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Zarathustra

Zarathustra

7 9.9
A Persian prophet who founded the ancient religion Zoroastrianism
  • proper noun
  • /ˌzærəˈθuːstrə/
translation icon : Zaratustra
  • Henceforth, Zarathustra talks only to disciples and epigones, and even then in parables and metaphors.
  • Thus Spoke Zarathustra
  • Spoke Zarathustra
  • Zarathustra, Nietzsche

Examples

  • Frequently, their interpretation of things leaves Zarathustra shaking his head in disappointment and dismay.

    Academic text (1994)
  • But the citizens of the present ridicule Zarathustra; their ears are not yet accustomed to what he has to say.

    Academic text (1994)
  • In fact, according to Zarathustra, it is the only hope.

    Academic text (1994)
  • In the future, it is perhaps possible that a Zarathustra would have a doctrine of Being as presence.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Thus Spoke Zarathustra is a chronicle of Zarathustra trying to cure and accept himself.

    Academic text (1994)
  • What about the human beings that Zarathustra is preaching to?

  • The coming together of pride and wisdom has as its parallel the speeches that Zarathustra makes, which seemingly combine contradictory characteristics.

    Academic text (1994)
  • From his late-modern vantage point, Zarathustra perceives two contrary directions in which history might proceed.

    Academic text (1995)
  • In his longing for humanity's redemption in a refashioned future, Zarathustra is hardly novel.

    Academic text (1994)
  • The ancient Persian prophet Zarathustra founded the religion of Zoroastrianism around 600 BC.

Synonyms

Zoroaster
vsZarathustra
1 9.1

A Persian religious leader who started the religion Zoroastrianism

has identical meaning but is a variant historical name and spelling

Surface Forms

Etymology

Zarathustra comes from an old Persian name and may join parts like zara 'gold' and uštra 'camel', so a helpful image is a 'golden camel' — a sign of wealth in ancient Persia. So, when you hear Zarathustra, think of the famous Persian prophet who gave the teachings of Zoroastrianism.