A Comparative Study of Zahhak’s Dual Character in Mythology, History, and Archeological Findings in Iran and Tajikistan

This article provides a comparative study of the mythological narratives of Zahhak in Persian literary works and the only surviving archeological illustrations of Zahhak before the advent of Islam, in Panjeh Kent [Panjakent] Tajikistan (500–600 C.E.). In mythological and historical texts, Zahhak had two features, one as a demon and the other as an oppressive and cruel human. This dualism is the focus of this analysis of the cultural myths and beliefs of the Aryan people. The study provides an interpretation of unique carvings discovered in Tajikistan that represent the battles of Aryans with both of Zahhak’s features in a series of stories. In these illustrations, Zahhak with his dual character tries to destroy the Aryans’ religious unity and beliefs. He was resisted through Aryan unity buttressed by their belief system. The gods Mithra and Soroush and the mythical birds the phoenix or rooster were believed to support and protect the Aryans.