Meshia and Meshiana

Meshia and Meshiana ancestors of the human race according to the system of the ancient Persians. Ahriman (q.v.) and Ormuzd (q.v.) were the primary principles of creation, and from the antagonism which the universe thus presented man was the only exception. Ahriman, the evil principle, had no other resource but to slay Kaiomorts, the primitive human being, who was at once man and woman. From the blood of the slain Kaiomorts sprang Meshia and Meshiana., who were soon seduced by Ahriman, and became worshippers of the Devs, to whom they offered sacrifices. Evil was thus introduced into the world, and the conflict between the good and evil principles extended also to man.