CHAPTER XVI
ZARATHUSHTRA IN THE YOUNGER AVESTA
Zarathushtra is the chief of mankind as Tishtrya is of the stars. On the banks of the river Darej lived Pourushaspa of the family of the Spitamas in a small house.[1] A boy babe was born unto him. In consultation with the elders of the clan, the child was named Zarathushtra. Nature donned a festive garb, the sun shone with a brighter glory, trees strewed flowers on the ground, roses bloomed in luxuriant profusion, flowers and leaves and grass scented the air with sweet fragrance, creepers climbed the hedges in riotous luxuriance, the birds carolled in the air, myriads of tiny drops of the morning dew shone like pearls upon the leaves and branches of the trees, the clouds floated merrily in heaven, the winds made music in the lofty trees, joy filled the air, and the trees with their leafy tongues and the blades of grass and the grains of sand and birds and beasts and men and everything everywhere joyously sang: "Hail, for to us is born the Athravan, Spitama Zarathushtra."[2] He is said to have been renowned in Airyana Vaejah.[3] Here did he commune with Ahura Mazda and other heavenly beings.[4] Ahura Mazda made him the lord and overseer over mankind as he has established Tishtrya the leader of the stars.[5] He was the embodiment of goodness and righteousness on earth. He was the first and best follower of the divine law.[6] He tells Ahura Mazda that he will lead mankind according to the thoughts, words, and deeds of the religion which is of Ahura Mazda and Zarathushtra.[7] Ardvi Sura speaks of him as the wise, clever Athravan, who has mastered the revealed law and who is himself the word incarnate.[8] He is the holiest, the most ruling, the most bright, the most glorious, and the most victorious among men.[9] Haoma speaks of him as the most strong, the most firm, the most clever,
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