Pahlavi Texts, Part IV

Introduction: Explains the purpose of the volume: to collect accessible Iranian information on the contents of the full Zoroastrian sacred literature, especially the twenty-one Nasks. Discusses the fragmentary survival of the Avesta, the role of the Dīnkard, manuscript transmission, the loss and recovery of folios, classification of Nasks, and problems of Pahlavi translation. Abbreviations Used in This Volume: Lists abbreviations for Avesta, Pahlavi, manuscripts, Zoroastrian texts, editions, languages, and reference works used in the notes. Contents of the Nasks — Dīnkard, Book VIII: Provides a summary classification of the twenty-one Nasks. It explains their division into Gathic, Hadha-mathric, and Legal groups, and summarizes individual Nasks such as Sūḍkar, Varštmānsar, Bako, Damdād, Nādar, Pačag, Rado-dād-aitag, Bariš, Kaškisrōbō, Vištāsp-sastō, Vastag, Čitradād, Spend, Bakan-yašt, Nikādum, Ganabā-sar-nigād, Husparam, Sakādum, Vendīdād, Hādokht, and Stōd-yašt. Dīnkard, Book IX: Gives fuller summaries of selected Nasks, especially the Sūḍkar, Varštmānsar, and Bako. Major themes include the Ahunavair, the Ashem-vohu, creation, Zarathustra, the Gathas, sacred beings, demons, fire, cattle, righteousness, eschatology, the Činwad bridge, renovation, and religious instruction. Details of the Nasks from Other Sources: Supplements the Dīnkard account with material from the Selections of Zādsparam, Dīnkard Books III and IV, the Rivayat of Bahman Pūnyah, Kāmah Bahrām, Narīmān Hōshang, Barzū Qiyāmu-d-dīn, the Dīn-vijirgard, and extant Nask fragments.