The Persian Creation Story:

First the sky was created from rock crystal (note 1) in the shape of a hollow sphere so that it was both above and below where the earth would be. First water was created and then earth. Plants were created next and then animals. Finally humans were born and the seventh creation fire, most perfect of all, was made and all was done.As the creator rested, the first mountain grew Alburz(note 2) also known as Mount Hara or Harbatz taking 800 years to grow its roots into the earth and its crown upwards until it touched the sky. And when it touched the sky the sun, moon and stars were born and circled the top of Alburtz. As they revolved water fell from the sky and the tree collected it all about it into a sea called Vourukash. Thusly Alburtz was the source of all light and all water.(Note 5) As the rains fell seven regions, or Karshvars (note 3) formed. The largest of these regions was Khvanrath, which was to be occupied by humans, and it was as large as the other six combined. As Alburtz grew it sprouted other mountains, 2244 in all.(Note 4) The Vourukash Sea sent out two mighty rivers, one to the west and one the east, making the boundaries of the known world. The water flowing into the rivers was purified, and it flowed from them to the Peak of Hara which threw the water into the air and became the rain again. The Vourukasha Sea began to foam in its center and from that came the

first tree, the Saena Tree (note 6). And as the first tree grew its crown provided a place for the first nest so the first bird appeared the Saena (note 7) and from the dropping leaves of the Saena Tree came the first plants, the very first plant being called Gaokerene which had healing properties when eaten and gave immortality to resurrected bodies of the dead.With the great forces of creation so unleased the first animal came into existance, the white bull as bright as the moon, and it first

lived on the banks of the River Vah Daiti (Veh Rod). It was killed

by Angra Manyu (Note 8) and its seed flew upwards to the moon where it was purified and created may of the animals seen today. Also it created many plants when its seeds dropped back to earth from the moon. Across from the bull's home on the river was the first man, Gayomarta (note 9)who also was created spontaneously by the force of creation. Angra Manyu in great anger destroyed this first human as well. The sun purified the man's seed for forty years when a rhubarb plant grew from them. The rhubard plant sloly grew into Mashya and Mashyanag, the first mortal couple. Angra Manyu tricked them into worhsipping him as their creator thusly the first sin occured, filling the world with corruption and evil. After 50 years they had twins, but because of their sin, they ate the children. After a long long time they had another set of twins from which comes all of us humans, but especially the Persians.

Note 1. Avesta, Yashta 13 then later metal

Note 2. Avesta, Yashta 19

Note 3. Karshvar is Middle Persian, modern Persian is keshvar meaning country

The Vedic texts say the same as the Persian texts. The B XII 1-2 "Alburz ever grew till the completion of 800 years of which 200 years was to the sun's station, and 200 more years to the moon station, and yet 200 years more to the station of the endless night.

Note 4. The Bundahishn XII 1-2 text in Note 3 continues with the

details of how many mountains grew from Alburtz.

Note 5. Vendidad 21,10 Note 6. Yasht 12, 17 Note 7. Senmurv in Phalavi, and Simurgh in old Persian Note 8. According to Zoroaster Note 9. Gayomad in Pahlavi, and Kiyumers in the text of the Shahameh Sources:Printed References