In Vedic myth, Atharvan, “fire-priest,” is one of the seven great Rishis or Prajapatis. He is said to be the author of the fourth Veda. The fourth and last Veda, the Atharvangirasah, consists almost exclusively of a wide variety of hymns, magical incantations, and magical spells. Largely for personal or domestic use, it was not originally accepted as authoritative because of the deviant nature of its contents. Scholars believe that it dates from a later time and that it may have been derived mainly from the remnant of the indigenous pre-Aryan culture. Eventually it was acknowledged as one of the Vedas, especially after its adoption as a ritual handbook by the Brahmans, the fourth and highest class of priests officiating at the sacrifices.