There is an historical tone in the Gāthas, which should be carefully observed. Their doctrines and exhortations concern an actual religious movement, which was taking place at the time of their composition, and that movement was apparently pure and earnest. Their tone is always serious, and nearly all the myths are dropped; even the old Āryan gods, who reappear in the later Avesta, being ignored with a single exception.
In the first Gātha, the soul of the kine, as representing the herds of the Īrānian people, raises her voice in lamentation. She asks why and for whom she was made, since afflictions compass her and her life is constantly threatened by the incursions of predatory tribes. She also beseeches the Bountiful Immortals to instruct her as to the benefits of agriculture, and confirm her protectors in the science, as the only remedy for her sufferings.
THE WAIL OF THE KINE.
“Unto you, O Ahūra and Asha, the soul of the kine cried aloud,
‘For whom did ye create me?
And for whom did ye fashion me?
On me comes the assault of wrath and of violent power;
The blow of desolation and thievish might.
None other pasture given have I than you;
Therefore do ye teach me good tillage