Melek Taus
This is one of the Yazidi names for their central deity. Linked far back to Zoroastrianism, Yazidi is a religious practice mainly among ethnic Kurds. Melek Taus rebelled against God, but instead of being demonized for it— as he was according to Islam, Christianity, and other faiths—he was deified. His tears filled seven jars, which then put out the fires of hell. Yazidis believe that both good and evil exist in the spirit of human beings, and it depends on humans as to which they choose. In this decision process, their devotion to Tawûsê Melek is essential, since it was he who was given the same choice between good and evil by God. He chose good.
