The simurgh is a benevolent bird in Persian mythology and literature. It bears some similarities with mythological birds from different origins, such as the phoenix and the humā. The figure can be found in all periods of Iranian art and literature and is also evident in the iconography of Georgia, medieval Armenia, the Eastern Roman Empire, and other regions that were within the realm of Persian cultural influence.
Sassanian silver plate of a simurgh (Sēnmurw), 7th or 8th century CE
Samanian Simurgh platter" (9th-10th century). Simurgh as a word in Persian is a double entendre (or Īhām), and can be interpreted as 30 birds. This plate depicts that interpretation. Attar of Nishapur also mentions this interpretation in his poetic book of Conference of the Birds
Ambassador with Simurgh design on his dress in the Afrasiab murals, 648–651 CE.
Zal and the Simurgh on the Mount Qaf
Iranian mythology, or Persian mythology in western term, is the body of the myths originally told by ancient Persians and other Iranian peoples and a genre of ancient Persian folklore. These stories concern the origin and nature of the world, the lives and activities of deities, heroes, and mythological creatures, and the origins and significance of the ancient Persians' own cult and ritual practices. Modern scholars study the myths to shed light on the religious and political institutions of not only present-day Iran but of the Persosphere, which includes regions of West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, and Transcaucasia where the culture of Iran has had significant influence. Historically, these were regions long ruled by dynasties of various Iranian empires, that incorporated considerable aspects of Persian culture through extensive contact with them, or where sufficient Iranian peoples settled to still maintain communities who patronize their respective cultures. It roughly corresponds to the Iranian Plateau and its bordering plains.
Faramarz slaying Ahriman - a scene from the Shahnameh.
Detail of The School of Athens by Raphael, 1509, showing Zoroaster (left, with star-studded globe)
Chinvat Bridge scene on the sarcophagus of Wirkak.
Statue of Arash, Sa'dabad Complex.