Ahriman tricked Zahhāk to kill his father Mardas. Zahhāk allowed him to kiss his shoulders.Permission was granted and Ahriman disappeared after kissing Zahhāk's shoulders. Two black snakes appeared where the demon's lips met. It was not possible to destroy the snakes because by killing each of them, a new snake would appear in place of the one killed. All the doctors and sages of that land were unable to solve the problem of snakes. Ahriman appeared in the court in the form of a skilled physician and ordered that every day a young human brain be given to each snake so that Zahhāk would be safe from them. He then ordered him to kill all humans. Zahhāk reigned as an evil ruler for many years. Kaveh Ahangar and Fereydun rebelled against Zahhāk and chose Fereydun as king.
a story from Ferdowsi Shahnameh
Oil on canvas, Aref Niazi, 2022
