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Tishtrya is the name of a Zoroastrian divinity associated with all forms of water, such as clouds, lakes and the sea. Adam and Rebecca make Tishtrya's acquaintance when completing the riddle in Arqua, the so-called Ritual of Eternity.[1] After having procured all the items that represent the four elements, Tishtrya materialises from the Fountain on the upper floor and rewards them with the Sword of the Dragon, Eternity.
Tishtrya is accompanied by four aqueous Angel figures, the so-called Hafaza, as implied in the 
Scroll that we received upon entering Arqua.[2]
Theological Background[]
According to the ancient Iranian religion of Zoroastrianism, Tishtrya was an ally of Ahura Mazdah the Wise Lord in the struggle against the dark forces of evil under Ahriman:
In the mythology of Yasht 8.21-29,[3][4] Tishtrya, as a mighty white horse with golden ears and golden tail, rushes towards the cosmic sea Vourukhasha. On his way, he is confronted by Apaosha, the Zoroastrian demon of drought, as a horrible black horse with black ears and black tail. They battle for three days and nights until Apaosha drives Tishtrya away. Tishtrya then complains to Ahura Mazda that he was weakened because humankind did not give him his due of proper prayers and sacrifices. Ahura Mazda then himself offers sacrifice to Tishtrya, who now strengthened reengages Apaosha in battle at noon and conquers the demon of drought. Tishtrya then causes the rains to fall freely upon the earth and all is well again.
Script[]
| “ |
Adam: Who do you think that spirit was who procured Eternity? |
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References[]
- ↑ Official Interplay Walkthrough:
“ At this point the Ritual of Eternity should be performed:
Step One: Place the bowl of snow into the base of the water-pipe Step Two: Place the powdered Amber onto the pipe-bowl Step Three: Light the Amber with the fire. The snow will now melt. Step Four: Fan the Amber gently until it glows and catches flame. At this point it releases clouds of scented smoke.” - ↑ Arqua Scroll:
“ Take the four elements to the Ring of Eight and place them correctly. They will conjure the presence of the Hafaza.
” - ↑ Brunner, Christopher J. (1987), "Apōš", Encyclopaedia Iranica, 2, New York: Routledge & Kegan Paul, pp. 161-162.
- ↑ Lommel, Herman (1927), Die Yašts des Awesta, Göttingen-Leipzig: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht/JC Hinrichs.
- ↑ This supposed spelling error in the subtitles actually sparks a bit of interest, considering aqua is the Latin word for "water" (and Tishtrya is the Zoroastrian deity representating all forms of water).