Pahlavi Texts: Translations and Commentary on Avestan Works
This domain tests how Middle Persian texts translate, gloss, and interpret Avestan material. Expect questions on zand, Pazand, Pahlavi Yasna and Vendidad, and the distinction between translation and independent composition.
Key terms
- Zand is explanation or commentary, often a Middle Persian translation with glosses on an Avestan text.
- Pazand is Middle Persian written in Avestan script, often used for prayers and explanations.
- Pahlavi Yasna, Pahlavi Vendidad, and Pahlavi Visperad preserve Avestan lemmas with Middle Persian renderings and comments.
- The Denkard, Bundahishn, Menog-i Khrad, and Ardā Wirāz Nāmag are Middle Persian works, not Avestan scriptures.
Method
A Pahlavi translation may be literal, idiomatic, or interpretive. A gloss can identify a divine being, explain a ritual, or give an ethical reading. The exam may ask whether a statement is Avestan text, Middle Persian translation, or later commentary.
Worked example
A Pahlavi Yasna passage renders Avestan vohu manah with Middle Persian weh men or Wahman and adds an explanatory gloss. The correct classification is zand: the Avestan phrase 'good thought' is translated and then interpreted, with Vohu Manah identified as the Amesha Spenta Wahman. Reasoning: the lemma is Avestan, the rendering is Middle Persian, and the addition is commentary.
Traps
Do not treat a Pahlavi translation as the original Avestan wording; do not confuse zand with Pazand; do not assume glosses are verbatim; and do not classify Middle Persian books as Avestan.