Mithra

English

Etymology

Transliteration of Avestan 𐬨𐬌𐬚𐬭𐬀 (miθra), from Proto-Indo-Iranian *mitrás (literally “(that which) causes binding”), from Proto-Indo-European *mey- (literally “to bind”); cognate with Sanskrit मित्र (mitra, “friend, companion”). Doublet of Mitra.

Proper noun

Mithra

1. A particular divinity (yazata) in Zoroastrianism and later Iranian history and culture, the hypostasis of "contract", "oath".
2. (rare, esoterica, hyperforeign) Roman Mithras.
   • 1991, Robert Schilling, "Roman Religion", Roman and European Mythologies, UChicago Press, p. 67.

     (English language translation of a French text)

     The cult of Mithra had been spread by soldiers and had thrived particularly in the frontier provinces of the empire.

   • 2008, James Patrick Holding, Shattering the Christ Myth, Xulon Press, page 202:

     The Roman Mithra was best known for his act of slaying a bull; yet there is no indication that the Iranian Mithra ever made his way into a bullpen for any reason. The Roman Mithra didn't appear at all interested in contract enforcement or escorting demons into hell.

Related terms

• Mithraeum
• Mithras
• Mitra
• Mithridates
• Mehran

Translations

Mithra

• Armenian: Միհր (hy) (Mihr)
• Avestan: 𐬨𐬌𐬚𐬭𐬀 (miθra)
• Bactrian: Μιιρο (Miiro), Μιρο (Miro)
• Greek:

  Ancient Greek: Μίθρης (Míthrēs), Μίθρας (Míthras)

• Latin: Mithras, Mithres
• Persian: مهر (fa) (mehr)

  Old Persian: 𐎷𐎰𐎼 (mi-θ-r /⁠miθra⁠/), [Term?] (/⁠*miça⁠/) (non-loan native OP for the same figure, only known from Elamite and Babylonian translations of OP inscriptions)

• Russian: Ми́тра (ru) m (Mítra)
• Sanskrit: मित्र (sa) m (mitra)

Anagrams

• thiram