The Story of Zahhak

Retold by Rebecca Cann
Illustrations by Pary Shahsamandi

The story of Zahhak originates in the Avesta. But in the tenth century AD, the famous Iranian poet, Ferdowsi 
retold this story in his famous book named Shahnameh (Book of Kings). 

Here is the summary of Ferdowsi’s story with illustrations by Pary Shahsamandi:

Many years ago, there lived an Arab ruler names Mardash who had a son with the name of Zahhak. 
Zahhak was a really nice person until Ahriman, the Evil Spirit, persuaded him to kill his father.

After Mardash’s death, Zahhak became ruler. Ahriman once again appeared to him as a cook and made delicious meals for him. Zahhak asked Ahriman what he wants as his prize for the wonderful meals he had prepared. Ahriman just asked Zahhak to kiss his shoulders. After Ahriman kissed Zahhak’s shoulders, he disappeard. But suddenly two vicious black snakes grew from Zahhak’s shoulders.

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Zahhak was terrified and didn't know what to do with the snakes. Ahriman once again appeared to him as a physician. 
He told Zahhak that the only way to control the snakes is to feed them human brain every day otherwise the snakes would eat Zahhak himself.

So Zahhak started killing young men and feeding their brains to the evil snakes. Meanwhile, he decided to wage a war against Jamshid, the ruler of the world. Zahhak gathered a huge army and defeated Jamashid in a fierce battle. After killing Jamshid, Zahhak became the ruler of the world and took Jamshid’s daughters, Arnavaz and Shahrnavaz as his slaves.

Zahhak forgave Kaveh’s last son but asked Kaveh to sign an agreement telling everyone how righteous and forgiving he was.Kaveh knew Zahhak was lying so he refused to sign his letter. Instead he tore it up to pieces, ran out of the royal court, and raised his blacksmith apron as a standard of rebellion. He called on everyone to support him in finding Feryadoun. People named Kaveh’s apron Darafsh e Kaviani which mean's Kaveh's flag (banner).

Many people followed Kaveh to the Alborz Mountains to help him find Feryadoun. After much searching, they found the young Feryadoun who agreed to destroy Zahhak. In a battle, Feryadoun captured Zahhak and imprisoned him in a cave in Mount Damavand. He then freed Jamshid’s two daughters and brought freedom and happiness to Iran.

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