The tale of Zahhak and Fereydoun in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh dramatizes the eternal conflict between tyranny and justice, corruption and resistance, foreign domination and Iranian identity. It remains one of the most enduring myths of Persian culture, combining ancient Zoroastrian symbolism with a timeless political message.
Zahhak: Tyranny and Corruption
Zahhak begins as a handsome, ambitious prince but is deceived by Ahriman, the embodiment of evil. Seduced by promises of power, he murders his father and seizes the throne. Ahriman kisses his shoulders, from which two black serpents grow, demanding daily nourishment of human brains. This gruesome need symbolizes the destruction of wisdom and humanity. Zahhak’s thousand-year reign is marked by oppression, cruelty, and the suppression of truth. Ferdowsi describes this dark age as a time when “the deeds of the wise were hidden, art was debased, magic revered, truth concealed, harm revealed.” Zahhak thus represents the archetype of tyranny and the corrupting force of unchecked ambition.
Fereydoun: Justice and Renewal
Fereydoun, destined to end Zahhak’s reign, is hidden in the mountains by his mother, Faranak, and nourished by the cow Barmayeh. Zahhak later kills both Fereydoun’s father, Abtin, and the cow, giving the hero personal cause for vengeance. Yet Fereydoun’s struggle transcends personal loss: it seeks the restoration of justice and the liberation of Iran. Raised in secrecy, he becomes a wise and generous leader. Ferdowsi emphasizes his humanity: “Through justice and generosity he found virtue; if you practice these, you too are Fereydoun.” With divine guidance, he defeats Zahhak but spares his life, imprisoning him in Mount Damavand, where evil is contained but never fully destroyed.
Kaveh the Blacksmith: The People’s Voice
The revolt begins with Kaveh, a humble blacksmith whose sons are sacrificed to feed Zahhak’s serpents. Refusing submission, he denounces Zahhak, tears apart his decree of loyalty, and raises his leather apron as a banner—the Derafsh-e Kaviani. This symbol of resistance unites artisans, laborers, and common people, who rally behind Fereydoun. In Persian memory, Kaveh represents the archetypal resistance fighter, proving that liberation begins when ordinary people rise against tyranny.
Iranian vs. Non-Iranian Discourse
Ferdowsi wrote during the 10th century, when Persian culture was overshadowed by Arab rule. In this context, Zahhak embodies the “non-Iranian” (anirani) element, associated with destruction and oppression, while Fereydoun and Kaveh represent noble Iranian lineage and the voice of the people. The conflict is not merely mythic but a cultural allegory, reviving national pride and affirming Iranian identity in the face of domination.
Legacy of the Shahnameh
The Shahnameh is a monumental work of nearly 50,000 couplets, composed over 33 years. Ferdowsi preserved the Persian language and reinterpreted Zoroastrian myths such as Aži Dahāka (Zahhak) and Θraētaona (Fereydoun) into human-centered narratives of justice and resistance. Over centuries, the tale has inspired poetry, art, theater, and modern works like The Last Fiction. Its symbols remain powerful in contemporary politics: protestors have likened oppressive rulers to Zahhak, showing the enduring relevance of Ferdowsi’s vision.
Conclusion
The saga of Zahhak and Fereydoun is more than myth. Zahhak embodies tyranny and corruption, Fereydoun justice and renewal, and Kaveh the people’s defiance. Ferdowsi transforms ancient tradition into a national epic that continues to inspire. Its lesson is timeless: tyranny may endure for centuries, but justice, rooted in the courage of ordinary people, ultimately prevails.