Welcome, dear readers, to the very first installment of our article series World Mythology Warnings for TODAY. This is I, your humble guide Zeffs Amman, alongside the writers’ crew at AllThatHistory, for we invite you to trek with us into the timeless stories of world mythology. As we navigate the complexities of 2025—a time filled with discord, confusion and media brouhaha—we aim to draw inspiration from the wisdom of our ancestors.

These myths offer us solace and strength as well as knowledge; tales that serve as our guiding lights to help us live better and more harmonious lives in this wild age we’re all facing. So settle in and sit tight, as it’s time to unlock the story of the Devil Tyrant of Ancient Iran — teeming with vital lessons for our modern age.

Zahhak’s Descent: From Justice to Ruin

In the captivating world of Persian mythology, the Prince of Persia named Zahhak, also known as Azi Dahaka, initially stood as a symbol of justice and nobility. Born to the wise and pious King Merdās, Zahhak inherited his father’s qualities and led as a righteous prince. His early reign was marked by fairness, respect for traditions and a commitment to the welfare of his kingdom. Yet, beneath the surface lay a troubling vulnerability—a weak and gullible mentality that left him susceptible to external influences such as his court viziers.

Zahhak’s downfall began with the arrival of Angra Mainyu, the Zoroastrian Embodiment of Evil. Disguised as a charming and persuasive advisor, Angra Mainyu infiltrated Zahhak’s court, preying on the young ruler’s insecurities and hidden ambitions. Through calculated manipulation, the primordial Embodiment of Evil in his guise tempted Zahhak with promises of power and glory. Over time, Angra Mainyu persuaded Zahhak to betray his own pops. The primordial entity convinced Zahhak to dig a concealed pit filled with traps, where King Merdās met his untimely death, marking the prince’s first step into corruption.

As Zahhak ascended the throne, the seeds of darkness had already taken root. Angra Mainyu continued to exert influence upon the prince, now appearing in the guise of a masterful chef. In this guise, the dark primordial introduced Zahhak to the indulgence of decadent feasts, which stood in stark contrast to the simpler traditions of his father’s previous court. The richness of these meals dulled Zahhak’s moral compass, encouraging a lifestyle of excess and greed.

Eventually, the disguised Angra Mainyu offered Zahhak a seemingly innocent gesture—a kiss on each of his shoulders. Zahhak accepted without hesitation, unaware that this act would utterly curse the young prince. As the primordial entity proceeded to act, the kiss eventually unleashed two serpents from Zahhak’s shoulder flesh. These serpents, gluttonous in their hunger, demanded human brains as food. The birth of these serpents marked the final stage of Zahhak’s transformation from a noble prince to a tyrannical devil.

The serpents on Zahhak’s shoulders became a symbol of his growing corruption, feeding on the lives and souls of his people he swore to protect. What began as small concessions to ambition spiraled into an unquenchable thirst for power, reducing Zahhak to a pawn controlled by his own destructive desires. Under his reign, Persia descended into despair as countless innocents were sacrificed daily to satisfy the serpents’ hunger.

Yet even in the darkest of times, hope remained. Kaveh the Blacksmith, an ordinary citizen fueled by resilience and bravery, became the voice of resistance. He rallied the oppressed and led a revolt against Zahhak’s tyranny. With the support of the legendary King Fereydun, Zahhak was finally overthrown as the heroes restored justice and safety back to Persia.

Moral Lessons

Zahhak’s story was a tale of monstrous transformation, but it also served as a metaphor for the dangers of unchecked power and moral decay (particularly among leaders and politicians). This story is also a drama play between tyranny and resistance. Today, this ancient myth resonates deep as it reminds us of the following universal truths that remain relevant today:

1. Corruption’s Grip: Zahhak’s serpentine affliction mirrors how small ethical lapses can spiral into large-scale abuses of power. In modern times, we see parallels in authoritarian regimes, corporate scandals and even as small-scale as family household structures or personal vices. Lesson: Integrity must anchor leadership and decision-making.

2. The Price of Unchecked Ambition: Angra Mainyu’s manipulation underscores the perils of unchecked ambition. This warns us against placing short-term gains over long-term well-being—be it in environmental policies, technological advancements or interpersonal relationships.

3. The Power of Collective Action: Kaveh’s revolt illustrates the strength found in unity and resistance. As grassroots movements and civic engagement reshape our world today, the Persian hero’s story is a timeless testament to the power of the people.

  4.  The Dangers of Weak Character: This was the root of Zahhak’s tragic story. He did not    strengthen his mind enough and his ego was originally prone to dangerous flattery and false advice. It is thus important to build a fortified mind that’s tempered with wisdom, so as to be able to discern right from wrong while also keeping the ego in check too.

A Broader Lens: Archetypes Across Cultures

Zahhak is not alone in embodying the archetype of the corrupted ruler. Greek mythology tells of King Minos, whose greed led to his downfall, while the Norse tales of the trickster god Loki echo themes of betrayal and strife. Such stories highlight a shared human understanding of the dangers posed by out-of-control ego and tyranny. Recognizing these patterns enables us to challenge recurring cycles of oppression.

Cautionary Warnings for 2025

1. Environmental Lessons: Zahhak’s parasitic serpents devoured the lifeblood of Persia. Quite similar to how unsustainable or predatory practices of politicians or mega corporations ravage the planet and the people today. This myth urges us to confront the “serpents” of overconsumption and exploitation before they cause mayhem.

2. Responsibility and Ethics: As newfound innovations like AI and biotech rapidly evolve, the myth serves as a reminder of the responsibility we hold. Like Zahhak’s transformation where he gains biological enhancements via the shoulder-snakes, unchecked advancements can lead to unintended consequences.

3. Sustaining Justice: The courage of both Kaveh and Fereydun is a call to action for leaders and citizens alike. Upholding justice requires vigilance, courage and the willingness to act decisively in the face of adversity.

This tale is also an important warning to current (and would-be) leaders in any setting. Whether politics, business or even heads of families. When weak character and ego take over one’s dignity and humanity, tragedy isn’t far behind. From tragedy comes the rise of revolt from people or loved ones closest to you. From there, the tyrants get overthrown. In this day and age, never forget your dignity and humanity, for it’ll save you from corruption whilst in turn be loved by the people.

Read Part 2

We hope to see you again in our next episode. With dignity and by preserving one’s humanity, one could preserve and empower a healthy civil society in this day and age.

Header Image: Born a noble human, re-born as a draconic devil tyrant with a reptilian hunger. By Mysticsartdesign. Source: Public Domain. 

References:

1. Askeladden. “Zahhāk the Legend of the Serpent King.” AminoApps, 2 Feb. 2019, https://aminoapps.com/c/culturemediacafe/page/blog/zahhak-the-legend-of-the-serpent-king/Qpxr_qecXuJj31Z6q1kkzEqejWMpYeoBPR.

2. Firdawsī. and Dick Davis. Shahnameh: The Persian Book of Kings. Viking, 2006.