The encounter between Zarathustra and Ahura Mazda marked a pivotal moment in religious history, not just because this was only the second recorded attempt to introduce a monotheistic system but because it augured a new kind of relationship between god and human beings. That’s because Zarathustra did not merely encounter Mazda; he brought forth a revelation from this god. Mazda spoke to Zarathustra, and then Zarathustra wrote down those words for others to read. In doing so, Zarathustra Spitama became the very first human being in history to be characterized as what we now term a prophet.
