A Study on the Role of Magi in the Religion and History of Iran

There is a lot of controversy over Magi, their main origin, religion, as well as their customs and traditions. Some believe that they were neither Aryan nor Sami, but belonged to a tribe residing in Media. They were known as adept magicians, demon worshipers, pre-Zoroastrian clerics and true opponents of Zoroaster who joined the Zoroastrian religion after finding themselves unable to stand against the ubiquitous influence of Zoroastrian religion. Some consider them the rightful heirs of Zoroaster. Others believe that they were clerics who embraced Zoroaster's messages and tried to spread them. Undoubtedly, Magi have played an undeniable role in the promotion of Zoroastrianism. The influence of Magi and their specific rituals such as killing xrafstarān, xwēdōdah, carrying the dead to Daxmag from fear of the demon Nasuš’s attack and all their efforts for killing demons as described in Vendīdād and other Zoroastrian religious books, confirm this reality.