Gochihr
In its own language: گوچهر
from Middle Persian Gochihr, developed from old Iranian *gau-čiθra-, meaning 'bearing the seed' or 'having the origin of
A dragon from Iranian myth linked to world renewal and later used as an astronomical term.
Gochihr is a dragon figure in Zoroastrian and broader Iranian mythology. In eschatological texts, its descent triggers a molten metal eruption that rejuvenates the earth before the creature's death. The name was later adopted by Muslim astronomers to refer to the moon or planetary nodes.
- Gochihr means 'bearing the seed' in old Iranian
- Descent causes molten metal eruption in Bundahishn
- Muslim astronomers used Jawzihr for the moon
- Dragon's demise leads to world rejuvenation
- Also spelled Gozihr in Persian sources
What it is
Gochihr is a dragon described in Iranian mythology and Zoroastrian tradition. The entity appears in ancient scriptures where it plays a specific role in the end times. It is also known by variations such as Gozihr in Persian and Jawzihr in Arabic contexts. The figure represents a powerful force tied to cosmic cycles and transformation.
Where it comes from
The name derives from the old Iranian phrase *gau-čiθra-, which translates to bearing the seed or having the origin of cattle. This form is attested in the Younger Avesta. Over time, the language evolved into the Middle Persian Gochihr. The concept was later integrated into Islamic scholarly traditions, where it took on new meanings related to celestial bodies.
Gochihr, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Iranian mythology
Peoples and places
The figure belongs primarily to Iranian culture and Zoroastrian scripture. It appears in the Bundahishn, a key text in this tradition. Later, Muslim astronomers and astrologers adopted the name. They used it to signify the moon or the nodes of other planets, showing how the term moved from myth to science.
At a glance: who, where and when
Peoples
Belief worlds
What people believe
In Zoroastrian eschatology, Gochihr is central to the final renewal of the world. The narrative states that the dragon will descend rapidly into the earth. This action causes an eruption of molten metal. The heat purifies and rejuvenates the world. The process leads to the demise of Gochihr itself, marking a cycle of destruction and rebirth.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Scholars trace the etymology through linguistic evidence from the Younger Avesta. Historians note the transition from mythological dragon to astronomical term. The adoption by Muslim astronomers shows a shift in how the name was understood. It moved from a creature of fire to a marker of celestial mechanics.
Compare and confuse
Gochihr shares thematic similarities with other world-ending dragons like Jörmungandr. Both are tied to apocalyptic events and the renewal of the world. The name Jawzihr links it to Islamic astronomical traditions, distinguishing it from purely pagan myths.
Questions people ask about Gochihr
What is Gochihr?
Gochihr is a dragon in Iranian mythology and Zoroastrian scripture. It is known for its role in the end times and later as an astronomical term.
Where does the name come from?
It comes from the old Iranian *gau-čiθra-, meaning 'bearing the seed'. This evolved into the Middle Persian Gochihr found in ancient texts.
What happens to Gochihr in the myth?
According to the Bundahishn, Gochihr descends into the earth. This creates a molten metal eruption that rejuvenates the world before the dragon dies.
Is Gochihr used in astronomy?
Yes. Muslim astronomers adopted the name as Jawzihr. They used it to refer to the moon or the nodes of other named planets.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Gochihr (Zoroastrianism)", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-13.
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