The Pantheon of Scythian Deities: A Reflection on My Ancient Ancestry

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

As an individual of diverse beliefs and backgrounds, tracing my lineage back to the Safavid Dynasty and beyond to the ancient Scythians, I find a particular fascination in exploring the spiritual landscape of my ancestors. The Scythians, a group of Iranian nomadic tribes renowned for their skills in horseback riding and their strategic prowess, also held a rich tapestry of religious beliefs characterized by a pantheon of gods, which resonates deeply with my journey from Islam to Christianity and my exploration of spirituality.

Tabiti - The Chief Goddess

Central to the Scythian pantheon was Tabiti, revered as the chief goddess. She embodied the sacred essence of fire and hearth, akin to the Roman Vesta or the Greek Hestia. Her role as a protector of the home and the keeper of the sacred flame symbolizes the foundational values of family and sanctity that are vital across cultures and religions, including my Christian faith.

Papaios - The Sky Father

Papaios was regarded as the supreme sky god, a figure similar to Zeus in Greek mythology or Jupiter in Roman belief systems. As the father of the gods, Papaios governed the celestial sphere and was a symbol of authority and power. This deity underscores the universal human quest for a sovereign figure, guiding and watching over the cosmos.

Api - The Earth Mother

Complementing Papaios was Api, the earth mother. She represented the fertility of the ground and was pivotal in agricultural rituals. Api's nurturing aspects mirror the Christian concept of Providence and the nurturing character of the Earth, which provides sustenance and life.

Goitosyros and Argimpasa - Divine Mediators

The twin deities Goitosyros and Argimpasa functioned as mediators between the human and divine realms. Goitosyros was often associated with prophecy and oracles, while Argimpasa was linked to beauty and fertility. Their roles reflect the human inclination towards intercession, a theme prevalent in many of my past religious experiences.

Thagimasadas - The Water God

Thagimasadas, the water god, controlled the waters—a critical element for the survival of the Scythians in their harsh environments. Water, as a life-giving and purifying force, is a common motif in many religions, including my current faith, symbolizing baptism and the renewal of life.

These deities, with their distinct attributes and domains, underscore a universal pattern found in nearly every culture: a pantheon that mirrors human society's structure and its understanding of the natural world. For me, exploring these ancient beliefs offers a profound connection to my roots and a reflection on the diverse spiritual paths I have traversed—from the mosques of Islam to the temples of Christianity, and the lodges of Freemasonry.

As we delve into the past, it is crucial to remember that these mythologies, though ancient, still carry lessons and reflections pertinent to modern spiritual and societal dilemmas. They serve as reminders of our shared humanity and the continuous quest for understanding the divine.

Citations

1. Rolle, Renate, The World of the Scythians (London: B.T. Batsford, 1989).
2. Jacobson, Esther, The Art of the Scythians: The Interpenetration of Cultures at the Edge of the Hellenic World (Leiden: Brill, 1995).
3. West, M.L., Indo-European Poetry and Myth (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007).