Analysis

In the primary artefact, “Zahhak is told his Fate,” Zahhak faints as he discovers his approaching demise from the prophecy of the sages. Conversely, the snakes are visibly awake while Zahhak is unconscious, establishing that the snakes are still separate entities from Zahhak. When taking a closer look, the snakes almost appear to be examining their surroundings, presumably searching for their next meal. The snakes appear to only care about satiating their hunger, highlighting how they embody the concept of malevolence. Birthed with the only purpose of emptying “the Earth of mankind” (Firdawsi 2), the folio effectively depicts how the snakes serve to only perpetuate death and bloodshed without a care for anyone, even Zahhak who has just fainted. 

Moreover, “The Tale of Zahhak” thoroughly examines the concept of morality and the conscious decisions that lead to one’s descent into malice, as well as the consequent ramifications of doing so. By establishing that Zahhak and the snakes are ultimately distinct entities, the folio suggests that Zahhak does not possess the same intrinsic evil that the snakes embody. While the snakes are presented to be the epitome of malevolence throughout the text, Zahhak remains a human capable of making moral decisions. Albeit, he remains a tyrant and acts with cruelty, continuing to kill innocent lives to feed the snakes and ruthlessly hunt for Feraydun.  While Zahhak could have refused to listen to Eblis and spare the lives of countless, innocent people, the snakes were created solely to eat the brains of human beings. This distinguishes the two as Zahhak has the capacity for good, despite his ultimate decision to act malevolently, and the snakes are essentially programmed to act wickedly and perpetuate the death of others, through which the folio subtly substantiates the notion that the snakes are inherently evil. 

In “The Death of Zahhak,” the painting’s depiction of Zahhak’s eternal punishment demonstrates the consequences of immoral descent and the value of mercy. While Zahhak incessantly strove to achieve power over others, he was defeated and faced the grave punishment of being chained forever. The people walking around appear to not even notice Zahhak, demonstrating the loss of influence and glory he desperately latched onto. Although the snakes are seen alive on his shoulders, the snakes are bound in the cave and are unable to ever feast on another human brain. While Feraydun could have easily killed Zahhak, he instead spares him and rather instills this punishment. In so doing, Feraydun puts an end to the cycle of death and bloodshed that Zahhak and the snakes constantly sustained. Through an exceptional portrayal of Zahhak and the snakes’ demise, this folio showcases how evil and malice will only result in one’s downfall and will inevitably be met with justice. Zahhak and the snake’s perpetual sentence is a fitting punishment for their transgressions and serves as a stark reminder that tyranny and cruelty will inevitably be a tragic end.

In the “Bowl Depicting King Zahhak with Snakes Protruding from His Shoulders,” Zahhak is seated down with an austere expression that relays his unkind character, alluding to his ruthless reign throughout the story. His attire also marks his royal status considering the intricate design of his clothes. The snakes on his shoulders are depicted in a cartoon-like manner that satirizes their vulgar nature. Their open tongues imply that they are hungry and searching for food, signifying their bloodthirsty disposition. While it is unclear which portions of the piece have been recut and modified, the image illustrated still distinguishes Zahhak’s cognizance from the snakes as their expressions are notably different. While Zahhak is seen with a stern countenance, the snakes are presented in an almost humorous fashion which downplays the cruelty they entail when feeding on human brains. Moreover, there is a man under Zahhak’s feet, signifying his tyrannical rule. As Zahhak is an unjust, power-hungry king in the original text, his feet resting on another person effectively denotes his immoral nature. Holistically, the bowl fascinatingly captures the evil of the snakes, as their humorous illustration detracts from their cruel behavior, underscoring their malevolence and disregard for the immense evil of their actions.

In totality, the artefacts and literary passage presented holistically underscore that the snakes on Zahhak’s shoulders are monsters representative of evil and only lead to more depravity. While what constitutes a monster may be subjective, this exhibit contends that a monster entails a being’s association with immoral and malicious ideals. While snakes are not necessarily monsters, their portrayal as merciless creatures that require the death of humans to satisfy their hunger establishes them as monsters. Zahhak and the snakes’ tragic conclusion underscores how iniquitous behavior will eventually be punished, and it is imperative to make substantial exertions to act morally upright in the face of worldly temptation.