Zahhāk in the Shāhnāma-e-Ferdowsi ( ضحّاک‎) Safar With Sadaf Farooqui

Safar With Sadaf Farooqui

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 Shahnameh-E-Ferdowsi (Book of Kings). 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 disappeared. But suddenly two vicious black snakes grew from Zahhak’s shoulders.

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.

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