Zarik

In Persian mythology, Zarik (or Zarich, Zairich, or Zairi) is a daeva in the service of Ahriman.

Etymology

Etymology of Zarik/Zarich likely comes from Avestan "zairi-gaona" - green/yellow.

Description

Oft-depicted in female form, Zarik is the daeva personification of aging and decrepitude and of poison - she is associated with Soma/Haoma. She is sometimes called "the maker of poison."

Zarik was created at the same time as the daeva Tairev and the two are comrades.

Zarik's amesha rival counterpart is Ameretat.

References

  1. ↑ "M.N. Dhalla: History of Zoroastrianism (1938), part 6". www.avesta.org. Retrieved 2026-07-04.
  2. 1 2 Schwartz, M. (1985-06-06), "THE RELIGION OF ACHAEMENIAN IRAN", in Gershevitch, I. (ed.), The Cambridge History of Iran (1 ed.), Cambridge University Press, pp. 664–697, doi:10.1017/chol9780521200912.015, ISBN 978-1-139-05493-5, retrieved 2026-07-04
  3. 1 2 "The Bundahishn ("Creation"), or Knowledge from the Zand". www.avesta.org. Retrieved 2026-07-04.
  4. ↑ Mark, Joshua J. (2020-01-16). "Ancient Persian Gods, Heroes, and Creatures - The Complete List". World History Encyclopedia.