Fereydun
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Fereydun is a hero and king in Iranian mythology. Although the details vary, his portrayal is broadly similar in the Zoroastrian sacred book Avesta, Middle Persian texts, and the 11th century Persian
Oil painting of Fereydun. Made in Qajar Iran during the mid-19th-century
A Sasanian amulet depicting a hero holding a bull-headed mace and subduing a demon, possibly meant to represent Fereydun's battle with Azi Dahak.
Zahhak bound by Fereydun, while Kaveh the Blacksmith is holding a apron-banner. From a mid-17th-century Safavid miniature.
Bahram Gur Fights the Horned Wolf, folio from the Great Ilkhanid Shahnama
Zahhak
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Zahāk is a personification of evil in Iranian mythology and historiography. In the Avesta and Zoroastrian tradition, Zahāk is considered the son of Ahriman, the foe of Ahura Mazda. In the Shāhnāmeh of
Fereydun
…Avesta, Middle Persian texts, and the 11th century Persian national epic Shahnameh. In all his versions, he is both a warrior and physician that defeats Azhi Dahaka/Zahhak. While the Avesta says that Fereydun killed him, later stories say that he had him chained in a cave at the top of Mount Damavand. According to the…
Persian miniature depiction of Zahhak in the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp, from either 1525 or 1535
Zahhak awakens in terror from his nightmare at the birth of Fereydun.
12th–13th century bowl depicting King Zahhak with snakes protruding from his shoulders, likely from Northwestern Iran. Modified c. 1926, as many medieval pieces were to make them more attractive.
Persian painting, depicting Zahhāk ascending on the royal throne.