Heaven and Hell in Ancient Iranian Culture

I think it is clear that these concepts are relative and are interchangeable, comparing to Semitic beliefs, we see a land of fire is considered both as a hell and a heaven, it certainly depends on where you live, for Ancient Iranians who lived in a very cold climate, the worst thing could be more coldness, for this reason they attributed coldness to Angra Mainyu (Ahriman).

This link provides an explanation of different concepts of life death and I like the Tao concept best.  However, this thread is about Ancient Iranian concepts and I think anyone interested in the concept would enjoy this explanation of a bridge and the valleys one might fall into, or the path to heaven that is without danger.  I surely think this is an allegory for reality, akin to the Greek understanding of Hades, which I consider excellent psychology. 
 
http://www.litesofheaven.com/zoroastrianism.html

Surely, the story tellers are aware of their creative effort to explain something.  To understand these stories abstractly, as allegories with important thoughts to consider, is beneficial.  However, to interpret them literally is disastrous.  

The reason given for Cyrus staying in a harsh climate is he did not want to risk becoming soft, as living in a mild climate might make a person soft and weak.    This is associating virtues with living a hard life in a difficult climate.  


Edited by Athena - 28-Mar-2011 at 12:33