Apaosha- Persian DemonDemon"The Drought Demon"

The Battle at Vourukasha

The Tishtrya Yasht describes the annual cosmic battle that determines whether rain will fall. Both combatants take the form of horses. Tishtrya, the rain-bringing star deity, appears as a white stallion with golden ears and a golden caparison. Apaosha manifests as a terrible black horse, bald and ugly, ears and mane stripped bare, a withered form that mirrors the drought he brings.

Their combat takes place at the cosmic sea Vourukasha, from which all earthly waters flow. For three days and three nights, the white horse and the black horse struggle. In the first encounter, Apaosha drives Tishtrya back across the length of a race track. The defeated star-god complains to Ahura Mazda that he would have the strength of ten horses, ten camels, ten bulls, ten mountains, and ten rivers if humans worshipped him properly.

The outcome hinges on human action. When worshippers offer proper sacrifice, Tishtrya gains that tenfold strength and returns to the sea. He defeats Apaosha and drives him from the waters. The rains break. When humans neglect their duties, Apaosha holds Vourukasha and the land dries.