BCE. The oldest are traditionally attributed to Zoroaster himself.
The second major source is the Pahlavi texts, written in Middle Persian between the third and ninth centuries CE. Modern academic texts often use the Pahlavi names for beings even though modern Zoroastrians generally use the names given in the Avesta.
For clarity, I always use the older Avestan names. The following list references Pahlavi names and their Avestan equivalents.
- Ahriman is Angra Mainyu
- Amahraspands are the Amesha Spentas (Bountiful Immortals)
- Frawahrs are Fravashis
- Mihr is Mithra
- Ohrmazd is Ahura Mazda
- Rashn is Rashnu
- Spena Menu is Spenta Mainyu
- Srosh is Sraosha
- Yazads are the Yazatas
- Zaratusht is Zoroaster
