The spelling of the word "Ariman" is based on pronunciation. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet transcription, "Ariman" is spelled /ˈærɪmən/. The initial sound is a short "a" sound, followed by a short "i" sound. The stress falls on the second syllable. The final sound is a reduced "uh" sound followed by a silent "n". This spelling may be confusing, as there are several variations of the word found in different languages and belief systems. Nonetheless, this spelling accurately represents the English pronunciation of "Ariman".
Ariman is a term with religious and mythological connotations, primarily stemming from Zoroastrian beliefs and Persian mythology. It typically refers to an evil or malevolent deity, representing the personification of destructive forces and chaos.
In Zoroastrianism, an ancient Iranian religion founded by the prophet Zarathustra, Ariman is regarded as the supreme embodiment of evil and the antithesis to Ahura Mazda, the benevolent and wise creator god. Ariman is often depicted as the devourer of souls and the sower of discord and death. He is believed to continually wage war against the forces of good, as manifest in Ahura Mazda and his angels or righteous spirits.
Ariman's characteristics are frequently associated with darkness, deceit, and spiritual corruption. He is believed to lead legions of evil beings, known as daevas, who serve to further his nefarious agenda. These ideas have echoes in various other ancient religions and mythologies, where similar figures exist in different names and forms, often portraying a cosmic battle between good and evil.
In contemporary usage, the term Ariman is sometimes used metaphorically to allude to an influential and malevolent source of evil or chaos. It may refer to an individual or group that exerts significant negative influence over a particular domain, such as politics or social affairs. However, it is important to note that such usage often carries cultural or religious undertones, especially in contexts influenced by Zoroastrianism or Persian mythology.
The word "Ariman" comes from the ancient Persian language. It is derived from the Avestan term "Angra Mainyu", which means "destructive spirit" or "evil spirit". In Zoroastrianism, an ancient Iranian religion, Ariman is considered the embodiment of evil and represents the forces of darkness, chaos, and deceit. As the counterpart to Ahura Mazda, the supreme god of Zoroastrianism, Ariman plays a significant role in its mythology and cosmology. Over time, the term "Angra Mainyu" transformed into "Ahriman" in Middle Persian and later into "Ariman" in modern Persian.