Was Mithra Born of a Virgin Mother? by Murdock D.M. & S Acharya

Author:Murdock, D.M. & S, Acharya [Murdock, D.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stellar House Publishing
Published: 2011-01-24T16:00:00+00:00

The ‘Rock-Born’ and ‘Mountain-Born’

Even if we ignore all the evidence of the pre-Christian parthenogenetic creatrix within Near Eastern Mithraism, we may find that the “rock-born” motif emphasized in imagery of the Roman period likewise represents a virgin birth, out of matter. The words “matter” or “material” are derived from the Latin māteria, sharing the root māter, meaning “mother, source, origin.” This etymological fact shows a perception in the Roman world that linked matter and mother, which also manifested itself in the “Mountain Mama” concept found elsewhere. Mithra’s birth rock is also described as “world-stuff” [59] and the “World-Rock,” [60] whereas the earth has been perceived in many cultures as being female, such as the Greek goddess commonly known as Gaia. Thus, like Kore/Persephone, the rock-born or mountain-born Mithra is essentially generated from Mother Earth, who in other eras and cultures was perceived as virginal, as in “virgin rock.” [61]

Comparing the rock birth with that of the virgin mother, Amir-Moezzi says:

...il y a donc analogie entre le rocher, symbole d’incorruptibilité, qui donne naissance au dieu iranien et la mère de celui-ci, Anāhīd, éternellement vierge et jeune. [62]

...so there is analogy between the rock, a symbol of incorruptibility, giving birth to the Iranian god and the mother of that (same) one, Anahid, eternally virgin and young.

These various themes demonstrate an apparent parthenogenetic origin of Mithra in one sense or another.

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