The Iranic Scythians: Hunters of Wild Boar and Guardians of Ancient Traditions

Iranic Scythian Hunting Wild Boar

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

The Iranic Scythians—our ancestral cousins—were more than just fierce warriors who once dominated the vast Eurasian steppes; they were a people deeply connected to their land, traditions, and faith. Among their many customs, one of the most fascinating was their love for hunting wild boar. This practice, rich in symbolism and necessity, speaks to the identity of the Iranic peoples before the scourge of Arab-Islamic imperialism sought to suppress our culture and replace it with foreign practices.

The Scythians: Masters of the Hunt

The Scythians were an Iranic-speaking people who roamed the steppes of Central Asia and the Black Sea region from the 7th century BCE to the 4th century CE. Renowned for their horsemanship, archery, and warrior prowess, they also excelled as hunters. Hunting wild boar was both a sport and a vital source of sustenance. Wild boar, with its cunning nature and fierce resistance, symbolized courage, strength, and resilience—qualities deeply revered by the Scythians.

The Scythians’ hunting expeditions were not merely about survival; they were deeply spiritual. The wild boar hunt was a rite of passage, a demonstration of bravery, and a form of communion with the divine. Zoroastrian influences, which permeated Scythian culture, revered animals as part of God’s creation, and hunting was often seen as a sacred act of balancing nature rather than exploiting it.

Boar Hunting as Resistance to Arab Imperialism

This tradition, however, was systematically erased by Arab-Islamic conquerors who imposed their dietary laws and religious practices upon the Iranian people. Pork, a staple in Scythian diets, became haram under Islamic law. The Arab invaders did not merely seek to conquer lands but aimed to obliterate indigenous cultures. By banning pork and demonizing the pig, they struck at the heart of an economy and way of life that had thrived for centuries among Iranian peoples.

The same fate befell Zoroastrian reverence for dogs, which were considered sacred animals. Islam relegated dogs to the status of "unclean," in stark contrast to their exalted place in pre-Islamic Iranian culture. This cultural erasure was part of a broader strategy to weaken the identity and spirit of subjugated peoples.

Lessons from the Scythians for Today

As an Iranian-American and a former Muslim, I see the hunting traditions of the Scythians as a metaphor for our modern struggle to reclaim cultural heritage and resist ideological oppression. For centuries, Iranic peoples, from the Medes to the Parthians and beyond, have fought to preserve their identity in the face of conquest.

Today, the battle for cultural preservation continues, not just in Iran but among the diaspora. It is our responsibility to honor our ancestors by learning about their traditions, celebrating their courage, and standing firm against any force that seeks to rewrite or erase our history.

The Scythians, with their bows, arrows, and wild boar hunts, remind us that the fight for identity is as old as civilization itself. Their legacy, preserved in archaeological finds and historical texts, is a call to action for Iranian peoples worldwide to reconnect with the roots of their greatness.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the Scythians, I find it deeply ironic that a culture of strength, independence, and resilience could be overshadowed by an ideology of submission. The wild boar, once a symbol of resistance, stands today as a reminder of what we have lost and what we must strive to regain.

For me, as a Christian conservative and former Muslim, reconnecting with these traditions is part of embracing the truth of who we are: descendants of proud, noble warriors who lived in harmony with God’s creation. Our ancestors hunted wild boar not out of malice but out of necessity and respect for life—a lesson that resonates with the Christian stewardship of the earth.

It is time for us to honor their legacy, stand up for our heritage, and reject the lies of those who seek to erase the beauty of our past.

---

Citations

1. Di Cosmo, Nicola. Ancient China and Its Enemies: The Rise of Nomadic Power in East Asian History. Cambridge University Press, 2002.
2. Herodotus. The Histories. Translated by Aubrey de Sélincourt, Penguin Books, 1996.
3. Frye, Richard N. The Heritage of Persia. World Publishing Company, 1963.
4. Boyce, Mary. Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices. Routledge, 1979.
5. Lincoln, Bruce. Religion, Empire, and Torture: The Case of Achaemenian Persia. University of Chicago Press, 2007.