Deities of Judging in Avestā and Shānāmeh: A Comparative Study

In Iranian mythology, Mitra as deity of covenant and judging, has a stable connection with Sun and receives its help to perform its functions. Two deities, Souroush and Rashan accompany him in judging. All of these deities, in addition to judging, have another functions like giving blessing, accompanying the soul of the dead, supporting honesty and fighting with demons. In the present article, we try to show the features of deities of judging by using content analysis method. Then we consider the connection of these features with the deity of judging in Shānāmeh. In addition to studying the poems which refer to the judging of Mitra and the sun, furthermore, instances that the term of judging indicate the presence of deities of judging are considered.