25 - Prophets and Kings

As the holy one I recognized thee, Ahura Mazda, when Good Thought came to me and asked: "Who art thou? To whom dost thou belong? By what signs wilt thou appoint the days for questioning about thy possessions and thyself?"

I said to him: "To the first question, Zarathustra am I, a true foe to the Liar, to the utmost of my power, but a powerful support would I be to the Righteous, that I may attain the future things of the infinite Dominion, according as I praise and sing thee, o Mazda."

Ushtavaiti Gatha 43:7-8

The picture will make more sense when you listen to the episode...hopefully.
(source: icanhascheezburger.com by way of weruletheinternet.com)

I try not to use vague titles for my episodes because I want you to know exactly what you're in for when you listen to it, but Zarathustra and Cambyses just doesn't sound as cool as Prophets and Kings! Whatever, we'll all get through this somehow. Anyway, yes I know you've been staring at that tank cat for a while now and you're really interested to how it ties into the episode. Well why are you still reading this? Get downloading!

Also I apologize if I sound a bit stuffy in this episode. I'm coming off a head cold that knocked me off my feet this week. It was either delay the episode or be a trooper and do it. So I did! And honestly, it doesn't sound bad. Really. Trust me.


MP3 Download

Music Credits

http://persia.org/audio.html
Artist unknown! It's the sample called mojdeh2.wav

Resources
BBC Video and Robert Winston present: The Story of God (this part's all about Zoroastrianism)
Journeys to the ends of the Earth with David Adams: People of the Flame (I really liked this for the scenery and destinations he visits, but there's actually little on the Zoroastrians! Still, it's beautiful to watch!)
The whole Avesta, in three languages, plus many more Zoroastrian texts. What a fantastic resource!

King Cambyses at the Siege of Pelusium - Paul Marie Lenoir (mrrroowww!)
Have archaeologists found the remains of Cambyses' lost army?
The Inscription of Wedjahorresne (Udjahorresne)

Maps:
Balkh - the ancient city where Zarathustra supposedly died.
Pelusium today!
The Siwa Oasis - water and life is yours...if you can claim it before the desert claims you.