rev. 1/2000
*Note: this is a rough prose translation; the original is poetry.

PRELUDE: JAMSHID
(Summary)
[Jamshid brought great prosperity to the land of Iran, teaching the people such arts as spinning and weaving. He also developed technologies like the mining of metals for weapons.

Noticing that people work better with a division of labor, Jamshid divided the people into four groups. Spiritual leaders were the first group. He sent them into the mountains, where they devoted themselves to worship and songs of praise. The second group was made up of warriors, "protectors of the nation and the royal crown." The third was farmers, "through whom the world prospers." And in the fourth group were the craftsmen, "whose souls are filled with images."]

He ordered demons ["impure devs"] to mix water with clay for the building of houses. He brought geometrical shapes into architecture, and had lofty palaces built. He mined rubies and other precious stones and discovered many perfumes, as well as medicine and cures for illness. By inventing the ship, he made it possible to travel from land to land by water.]

(Translation)
When Jamshid observed all his accomplishments, he acknowledged no power above himself. He constructed a great throne studded with jewels, so high that it shone in the sky like the sun. Then he sat as ruler upon his throne. The world lay about him, and the Divine Presence was with him. People showered jewels on him, and they called that day NoRuz, the New Day. Henceforth, each year at this time the king and his people would cleanse their bodies of pain and their hearts of ill-will and resentment. With the king on his throne, the nobles would summon dancers and wine. This celebration remains with us as a tradition from those first days.

Three hundred years passed thus without death or sickness or pain or fighting. From this throne which he had built on the backs of the devs, Jamshid ruled for many years in peace, with kindness toward his people.

Then he proclaimed, "I find no one in the world as great as I am. I have brought art into being. Who but I has had such a throne? I blessed the world and removed its pain. Eating, sleeping, and comfort -- all these you owe to me. Your clothes and your good fortune come from me. I have brought glory, crown, and kingdom. Who says there is any other god but me? Medicine has made life good. No one before me could eliminate sickness and death. Who among all kings, past or to come, has my power to wipe out death? The consciousness and soul which inhabit your bodies are of my giving. Those who follow Ahriman [the Spirit of Darkness] do not follow me. Now that you know that I have brought all this into being, do not delay in calling me 'Creator of all things.'"

Hearing this, all the wise men bent their heads. No one could speak. At Jamshid's words, the Divine Presence departed from him. The world grew full of gossip and backbiting. Twenty-three years passed in his kingdom, and his army had scattered. That poet spoke well who said, "When you become a king, seek to be a servant." He who grows ungrateful to God will find anxiety rushing from all directions to fill his heart.

Day became dark for Jamshid when the Divine Presence, the world-lighting sun, drew apart from him. Then the king realized that God was displeased with him, and he became frightened. The Lord of righteousness was disappointed with him, and there was no remedy or cure. Jamshid wept tears of blood and begged God for mercy. But the Divine Presence had left him. Lamentation was on his face....

[More on Jamshid later.]

ZAHAK

In that time there lived in the land of those who throw spears a man named Mardas. He was a king and a good man, who feared God and knew the nature of the cold wind of death. Mardas, this great man of the Arabs, was supreme in justice and wisdom. His flocks increased a thousand-fold. Goats, camels, and sheep he gave to the people who milked them, along with cows, noble Arabian horses, and other animals. Whoever needed milk or anything else, he reached out his hand to help them.

This righteous man had a son named Zahak. This young hero was called Bivar-Asp, or "Ten Thousand Horses" in the old [Pahlavi] language. From day and from night he had received two portions, meant for greatness not for hate. But he showed nothing of love or human affection. He was brutal, mean, and irreligious.

Eblis [the Spirit of Evil] appeared to Zahak one day in the guise of a righteous man, and he conquered the heart of the young prince through the appearance of goodness. The young man, ignorant of the stranger's ill deeds, entrusted to him his willing ear, his mind, his heart, and his pure soul. Thus he threw himself into misery.

When Eblis understood that the young man's heart had been won, he was pleased. For a long time, he spoke eloquent and beautiful words to the youth, whose mind was empty of wisdom. Then Eblis said, "I have many secrets to tell you, which no one knows but me."

The youth said, "Speak without delay, O righteous one. Teach us."

"First you must give me a promise. Then I will speak openly and truly."

The young man was simple of heart, so he swore, as Eblis required, that he would listen to whatever Eblis told him, and would not repeat it to anyone.

Eblis said, "Why should anyone but you be king, O renowned one? When there is a son like you, why should there be a father? You must take my advice. This old man will hang on forever, and you'll never have a chance to be king. Consider the wealth [sar-mayeh] of his court. His place suits you well. If you remain faithful to what I tell you, you will become king of the world.

When Zahak heard this, his heart grew heavy with the thought of shedding his father's blood. He told Eblis, "This is not proper. Give me other instructions, because this is not good."

Eblis said, "If you fail to carry out what I tell you, you'll betray your oath to me. This oath and my halter will fall over your neck; and you will become small, while your father is great." Thus he conquered the mind of the youth, and Zahak accepted his command.

He asked, "Tell me how I must accomplish this act."

Eblis responded, "I will find you a way. I will make your head as high as the sun. Keep quiet, and I will do all that's required. Just don't unsheath the sword of speech."

The king had a pleasant garden, and woke in the night to bathe in that hidden garden before going to worship. Since he was devout, he never carried a light with him. The evil demon had dug a deep pit and covered it with leaves and branches, and then left. During the night, when the king came to the garden, he fell into the pit. His fortune shattered and he was destroyed. That generous-hearted believer, who knew well the conflict between Good and Evil, heaved a bitter sigh. He had brought up his child with attention and affection, and had bestowed gold on him. He had been happy because of his son. Now this son, evil and shameless, had broken this bond of love and affection and joined in spilling his father's blood.

I have heard this saying from a wise man: "Even if the son were a lion, he would not be so cruel as to kill his father, unless he had conspired with his mother." The son who abandons the tradition of his father is a stranger, not a son.

Zahak the shallow [sabok-mayeh, or "light in substance"] thus assumed the place of his father and the crown of the Arabs. When Eblis saw that Zahak had levied no taxes upon the people, he set another trap for him.

Eblis told him, "When you followed me, you gained all the power in the world. If you now listen to me and follow my orders, and make me another promise, the whole world will fall under your rule -- men and beasts, birds and fish."

Eblis then switched to another strategem. He disguised himself as a young man, eloquent of tongue, perceptive of heart, and pure of body. He went to Zahak's home and said, "May the king be satisfied with me. I am a famous cook." When Zahak heard this, he gave Eblis the key to the royal kitchen, and put him in charge.

At that period the human body grew slowly, because there were fewer foods. So the evil Ahriman [Spirit of the Lie, the Evil which Eblis embodies] gave Zahak the idea of killing animals. First the cook gave him the yolk of eggs, and for a time kept him in health. Then he made food from all kinds of animals, from birds and four-footed animals. He nourished Zahak like a ferocious lion to make him more savage. Whatever he commanded Zahak, Zahak would do, even placing his soul in pawn at his command. Zahak ate all this new food, and praised the cook. And the taste of the food became good to that unfortunate man.

The deceiver said, "May you live forever, O majestic King! I will make a dish for you tomorrow that will nourish you completely." He departed, spent the night considering what he should prepare the next day to surprise him.

Next morning, when the blue dome of sky displayed its golden jewel, he cooked a partridge, and approached expectantly. The king of the Arabs placed his hand on the table to eat, and in the emptiness of his mind he bestowed his affection on the cook.

On the third day, the cook decorated the table with fowl and lamb of different varieties.

On the fourth day, when he had set the table, he brought food prepared from the spine of the cow, seasoned with saffron and rosewater as well as vintage wine and musk-butter. When Zahak stretched out his hand and ate, he was amazed how skilled and wise the cook was, and said, "Tell me your fondest wish, and I will grant it."

The cook said, "O King, may you live forever and always be king. My heart is wholly filled with your love. The wealth of my soul is in beholding your face. I have only one thing to request, though I realize I am in no position to ask. That is, that you permit me to kiss both your shoulders, and to touch them with my eyes and face.

When Zahak heard the man's wish, he had no way of knowing his secret intent. So he said, "I grant it. Your name will be famous." Thus he permitted the demon to become one with him. As soon as Eblis kissed him, the demon vanished, a wonder such as no one had ever seen. And from Zahak's shoulders grew two black snakes.

Zahak became distraught, and asked everywhere for a remedy. At last, he cut the snakes off. But wonder of wonders, like the cut trunk of a tree, those two snakes grew back again. Wise doctors gathered around him, each offering a different opinion. They searched all fields, including that of magic, but could find no cure.

Then Eblis appeared once again before Zahak, in the guise of a doctor. He said, "This sickness has a cure. Wait, and you will see that there is a painless remedy. Prepare food, and quiet the snakes by feeding them. There is no other way. Give them nothing but the brains of men. This is your prescription. Your pain and its cure are lamentable. Each day you must kill two men at once, and feed their brains to the snakes." Through this advice, the chief of the demons intended to pursue his work in secret, destroying all people on earth.

[back to Jamshid]
Meanwhile in Iran there was trouble, with fighting in every corner of the country. The bright day was darkened. The people had turned away from Jamshid, and the Divine Presence had been obscured before him. He turned toward crookedness and unwisdom. In each corner of the land, some ambitious man raised an army and fought, his heart emptied of love for Jamshid. Jamshid's armies left one by one, and turned to the land of the Arabs, where they heard there was a king with the body of a dragon. So the knights of Iran journeyed to Zahak and called him "King of Iran."

The dragon king came swift as the wind to Iran and placed a crown on his head. Then he assembled an army of Iranians and Arabs and other champions from different lands, and went to Takht-e Jamshid [the "Throne of Jamshid," capital of the land]. There he put on the universe like a ring on his hand. Jamshid's fortune was going badly, and the new king harassed him sorely. Finally, Jamshid went to Zahak and handed over to him the throne and the crown, greatness and treasure and army.

After Jamshid gave his crown and throne to Zahak, he disappeared and was not seen for a hundred years. After a hundred years, that unrighteous king reappeared one day in the Sea of China. Zahak captured him there and gave him no mercy. He cut Jamshid in half, freeing the world from all fear of him. Jamshid had hidden for a time from the breath of the dragon, but in the end could not escape him. Jamshid's kingdom and government and throne vanished; and with its going, the world went dark. ... Jamshid had lived 700 years, and left much of good and evil behind him.

What's the use of long life if it reveals no secret to you? Life nourishes you with nectar, and you hear nothing but sweet songs. The One who spreads love and compassion does not desire you to follow the way of Evil, but for you to be happy, and to share with Him your innermost thoughts. The Other will draw the brain from your body, and anguished blood will pound in your heart. Thus it is with this transient world. Seek to plant only the seeds of good. I weary of this temporary abode. O God, release me from this sorrow.

When Zahak became king, he reigned for a thousand years. The tradition of the Wise Men [Magi, priests of the Zoroastrians] disappeared. The greed of demons spread through the earth. Art became debased, and sleight of hand was admired. Righteousness was hidden; Hurtfulness and the Lie were everywhere. The demons stretched out their hands toward evil. There was no sign of goodness, except in hiding.

Two ladies from the house of Jamshid -- both sisters of Jamshid and crowns of womanhood -- were dragged from the court, trembling like willow leaves. Shahnaz and Arnavaz were carried off to the house of Zahak and delivered over to that dragon. He led them into the path of evil, and taught them sorcery and magic. The whole world was his, and he knew nothing but plundering, burning, killing, and the teaching of evil.

Each night two men, from the hills or elsewhere, were taken by the cook, the "feeder," to the king's kitchen. From them he prepared a cure for the king, killing them and drawing out their brains to feed the dragon.

Two righteous men in the royal house, one called Garmael the seer and the other Armael the believer, met to talk over diverse things -- the unjust king and his army, and his nasty habit of feeding his snakes with the brains of the people. One of them said, "We should go as cooks to the king's court, and see whether we can find a way to save at least one of the men they are about to kill."

They went and asked for jobs as cooks. They were hired, and king's kitchen came under the authority of these wise-hearted men. When the time for slaughter arrived, two young men were seized and dragged to the cooks. The hearts of the two cooks were filled with grief, their eyes were filled with tears, and their minds were filled with indignation. They looked at each other. Seeing no alternative, they killed one of the men and mixed his brain with the brain of a sheep. Then they told the one who had been saved, "Listen, so you will know our secret. If you are not in the city of prosperity, at least you will know the joy and freedom of the plains and mountains."

In place of the young man's brain, they made food for the dragon from the brain of animals. In this way, 30 men each month were saved by these two men. When their number reached 200, the cooks secretly gave them goats and sheep and showed them the way to the [mountain] fields. The Kurds are descended from these 200 men, though they no longer remember their forefathers....

When 40 years yet remained of Zahak's life, behold what God made to pass through his head. One long night, when he was sleeping with Arnavaz in his chambers, this vision was revealed to him. Three warriors suddenly appeared in the palace of the kings, one young and two older. They were as tall as birch trees, and had the grandeur of kings. Their belts were fastened like those of champions, and they walked like kings. In their hands they held clubs adorned with the image of a cow. They rushed toward Zahak, challenging him to battle; and they beat him with weapons the color of cows. The younger hero fastened him in chains, binding his hands like two stones. He put a halter around Zahak's neck, and ran toward Mount Demavand dragging him, with a crowd of people following.

Zahak tossed and turned in his bed. His heart was distraught. He cried out in his sleep with such force that the walls trembled in that palace of a hundred pillars. The two beautiful women woke at his cry. Arnavaz said, "O King, what has terrified you so? Please tell me. I won't tell a soul. You're sleeping in the safety of your own house. How can it be that you are so frightened of your own soul? The whole world lies under your domination. Everything, from the height of the moon to the back of the fish, belongs to you."

The king told the women, "So strange a thing should not remain secret. When you hear, you will despair for my soul."

Arnavaz told the king, "Unlock your secret's treasure-room. Perhaps we can help you."

So the king told them everything, from the beginning.

The woman said, "There is a solution, since you are king and glory of the world. Demons and fairies, birds and beasts, are under the authority of your royal ring. Gather astrologers and learned men from all the nations of the world, and tell them your secret. Seek from them the solution to your problem. Discover who it is who controls your mind, whether he be from the race of men or of demons or fairies. When you know who rules your mind, then you will know what evil to fear."

The king approved of this advice. When the mountaintop, which had been dark as the wings of a crow, was suddenly kindled, and the sun threw a powder of gold over the dome of blue, the king called together the learned men whose hearts were awake to wisdom. Anxiously, he told them his dream and asked them for a cure. "Without delay, throw light on my path. Privately reveal the good and evil of the spheres, and tell me who will have my crown and royal belt when I am gone. Tell me your secrets. Otherwise, you will lose your heads."

Their lips grew dry and their eyes damp, while their tongues were filled only with words for each other. "If we tell him the truth, our lives will be dragon meat."

Three days went by, and no one dared reveal the truth. On the fourth day, the king grew angry and said, "Do you choose to be alive or dead? If you won't reveal your secrets, you die."

All the sages sat with their heads hanging, their eyes bloodshot, and their hearts divided.

Among those learned men was one who was wise and righteous, and his name was Vazirak. Taking a few steps forward and strengthening his heart with boldness, he let his tongue speak.

"All mothers bring only death into this world; so abandon your illusions. There were many kings before you who deserved the throne and crown. They experienced great sorrow and great joy, and at last they met their end. When their long days were over, they died. Even so it is revealed that you will not long remain on your throne. There is one in your kingdom who will bow your head and bury your royal fortune. His name is Afaridun ["the Created"]. For the earth, he will be a joyful portion.

"He has not yet been born. When his many-talented mother has borne him, he will be fruitful as a tree. Once grown, he will seek your crown and your throne. He will then be like a birch tree. He will beat you over the head with a club covered with cow's skin. He will place you in chains, and will carry you from your palace to the mountains."

Zahak the unclean replied, "Why should he harrass me? Why should he put me in chains? What's the cause of his hatred toward me?"

The wise man said, "If you have wisdom, you should know that no one does violence without reason. You have hurled down the wisdom of his father; and for that reason, hatred will be stored up in his heart against you."

From fear, Zahak fell from his high throne unconscious on the floor. When he recovered and was once more seated on the throne, he ordered a search for Faridun. He could neither eat nor sleep nor rest. His bright day had turned darkness.

[Afaridun, or Faridun]
Faridun the fortunate was born into a very different world. He grew like a cypress, surrounded with the aura of kingship [farrah]. In his actions, he was like the sun; in his skill, like rain. Complete wisdom was in his soul. The spheres revolved toward the fortune of Faridun.

The cow whose name was Por-Mayeh ["full of substance or leaven"], highest of cows, came from the womb like a peacock in full glory -- to every mind a different color. Wisdom had gathered over her head. No one had ever seen a cow like that in all the world, nor had anyone heard the elders tell of such a wonder.

Zahak sent queries into the world in search of Faridun, but no one could find him.

Faridun's father was Aptin. Because of Zahak, the world seemed oppressive and burdensome to him. He decided to flee, but found himself suddenly in the jaws of a lion: men of unrighteousness seized him and carried him to Zahak.

Faridun's mother, Farang, was beautiful and wise. Just as she learned what had befallen her husband, Faridun was born, bearing royal glory [kwarr]. Her heart filled with love for her son. Weeping, she ran toward the fields to find the famous Por-Mayeh, the cow of splendor. Weeping tears of blood, she said, "Take this small child from me. Keep him safe for a time. Accept him like a father, and nourish him with the milk of Por-Mayeh."

The secret voice of Por-Mayeh replied thus, "So long as I am with your son, I will honor your wish."

Farang left her son there, and he was nursed three years on the milk of Por-Mayeh.

By this time, word of Por-Mayeh had reached Zahak.

One morning, the mother came running and again spoke to Por-Mayeh, keeper of the pasture. "The Creator has awakened within me in the form of Wisdom. My sweet-tongued child is all I have. We are in danger, and I must break with this land of sorcerors and go with my son to India. I will flee crowds of people. Perhaps we will seek refuge in the mountain of Alborz."

Having spoken these words of lamentation, she took her son and went toward Alborz. There on top of the mountain they found a holy man, a hermit who had withdrawn from the sorrow of the world.

Farang said to him, "O man of righteousness, I am a poor woman from the land of Iran. Know that this son of mine will be a king in the world. He will cut off the head of Zahak and bury his powers under the earth. It would be fitting if you would become his guardian and protect his soul and mind. His body has been nourished by Por-Mayeh. Now his soul needs to be nourished with Wisdom."

Meanwhile, the evil Zahak learned where Por-Mayeh was grazing in that green pasture. He came like a drunken elephant and destroyed her, killing all other four-footed animals there as well. Secretly, he ran to the home of Faridun. Finding no one there, he vented his fury in burning that great palace.

When Faridun was 16, he returned from Mount Alborz to the mountain pasture. Farang told him, "My son, I will reveal to you all secrets. Know that in the realm of Iran there lived a man named Aptin. Awake in his soul, descended from kings, he was wise and brave and did no harm to anyone. He was of the lineage of Tahmures, and he did not forget his fathers.

"Since the astrologer told Zahak that someone named Faridun would bring his days to an end, Zahak will extend his hand to Iran to destroy you. Till now, I have hidden you from him and put off the fatal day. Your father, that noble youth, lost his sweet life before you were born. Two black snakes, grown from Zahak's shoulders, have brought destruction upon Iran. Your father's brain was taken as food for the dragon.

One day I went to a forest that no one knew of. There I saw a cow as green and fresh and colorful as the spring, adorned all over with brightness and beauty. Its owner watched over it in silence and served it like a king. I gave you to her for a long time, and she nourished you with love. From the milk of that peacock-colored cow, you grew strong.

At last the king got word of that cow and that pasture. So I took you from there, separating you from your home and country. Zahak came, and killed the cow, that silent, loving nurse. He destroyed our palace, making its dust reach the skies and leaving nothing but the foundation."

Faridun was disturbed to indignation at his mother's words. His heart filled with anguish, his head seethed with vengeance, and his brows knit with fury. He answered his mother thus: "One becomes a hero only through action. I must now destroy this evil-worshipper by raising my sword. I will turn Zahak's palace to dust."

His mother said, "This is not a good idea. You don't have the means to fight him. Zahak is king of the world, and has crown and court and a huge army. If he wished, he could gather from every country an army of a hundred thousand men. There is no chance now for vengeance. Don't try to judge the world through your young eyes, because one who is young considers only himself, and in that self-intoxication will lose his head. I want your days to be long and happy. My son, do not forget my advice. Remember your mother's words."

Meanwhile, Zahak was searching the world for Faridun. The man who had once considered himself a champion was now scared to death of a boy. One day, he was sitting on the ivory throne, with the turquoise crown on his head. He had called learned men from all the lands to support his kingdom. He told them, "You skilled artisans of words, I have a hidden enemy, as you all know. He is young in age but great in wisdom, a hero of royal lineage. 'However small and insignificant your enemy may be,' the astrologer told me, 'you should not consider him small.' My army is weak, and I am frightened of what time may bring. From here on, I must strengthen my army -- with demons, with men, with fairies. I want a combined force; men and demons must work together. I am impatient to accomplish this.

"Now, you must write up a document certifying that I have never done anything but plant good seeds; that I have never said anything except the truth; and that I have supported only the right."

Through fear of the king, these good men obeyed without exception. Young and old, they joined in certifying what the dragon demanded.

At that moment, the voice of a petitioner was heard from the gates of the palace, crying for his rights. They brought before the king this man who claimed he had been unjustly treated. The king asked with arrogance, "Tell me, who was it who mistreated you."

Beating himself on the head, the man replied, "I am Kaveh. I have come here to demand my rights. My soul groans because of your acts. O King, if your duty is to grant men's rights, may God give you praise. I have come to you before, several times. Each time I come, a knife cuts away at my heart. If you are not in fact reaching your arm forth in injustice, then why do you kill my sons?

"Consider my position, and have mercy! Each time, you have crushed my heart. Tell me, O king, what have I ever done to you? I am innocent. You give no reason. Look at me, O great one! Do not add even more evil to what you have done. My back is bent with years. I am no longer young, and I have no more sons. There is no bond in the world greater than that of a son. Even injustice has its limits. I know you use pretexts to conceal your injustices; but what is your pretext, evil man, for tormenting me? I am an old blacksmith, and used to fire. But you pour more fire on my head.

"You are a king, a king with the body of a dragon. Still, I appeal to you for a fair verdict. If, as you claim, the seven lands of the world are yours, why then does the evil of the world fall upon us? I insist that there be a trial between us, the outcome of which will stand as one of the wonders of the world. Your account must be made clear. They say the time has come for my last son to be killed. Should the brains of my sons, one by one, be fed to your snakes? "

Considering what Kaveh had said, the king was amazed at his words. He ordered that the man's son be returned to him. Then the king said graciously, "Now, you too join with the others in signing the document."

When Kaveh had read the certification, he turned his head away and cried out, "O men gathered here at the foot of the demon, have you broken from the love of the King of the Universe? All of you have taken the path to hell in binding your hearts to these words. I will not certify this document. I am not at all afraid of the king." And he leapt, trembling, from his seat, tore the document into shreds, and stamped on them. Then, with his son he left the palace and headed for home.

The nobles bowed low before the king. "O king, wise in your choice of friends, why does this sigh escape from your mighty mind? You should never avoid the day of battle. This babbler of nonsense, Kaveh, how dare he speak to you with such impudence? How dare he tear up the document testifying to our loyalty to you, and then turn his back and leave you with cold indifference, as if he were a follower of Faridun? We have never witnessed a greater sin than this. We are astounded at his behavior."

The king immediately answered the nobles thus: "I must tell you a strange thing. Even before Kaveh had entered the palace, I heard his voice. Then it was as if a mountain of iron grew between us. When he beat himself on the head, my heart trembled with doubt as to what would happen hereafter. No one knows the secrets of the spheres."

When Kaveh left the palace, the people gathered around him in the market place. He shouted, exhorting the people to justice and the whole world to compassion. He was wearing the leather apron that smiths wear when working with fire. He took it, and raised it on the point of a spear. A tumult then rose in the market. With the spear in his hand, he shouted, "O good people, believers in God, whoever has love for Faridun in his heart, withdraw your necks from Zahak's chains! Together, we will go join Faridun and be secure there in the shadow of his love. The struggle will be hard, for this is the kingdom of Ahriman, sworn enemy of the Creator of the Universe."

Beneath the standard of that worthless animal skin, voices that had been friendly to Zahak now became the voices of enemies. Kaveh led them, gathering a great army. He himself had no knowledge where Faridun was. Still he went forward. At last he reached the home of the future king, surrounded with tumult and shouting.

When Faridun saw the leather standard on the top of the spear, he knew it as a good omen. By now the people had decorated the leather with jewels -- with the colors of yellow, red, and violet; and they called it the Kavian banner, for the followers of Kaveh. (Afterwards, whoever became prince of a province added a jewel to the Kavian flag in tribute.) It was decorated too with velvets and silks, so that it shone like a sun in the dark night and was the hope of the world.

Things proceeded thus for some time. Many happenings were yet to come. Signs of the Creator appeared all over the world.

When Faridun saw Zahak's world in turmoil, he came to his mother with his warrior's belt fastened, wearing the royal crown of his father. He said, "I go to battle. Take no thought but to wish me success."

Tears streamed from his mother's eyes. Grieving, she called upon God, "O Lord, once more I entrust my son to you. Let the other heroes support him and rid the earth of the followers of unwisdom."

Faridun set out, keeping his plans secret. He had two brothers who were also in hiding, one named Kianush, the other named Shad-Kam. He told them, "O fortunate heroes, be glad, for the spheres now turn only toward the good. We shall regain our crown. For now, bring the wise blacksmith, and have him make for me a great mace."

At this, both brothers hurried toward the district of the smiths. The most skilled among them went Faridun. The prince picked up a compass and drew on the ground before him a design of the mace he desired, like the head of a cow. The smiths set about making it, and when it was finished they took it to the great king. It shone like the sun, plated with gold. Faridun was pleased with their work. He offered them gold and silver, and shared the good news about his promised kingdom. He assured them, "If I succeed in burying the dragon, I'll wash the dust of oppression from your heads. I will bring the world back to justice and lift my voice in praise of the Creator."

On the first of Khordad, turning his face toward the sun, Faridun set out to avenge his father. The warriors assembled at his fortress, where his cow-headed mace was raised toward the sky. They carried provisions for the army on the backs of elephants and water buffaloes. Kianush rode as support at the side of his brother, who rode like the wind from house to house, his head filled with vengeance and his heart filled with grief.

When they reached the land of the Arabs, Faridun dismounted at the house of the good men of God, and greeted them. As night fell, a man arrived, his body scented with musk and his face like that of a beautiful woman. He was the angel Sorush, come from heaven to recount the bad and the good. Like a spirit, he came to the king and taught him secret skills, the opening of what is locked. Faridun knew that this was God's doing, not the work of Ahriman and the demons. His face flushed with happiness because his body was strong and his fortune young. His cook prepared food for him, a pure meal for his master. When he had eaten and attended to business, his head became heavy and sleep came over him.

While the others saw that Faridun's fortune was good, his two brothers conspired to destroy him. Faridun was sleeping at the foot of a mountain. Secretly, ignorant of evil, the two brothers went to the top of the mountain, picked up a large stone, and set it rolling down toward the sleeping man. They thought they had killed him; but by the will of God, the rolling of the stone woke him from sleep, and he stopped it with his feet without moving away.

Faridun fastened his belt and got up, saying nothing about what had happened. At the head of his army he placed Kaveh, who was eager for vengeance against Zahak. Kaveh's raised banner was the flag of Faridun's kingdom. He turned toward the river Arvand (or, if you don't understand Pahlavi, it's the Tigris in Arabic.)

The third stop of that royal liberator was the city of Baghdad. The guards at the river greeted him. He asked them to line up their boats and carry his army to the other side of the river. But the chief guard refused to bring any boats, despite Faridun's request. He said, "The King of the World commanded me personally not to transport anyone across."

When Faridun heard this, he grew angry. But he was not afraid of the river. He rode his lion-hearted horse fearlessly into the water and crossed to the other side. His comrades followed him and also crossed over. The water came up to the saddles of their horses. Those looking on thought they were dreaming when they found that no one had drowned.

When the warriors reached the other side, they were looking at the Holy Land -- in Pahlavi, the Castle of Huakhtash (the "Good Mind"), or in Arabic, the House of Purity. They entered from the plain into the city, searching. From a mile away, Faridun saw the palace of the king. Its reception hall had the grandeur of heaven. It glittered as if it had drawn down the stars from the skies; it shone like the morning star. All appeared happiness, comfort, and love. But Faridun knew it was the dwelling of the dragon.

He told his companions, "We must attack from here. I'm afraid the holder of secrets may have something up his sleeve." He took his mace, and spurred on his horse. Their onslaught was like fire to those who saw them from the palace. Holding his mace high, Faridun rode so furiously that the earth trembled.

No on-lookers remained alive in the palace. Calling on the name of the Creator, Faridun entered the great palace -- this place Zahak had built through magic to reach the clouds. Knowing that the palace was held by a power other than God, Faridun struck with his cow-headed mace all who came out. Only the demonds remained inside, and these too he destroyed.

Faridun set his foot before Zahak's throne, and beheld the king's crown and his reception hall. He drew forth the two women with jet-black eyes and faces like the sun. First he had their heads washed to cleanse the darkness from their souls, because they had been worshippers of evil and intoxicated with its wine. He separated them from corruption, leading them toward the Righteous Judge. Tears streamed from the eyes of Jamshid's sisters, coursing down their cheeks. They praised Faridun, "May you live as long as the universe continues to exist! Under what star were you born, that you come now to the den of the lion, to the place of this wicked man? The leaven [mayeh] of the world has turned bad through the influence of this wizard of unwisdom, this follower of Ahriman with dragons on his shoulders. We have suffered wretchedness and grief. No one have we ever seen with your courage and skill. Now you have come to conquer his palace and put an end to his evil."

Blessed with fortune and authority, Faridun answered them. "I am the son of Aptin, whom Zahak took from the land of Iran and cruelly murdered. I have come with vengeance in my heart to Zahak's palace. Por-Mayeh, whose body was covered with pictures like a painted scene, was my nurse. Killing her was a sin. What evil entered the mind of the man who could shed the blood of that mute animal? I have fastened my belt and am ready for battle. I have come from Iran set on vengeance, and will crush Zahak's head with my cow-headed mace. Neither mercy nor compassion will I show."

When Arnavaz heard these words, she knew in her heart what had been hidden. She asked, "Are you the King Faridun who will destroy sorcery and magic? The soul of Zahak lies in your hands. The salvation of the world depends on your strength. We two were pure and of royal lineage, but were subjugated to his will through fear of death, and forced to sleep and wake with his two snakes. How could he claim to be king?"

Again, Faridun answered, "If the turning spheres are with me, I will wipe the dragon's foundation from the earth and wash the earth clean. Now you must tell me the truth. Where is that dragon-man?"

The woman revealed the secret to him, wondering as she did whether the dragon could be conquered. "He has gone in the direction of India," she said. "He went there to imprison his enemies in the land of magic. He fears the evil that time may bring. A seer told him, "This land will be rid of you." He said that Faridun would take his throne and "wither up the flower of his fortune." That seer's words corrode his heart, and life has sickened for him. He slaughters animals, men, and women, then mixes their blood to wash his head and his body, hoping to avert the prophecy. He has long been in anguish and confusion because of the two snakes. He travels from one land to the next, and has no rest from the pain that the snakes inflict. It is now time for his return, since he never stays long in one place." That beautiful woman revealed the truth, and Faridun gave ear to her words: "When Zahak is gone from the country, a man with his interests at heart is left in charge of his treasure, his throne, and his palace. He is called Kond-Row ['Sluggard']."

Just then Kond-Row hurried to the palace and saw in the reception hall a new king sitting at the head of the room, with Shahnaz on one side of him and Arnavaz on the other. The city was filled with his army, and Zahak's palace was surrounded with his followers. Kond-Row did not ask for an explanation, but went forward to greet him. Faridun told him to approach and reveal all the secrets of the palace. He told him to bring the accouterments of the royal throne, and call for singers, and have wine and food brought. "Whoever shares my satisfaction during this festivity deserves a happy heart. Come gather around my throne as becomes my fortune."

When Kond-Row heard these words, he obeyed the new king's commands. He brought wine and singers and food, with jewels from the nobility. And Faridun drank wine and relaxed, holding such a celebration through the night as was fitting.

When daylight came, Kond-Row's soul deserted the service of the new king. He mounted a horse and set out to find King Zahak. When he reached him, he told him all he had seen and heard.

"O King of Kings, the end of your reign has come. Three majestic men have come with a great army from another land. One of the three is younger and travels in the middle. He is tall as a cypress, and has the countenance of a king. He is young in age but great in soul, and he is the leader of the two others. He wields a mace the size of a mountain, and is surrounded by many people. He arrived with these two other nobles and entered your palace. He sat on your throne and destroyed the web you had woven. Whoever was in your palace, men and demons, he struck down and destroyed."

Zahak answered thus: "Perhaps they are only guests come to see me, so they deserve to be happy."

Kond-Row responded, "The guest who comes to your house with a cow-headed mace is to be avoided. Forget the idea of being his host. He sits in your place like a man, and he will wipe your name from the throne and direct the kingdom into his own path. Now, if your hospitality extends so far, call such a person your guest!"

Zahak said, "Don't let it worry you. A bold guest brings good fortune."

"I hear what you say," Kond-Row replied. "But if this noble is really a guest, what is he doing in your haram, sitting and talking with the sisters of Jamshid? With one hand he touches Shahnaz's face, with the other Arnavaz's lips."

Suddenly Zahak exploded with curses and shouts. "No longer are you a steward in my palace!"

The man answered, "I think, O King, that you no longer have any palace or throne. That is why you dismiss me. Even if you put me in charge of a city, I could not accept, because you no longer possess any authority. The enemy has come and taken possession of your palace with a cow-headed mace. All that the painter Arzhang decorated, he has taken over. Why don't you do something about it? Never before have you been faced with a crisis of such magnitude."

At this, King Zahak came to his senses. Immediately he ordered that his horses be saddled, and he set out. He came with a strong army, all of them warrior demons. Through small alleyways he attacked the palace.

As soon as the army of Faridun became aware of this attack, they all rushed to the alleys and dismounted from their horses. All the people of the city gathered on the rooftops. Whoever could fight took part, all in support of Faridun, for Zahak had filled their hearts with grief. Bricks fell from the walls, stones from the roofs. Knives and swords and arrows fell like rain from a dark cloud. There was no place to stand on the ground. Within the city all who were young, as well as the old men who were wise, deserted Zahak and joined Faridun's army.

The mountains roared with the shouts of the heroes. The earth groaned under the hooves of the riders. Arrows flew over the heads of the army and pierced the heart of the stones. A cry came from the fire-temple, "We will obey him who now sits on the throne. We do not want Zahak, that unclean dragon."

The army and the people of the city fought in a crowd huge as a mountain. A dark cloud covered the sky. Suddenly an idea occurred to Zahak. He made his way through the army toward the palace. He had covered his entire body with iron so no one could recognize him. As he came to the high palace to engage in battle, he saw Faridun talking with Shahnaz, whose eyes and hair were as dark as night. Then Zahak knew that all this was the will of God, and he could do nothing to change it.

Sorush revealed himself to Faridun, saying, "Do not kill him yet. It is not yet time, lest the dragons spread over the land. Instead, put him in chains. Go forward until you come to two mountains. There between those mountains will be his prison. If you imprison him there, his relatives cannot find him."

When Faridun heard this hidden voice, he tied Zahak's hands to his body with a strap of lion-skin so he could not break it. He sat on his golden throne and called Zahak to judgment.

He commanded his followers, "Go to the city gates and shout: 'All you who are awake in conscience, cease fighting with weapons of war. No one in this court desires fame or glory. All warriors should leave their weapons and become workers. In this way they will have two skills. The former time is past. He who was unclean is now in chains. The one before whose actions the world trembled is now in chains. May you remain forever as full of life as the spring of the year. Go peacefully about your work.'"

Then all the nobles of the city went with gold and treasure and made obeisance. The wise Faridun encouraged them and advised them, and directed them in the paths of wisdom. He remembered the Creator, and gave thanks. He told them, "Here is my place. Through good fortune, your fortune has become bright, because the pure God appointed us from among all men to initiate the revolt from Mount Alborz. Know that under my leadership you have been freed from the dragon. My rule will bring you into the path of goodness and wisdom, where you must live. My own life is destined to be forever."

The nobles kissed the ground before him. The sound of drums was heard from the palace. All the city spent a happy day waiting to see the dragon brought forth in chains.

Zahak was pulled from the palace and placed on the back of a camel. They took him up to the place called Shir-Khan.

When you hear what I have told you, consider that the world is very old. Many days have passed upon the mountains and upon the plains, and many more will pass.

The people took Zahak to Shir-Khan, to Mount Demavand, and there they placed him in chains. His very name was deemed unclean. He was separated from his relatives. And the world was freed from his evil.

Faridun searched until he found a cave whose bottom could not be seen. He tied Zahak with metal chains to the wall of that cave, suspending him there so his blood would not be shed on the ground.

Let us then not entrust the world to evil. Rather, let all of us set our hands to good. Neither good nor evil is permanent in the world. How much better that we remember the good. Treasure, gold, and high palaces will not help you. Only eloquence remains through time. Do not underestimate the value of words.

Faridun was not one of the angels in the sky. His body was not made of musk and amber. It was through justice and wisdom that he found goodness.

Now, you do the work of righteousness, because you are my Faridun.

Faridun did the work of God. First he cleansed this world of evil, humanity's one enemy, the unclean and unjust Zahak. Seeking to avenge his father, Faridun purified the world.

O life, how unkind you are, that you both nourish and destroy! Look and see how Afaridun the hero arose and took the kingship from Zahak. He reigned for 500 years, and at last lost the kingdom. He delivered it over to someone else, taking nothing from this world but sorrow.

Humanity is like a flock of sheep. The decision lies with you whether you will live as sheep or as shepherd.