Original-language term required. A royal inscription denoted “XPh” is nicknamed for these beings and enigmatically boasts of destroying their dānā, or sanctuary. An 8th-century text argues against interfaith marriage because xwedōdah (“kweh-DOH-dah”) weakens these beings, whom Mary Boyce argued were originally gods of specific war bands. A text detailing “Rules for Keeping Away” these beings, like one called “the Long-Handed,” requires anyone who kills an otter to hunt thousands of vermin to atone. Because one of these beings called Nasu hates dogs, dogs watch over corpses in the sagdīd (“sahg-DEED”) ritual. These beings, which are repelled by the mantra “truth is the best of all good,” personify the concept of druj (“drooj”). The Fravarānē (“frah-vah-RAH-neh”) begins “I scorn” these beings, who oppose the yazatas in the Yasna. For 10 points, name these demons that serve Ahriman and represent evil and impurity in Zoroastrianism. ■END■
ANSWER: daivas [or daevas or daēwa; accept divs, devs, dēw, yatu, jadu, or pairikas; prompt on druj or drugvant until “druj” is read by asking “what beings personify that concept?”] (The first line refers to Xerxes I’s “Daeva Inscription.” “Xwedōdah” refers to consanguineous marriages. The Vendidad calls otters “water dogs.”)
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= Average correct buzz position