1/10-To research and learn about Zoroastrianism:
1-Be wary of online/offline/oral sources given that it is a very old (one of the oldest) religion and most people deform it and interpret it in their own way.
2- Not many credible sources but I will list the ones that are
1-Be wary of online/offline/oral sources given that it is a very old (one of the oldest) religion and most people deform it and interpret it in their own way.
2- Not many credible sources but I will list the ones that are
2/10-Prods Oktor Skjaervo is a professor of Iranian studies at department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations in Harvard University. I will begin by listing some of his work relating to Zoroastrianism.
3/10-This is an introduction to Young Avestan by Skjaervo. It is an amazing tool to study with and educate others as well. It is concise and can be a good start to dip your toes in Zoroastrianism. Plus he shares it for free with and for Humanity💕
sites.fas.harvard.edu/~iranian/Avest…
sites.fas.harvard.edu/~iranian/Avest…
4/10-The Spirit of Zoroastrianism by Skjaervo is a scholarly book. To anyone looking for a deeper understanding of Zoroastrianism I recommend. I recommend reading the book with the help of the intro to Young Avestan. It will allow you to have a guide while reading the book.
5/10-Michael Stausberg is a German scholar on religion.
Zarathustra and Zoroastrianism: A Short Introduction is a scholarly book by Stausberg and is very informative. It dives into who Zarathustra is/was and how he changed the religion.
Zarathustra and Zoroastrianism: A Short Introduction is a scholarly book by Stausberg and is very informative. It dives into who Zarathustra is/was and how he changed the religion.
6/10-One of the bigger names in academia regarding Zoroastrianism is Jean Kellens. He is a Belgium Iranianologist who is skilled in Avestan studies. I recommend reading “Essays on Zarathustra and Zoroastrianism” from Kellens.
7/10-Mary Boyce was a British scholar of Iranian languages, and an authority on Zoroastrianism. Her contribution to understanding Zoroastrianism is primordial. She has a multitude of work but to start I recommend her book “Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices”
8/10-I will list the original sources that all these Scholars have had to draw from in order to analyse Zoroastrianism.
9/10-
1- The Avesta
2- Pahlavi Texts (e.g. the Bundahishn, the Denkard, the Book of Arda Viraz Namag, etc.)
3- Royal Inscriptions (Achaemenid Royal Inscriptions)
4- Greek and Romain sources (mythology)
**If I forgot any I am sorry
1- The Avesta
2- Pahlavi Texts (e.g. the Bundahishn, the Denkard, the Book of Arda Viraz Namag, etc.)
3- Royal Inscriptions (Achaemenid Royal Inscriptions)
4- Greek and Romain sources (mythology)
**If I forgot any I am sorry
10/10-Last but not least, many peer reviewed journal articles about Zoroastrianism go unnoticed which is why I will list here two scholars that write shorter and concise essays that I recommend: Richard Foltz and Manya Saadi-nejad. #Zoroastrianism #Zarathustra #Avesta
