Upon a starry night, during the festival of roses, long, long ago in the
land of Persia, the Angel Serosch, flying through the night, brought
unto the home of Abtin, son of Jemshid, a charming babe, destined for
mighty deeds. Now the name of the child was Feridoun, and it is related
that upon the night of his birth Zohak, the Serpent King, had a terrible
dream, which you shall hear.
Behold, it came to pass that as the King lay upon the royal couch,
suddenly, in his sleep, he felt himself attacked by three warriors, two
of them of powerful stature, but the third a mere youth, slender like
unto a young cypress. In his hands the stripling bore a huge, cow-headed
mace, and with it he felled Zohak pitilessly to the ground. And useless
was all resistance, for though the frenzied monarch struggled madly, the
doughty youth bound his hands, and casting a rope about his neck,
dragged him rudely along in the presence of crowds of hooting, gibing
people. Now at this crisis, so great was the King’s anguish that,
screaming horribly, he awoke. And lo! it was all a dream.
But in those times dreams were considered portentous; so now Zohak,
springing up terror-stricken from his bed, hastily called together his
Mubids, although it was still the dead of night, and, having related
unto them the particulars of his frightful experience, he demanded a
faithful interpretation of his dream.
Now the Mubids saw in this vision the approaching overthrow of the
tyrant, but they were afraid to tell the truth unto Zohak, fearing for
their lives. So three days were allowed to pass under the pretence of
studying more scrupulously the signs, and still no one had the courage
to speak out. Then the King grew angry, and in this dilemma, Zirek, one
of the wise men, finally stood boldly forth and said:
“O Lord of the World, much we deplore it, but the stars foretell for
thee a bitter fate, since thy dream announces the coming of a great and
glorious prince, who shall hurl thee from thy throne, and bind thee in
chains upon the mountains. Feridoun is his name, and he shall add lustre
unto the house of Jemshid, and unto the land of Persia, though naught
but woe shall he bring unto the Serpent King, whose day is already
darkening into endless night.”
Alas for the King! Hearing this interpretation of his dream, he fell
senseless upon the ground, and the Mubids fled from before his wrath.
Now long he lay as one dead, and when consciousness did finally return
unto him, he could neither eat nor sleep, but continued overwhelmed with
fear and misery. And from this time forth, the legends say, Zohak knew
neither rest nor joy, the light of his day being already darkened.
But instead of checking the King in his evil course, this experience
seems only to have stimulated him to further cruelty. For, warned by the
prophecy of the Mubids, Zohak now issued a decree that every person
belonging unto the race of Jemshid, wherever found, should be seized and
fettered and brought to him; for he hoped thus to secure the fateful
prince of his dream. Sending out his spies everywhere, therefore, he
caused the world to be scoured for Feridoun, but in vain.
Nevertheless, the young prince was passing his first baby days
peacefully in the King’s dominions, watched over tenderly by his father
and mother, and daily growing in strength that should fit him to carry
out the noble task assigned unto him by Providence.
For Abtin, the father of Feridoun, knowing of the King’s decree in
regard to the race of Jemshid, had avoided discovery by continuing to
reside in the most retired and solitary places; but one day his usual
caution forsook him, and he ventured beyond the limits of safety. Now
this was most unfortunate at this time, for Zohak had learned of the
glorious son born unto Abtin, and his spies were everywhere searching
for him. Abtin’s imprudence, therefore, was dreadfully punished, for,
being recognized, he was carried before the King, in whose presence he
was foully slain.
But not so was Zohak to secure the desire of his heart, for when
Faranuk, the mother of Feridoun, heard of the dreadful catastrophe which
had befallen her husband, at once she took up her infant and fled,
pausing for naught. Then, footsore and weary, her heart torn with fear
and sorrow, day after day this brave young mother kept up her flight,
traversing burning sands and dark, demon-haunted forests, seeking a
place of safety for baby Feridoun, who, realizing not his peril, cooed
and laughed and slept, always clasped close in his mother’s arms.
Finally, one evening just as the sun was kissing the world good night,
away in the depths of the forest Faranuk came upon a beautiful spot of
pasture ground. And presently, the soft tinkle, tinkle of a bell falling
upon her ear, she hastened forward, and behold! an old, old man, gentle
of face and mien, milked a wondrous cow, whose hairs were like unto the
plumes of a peacock for beauty. Now the name of this cow of remarkable
lineage was Purmajeh, and the keeper of the pasture gave away in charity
the abundance of milk which she supplied.
Gently accosting the old man, therefore, Faranuk was assured a welcome;
and so here she rested for the night, thinking to continue her flight in
the morning. But, as a consequence of the grief and distress of mind
which she had suffered, the poor mother was unable to supply her child
with food, and so, urged by the gentle old man, she decided to remain in
this quiet retreat for a time, at least.
But, continually afraid of being discovered and recognized, Faranuk knew
not a moment’s peace. Finally, it was borne in upon her, she knew not
how, that it would be safer for little Feridoun if she were not with
him, and so, resigning him to the protection of God, she left the
pasture, and continued her flight alone unto Mount Alborz.
Now the keeper of the pasture, into whose care the mother had confided
her little one, cherished the child with the fondness and affection of a
most devoted parent; and so, for three happy years, Feridoun rolled and
tumbled in the pasture, and Purmajeh was his nurse. A wondrous
playfellow, also, was Purmajeh, and well indeed was it for Persia that
the baby shouts of glee reached not unto the ears of the Serpent King.
But better still was it that Feridoun was in the guardianship of Ormuzd,
and that Serosch, his messenger, neither slumbered nor slept. For it
happened that one night, the Angel of Pity, resting for a moment upon
the battlements of Zohak’s palace, after having flown seven times around
the world, heard issue thence a fiendish laugh of triumph, which sent
the Gentle-hearted One speeding upon swift wings toward Mount Alborz.
And there, Faranuk, thinking that she dreamed, listened unto the voice
of the Angel, which warned her that Feridoun was no longer safe in the
pasture.
As the morning dawned, therefore, Faranuk, with swift feet, hastened
back unto the forest hiding-place, confiding unto the gentle old man of
the pasture her intention of conveying Feridoun unto a safer place of
refuge upon Mount Alborz. But the keeper, who loved Feridoun above all
else in the world, remonstrated with the young mother, saying
sorrowfully unto her:
“Why, O Faranuk, dost thou take the child unto the mountain? Alas! he
will surely perish there, while here he is so happy!”
But Faranuk dared not disregard the warning of the Angel Serosch, and
so, comforting the old man, with her boy in her arms she once more took
up her flight. And wise was she in doing so, for intelligence had
reached Zohak that the young prince was being nourished and protected by
the keeper of the pasture, and, like a hungry tiger, he was preparing to
spring upon his prey.
That same day, therefore, at the head of a force of picked men, he
proceeded secretly unto the pasture, hoping to surprise the keeper, and
thus secure the Prince. But once more his prey had escaped him, and when
he discovered this, verily, he was like unto a mad elephant in his fury.
For, not only did he cruelly slay the keeper of the pasture, and the
wondrous cow Purmajeh, but so great was his frenzy that he stopped not
until he had slain every living thing around about, and made of the
beautiful spot a desert. And this done, diligently he continued his
search, but neither sight nor tidings could he get of Feridoun, and his
heart was filled with rage and despair.
Now upon Mount Alborz at this time there dwelt a pious hermit, and unto
him Faranuk committed her boy, informing the old man that her son was
destined for mighty deeds. So, being gladly welcomed, from this time
forth the mother and child abode with the pious old recluse, who
generously divided with them all the food and comforts which God gave
him, at the same time, as Feridoun grew older, developing and storing
his mind with various kinds of knowledge. Yea, and he also consulted the
Books of Fate concerning him, after which he said unto Faranuk:
“O woman, I perceive that the Prince foretold by wise men and
astrologers as the destroyer of Zohak and his tyranny, is thy son.
Rejoice, therefore, and be glad of heart, for
“This child to whom thou gavest birth,
Will be the monarch of the earth.”
But Faranuk’s heart was filled, not only with joy, but also with
foreboding, upon hearing her own convictions thus confirmed, for well
she knew and dreaded the fearful power of Zohak. Nevertheless, her days
were happy, for had she not her boy still with her? And was he not under
the sheltering care of the Almighty?
But the years tarried not, and so when twice eight summers had passed
over the head of Feridoun, he was no longer a child, but a bright,
handsome youth of sixteen, strong and valiant of heart. Then one day he
sought out his mother, and questioned her as to his lineage. So Faranuk,
seeing that the time was ripe, told unto her son stories of Iran and the
Shahs of Old; of the valiant Husheng; of the glorious reign of Jemshid,
his illustrious grandsire; of the cruel Serpent King; and, last of all,
of his father’s tragic fate.
Now Feridoun listened intently unto his mother’s tales; then, standing
up straight and tall, with blazing eyes and flushed cheeks, he said unto
Faranuk:
“O my mother, verily I will uproot this monster from the earth! Yea, I,
Feridoun, will cause his name to be blotted from the Book of Kings, so
that soon he shall be no more than an evil memory in the world. For long
enough hath Iran groaned under his tyranny, and too long hath my
father’s blood cried for vengeance.”
But Faranuk, troubled because of the blaze she had kindled, replied
warningly unto Feridoun, saying gently:
“O Pearl of my Heart, let not thy youthful anger betray thee; for how
canst thou, friendless and alone, stand against the master of the world?
Be not, therefore, precipitate. If it be thy destiny to overcome this
tyrant, in due time the Almighty will bless thee with means sufficient
for the purpose. Wait, therefore, for the sign.”
But his mother’s words of caution found no echo in the heart of this
youth who, hearing for the first time of the cruel monster who had
robbed him of a father, and made of his mother’s life that of the
hunted, would hear of naught but the immediate overthrow of the tyrant.
Therefore he replied unto Faranuk:
“’Tis Heaven inspires me, mother, therefore be not so fearful. As for
the Serpent King, not even he, with all his demon host, can stand
against a valiant heart and a sturdy arm, guided by the great God of the
Persians. Wherefore, then, delay?”
Howbeit, though glorying in the spirit of her son, Faranuk still tried
to dissuade him from immediate action, but in vain; for, even while she
spake, a mighty throng was seen approaching Alborz, led by one who bore
aloft, as a standard, an apron uplifted upon a lance. Then both mother
and son knew that the time for action was at hand, and glad was Kavah’s
welcome. And presently, Feridoun, the helmet of Kings upon his head,
sought once more his mother’s presence, saying proudly unto her:
“Behold, O my mother, thy warrior-son, who goeth forth unto the battle
against the mighty Zohak! Unto him it is given to fight, but it
remaineth unto thee to pray God for our safety, and for victory.”
So Faranuk, understanding, as she gazed, that it was useless to try
longer to hold this bold young eaglet in the mountain eyrie, since he
sensed power in his wings, blessed her son, bidding him go forth in the
name of God to free his country, and to avenge his father’s death.
But, before going, Feridoun caused to be made for him a mighty club, the
pattern of which he traced for Kavah upon the ground; and the top
thereof was the head of a cow, in memory of Purmajeh, his nurse. He also
did honor unto the standard of Kavah, causing it to be encased in rich
brocades of Roum and hung about with jewels. Then, when all was ready,
the little company set forth toward the west to seek Zohak, the two
elder brothers of Feridoun accompanying them.
Now Faranuk, when she beheld her warrior-sons in full battle array,
looking so brave and splendid, wept with pride and joy; but fear was in
her heart too, and her every breath was a prayer unto Ormuzd, imploring
his blessing upon the great undertaking.
But fear was far from the heart of gallant young Feridoun as, at the
head of his brave followers, he rode forth upon his patriotic mission.
The way was rough, the men poorly equipped, but their hearts were full
of courage and hope, and new recruits were added daily.
Nor was the sign of God’s blessing withheld. For, one evening, in the
course of their progress, as the valiant host neared the place where it
was to camp for the night, suddenly, upon the heights above them, they
beheld a shrine, or place of pilgrims, erected for the worshippers of
Ormuzd. Placed upon a grassy slope, high above the turmoil of the road,
the spot seemed to breathe peace and serenity; so much so, indeed, that,
coming upon it unexpectedly, a hush fell upon the horsemen as they
gazed; for, bathed in the glory of the sunset, a touch of solemnity
thrown about it by the stately old cypresses whose heads soared
majestically up into the blue, it seemed indeed a place in which God
might delight to meet his people.
Profoundly impressed by the beauty and sacredness of the spot, Feridoun
decided at once to visit the shrine, since he felt the need of
inspiration and guidance. And in response to his prayers, it is recorded
that there appeared unto him a radiant Angel who foretold unto him the
varied fortunes he was to encounter, and bestowed upon him a magic power
that should enable him to overcome the wiles of his foes. And so radiant
was the vision that, when the hero returned from the shrine, all noticed
his changed appearance.
“Bright beamed his eye, with firmer step he strode,
His smiling cheek with warmer crimson glowed.”
But alas! When the two brothers of Feridoun saw his altered mien, the
pomp and splendor of his appearance, the demon of envy took possession
of their hearts, and they privately meditated his destruction, saying
one unto the other:
“Are not we, also, princes of the house of Jemshid? and older by birth!
Why, then, should Feridoun lord it over us?”
So it came to pass that one day when the two envious ones spied Feridoun
asleep at the foot of a mountain, immediately they hastened unto the
summit and rolled down upon him a heavy fragment of rock, with the
intention of crushing him to death. But the clattering noise of the
stone awoke Feridoun, and instantly employing the knowledge of magic
which had been communicated unto him, the stone was suddenly arrested by
him in its course of destruction.
Now the two brothers, who were eagerly watching to see the result of
their effort, beheld with astonishment and fear this event out of the
course of nature. Hastening down from the mountain, therefore, they said
stutteringly unto their brother:
“We were on the mountain, but we know not how the stone became loosened
from its place. God forbid that it should have done injury unto
Feridoun!”
Well aware, however, that this was the evil work of his brothers, the
young Prince was yet wise enough to take no notice of the conspiracy;
and, instead of having them punished, he raised them unto higher dignity
and consequence, for he thought of his mother, and wished to fill her
cup with naught but joy.
So all went well with Feridoun, and presently the little army, directed
by Kavah, arrived at Bagdad, which is upon the banks of the Tigris. Here
they halted, and Feridoun called for boats to convey them across; but
the ferrymen refused their aid, saying that it was the King’s decree
that none should pass save only those who bore the royal seal.
Alas! This angered Feridoun, and so, regarding not the foaming stream,
nor the dangers hidden within its treacherous breast, boldly the young
leader plunged with his steed into the rushing river; and lo! all the
army followed after him. And now, indeed, was the struggle sore, for
again and again it seemed as though the waves would bear them down; but
the gallant war-steeds struggled on, and finally all stepped out in
safety upon the farther shore, where they rested for the night, giving
thanks unto Ormuzd for bringing them safely through so great a peril.
On the following day, however, they turned their faces toward the city
which is now called Jerusalem, the proud capital of Zohak, whose
glorious palace raised its towers unto highest heaven in beauty. Here,
Feridoun giving the signal by striking the brazen gates with his
cow-headed mace, the army stormed the walls, burst in the gates, and put
the garrison to flight. Then, entering the palace, the youthful leader
cast down the evil talisman of miraculous virtues that was graven upon
the walls, and slew the wicked Deevs who guarded it. He also destroyed
or vanquished with his cow-headed mace all the enchanted monsters and
hideous shapes that appeared before him, and released, with his own
hands, all the black-eyed damsels that Zohak had imprisoned there—among
them, the two beautiful sisters of Jemshid.
And behold! having accomplished this marvellous feat, Feridoun was
hailed by all the people of the city as their deliverer, for they were
sick unto death of the cruelty and tyranny of the Serpent King. So, with
shouts of rejoicing, Feridoun mounted the empty throne, and the crown of
Iran having been placed upon his head, all the people bowed before him,
and named him Shah.
But, you may ask, where was Zohak that he perished not at the hands of
the fateful Prince? Well, from Jemshid’s sisters Feridoun now learned
that the tyrant, with an immense army, had gone upon a secret mission
toward Ind; and, upon questioning further, he ascertained that in this
direction lay the country of the magicians with whom the Serpent King
was in secret conference, hoping, from a renowned enchanter there, to
obtain such means as should enable him to charm his enemy into his
power. For, said the damsels:
“Night and day the terror of thy name, O Feridoun, oppresseth him. His
heart is all on fire, and life is one long torture to him.”
But if Zohak was troubled before, imagine his surprise and terror when
he learned from Kandru, the keeper of the talisman, the strange tidings
of the fall of his capital! Disguising his fright, however, the tyrant
immediately turned unto his army, hoping by its aid to regain his
throne. But in vain; for both soldiers and people at once declared
loyalty to the new Shah, resisting, to a man, the offers of gold and
jewels and treasure made them.
So, disappointed in the army, Zohak determined to seek revenge alone.
Stealing away secretly, therefore, he proceeded rapidly toward his
capital, arriving by night at the palace of Feridoun. There, ascending a
height, himself unobserved, he beheld the new Shah, in all the glory of
his kingly robes, seated beside the lovely Shahrnaz, sister of Jemshid,
enjoying her beauty and the charm of her conversation. Alas! at this
sight, the fire of jealousy and revenge made blind with rage the fallen
monarch, who, like a mad elephant, dashed upon Feridoun, thinking to
slay him unawares.
But Feridoun, roused by the noise, started up quickly, and, meeting the
charging Serpent King—who was indeed a most terrible sight—with his
cow-headed mace he struck him a powerful blow upon the temple, crushing
the bone. Then observing the hissing vipers, Feridoun knew his enemy,
and was about to strike again, but his hand was stayed, as the Angel
Serosch, swooping down, cried warningly:
“O Glorious Hero! Slay this human monster not, for his hour is not yet
come. To a beetling mountain crag must he be chained, far from the
haunts of men, there to die slowly and in torture, for so it is
decreed.”
So the cruel Serpent King was led forth unto Mount Demavend, accompanied
by a hooting, mocking multitude; and there, on the edge of the
precipice, over the abyss, he was bound with mighty chains and nails
driven into his hands, and left to perish.
And oh, the woe of Zohak! for behold the hot sun shone down upon the
barren cliffs, and there was neither tree nor shrub to shelter him; also
the chains entered into his flesh, and his tongue was consumed with
thirst. But he was not alone, for continually before him there passed
the great procession of his victims: Jemshid, sawn asunder, mockingly
performing obeisance; then for hours a mighty throng of youths and
maidens, sighing as they passed along, “We are the serpents’ victims”;
and Iblis, too, appeared before the Serpent King, assuring him, as he
rubbed his hands and laughed in fiendish glee, that he should continue
to live so—on and on in torture—for a thousand years. So was the wicked
Zohak punished for his evil deeds.
But as for Feridoun, for five hundred years he ruled the world
gloriously, and all his days he did that which was beneficent and good,
his heart being ever open unto his people. Yea so brave and just and
generous was he that, writing of him many hundreds of years later, the
great poet Firdusi, to whom we owe these hero tales, is able to say of
his countryman
“The work of heaven performing, Feridoun
First purified the world of sin and crime.
Yet Feridoun was not an angel, nor
Composed of musk or amber. By justice
And generosity he gained his fame.
Do thou but exercise these princely virtues
And thou wilt be renowned as Feridoun.”