Daevas (Divs) are evil spirits and the demon army under Ahriman’s command in Zoroastrian belief. Described as “false gods” in the Avesta, the Daevas were transformed from the rejected gods of the old Indo-Iranian pantheon — the beings the Indians called “deva” (god) were reinterpreted as evil spirits in Iran.
In the Shahnameh, Divs are described with enormous size, terrifying appearance, and supernatural powers. The White Div, Akwan Div, and Arzhang Div are the most well-known examples. During Rostam’s seven labors, his greatest enemies were the Divs. In Kurdish folklore, Divs are sometimes depicted as beings who bargain with humans or even fall in love.
