The Avestan Xvarənah-: A Chronology of Proposed Origins and Meanings of the Pan-Iranian Concept

Abstract

The origins and meanings of the mysterious Avestan xvarənah- have captured the minds of Iranicist scholars for many years. Though commonly defined as ‘glory, splendour’ by those interested in translating the content of the Avesta, the primary meaning of xvarənah- has been thoroughly debated. This paper chronologically outlines significant claims regarding the etymological development of xvarənah-, the evidence provided for and against them, and the methods the researchers used to develop their theories. This paper also highlights doubts scholars have had toward xvarənah- as a word originating in Avestan. Av. xvarənah- does not adhere to Avestan sound changes brought on by the RUKI sound law of the satem Indo-European languages. The identification of xvarənah- as an outlier in Avestan phonological rules illustrates the potential for xvarənah- to have be considered a loan word adapted into Avestan some time after the split of the common Proto-Iranian language. Both linguistic and historical evidence will be drawn upon to demonstrate not only potential primary meanings but the relation Avestan xvarənah- has to the way in which its cognates are used across various other Iranian cultures as well as the ties it has as a religious concept to those described in the Vedic texts of the early Aryan peoples of India.