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How did later Zoroastrian texts describe the final defeat of evil?
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ancient Iranian religion
Significant religious sites and sites containing religious artifacts of ancient Indo-Iranian peoples, including those of peoples of adjacent areas and modern Zoroastrians.
In later Zoroastrian texts, such as the Pahlavi books, the final defeat of evil is described as a systematic restoration of the world to its initial state of perfection. This eschatological vision includes several key developments:1
- The Final Struggle: At the end of time, the host of good and the host of evil will engage in a final battle. Each soldier of Ahura Mazdā will defeat and kill their specific adversary, mirroring the primeval combatants.1
- The Ordeal of Fire: All resuscitated humankind must traverse a river of molten metal and fire. For the just, this will feel like warm milk, while it will burn and cleanse the wicked.12
- The Fate of Evil: Following this purification, hell will be sealed forever. The destructive spirit Ahriman will be rendered powerless or annihilated, and his demonic horde will eventually devour itself.13
- Restoration: With evil vanquished, the earth will be flattened and renewed. Humankind, now sinless and shadowless, will enjoy eternal happiness in a state of primordial perfection, marking the ultimate triumph of good over the Lie.143