Literary Monster

The Persian dragon, revered as the formidable "Azhdaha," stands as a prominent figure in Iranian mythology, akin to the Western concept of dragons. These majestic beings are depicted as colossal serpentine entities, dwelling in the skies, oceans, or beneath the earth's surface. Often described as winged lizards with fierce countenances, their immense bodies boast large, luminous eyes and formidable mouths filled with sharp teeth. According to Norah Titley's insights in "Dragons in Persian, Mughal, and Turkish Art," these creatures initially started off as regular serpents, evolving into Azhdaha only after reaching lengths of 25 to 30 meters. According to folklore, they were known to be infamous for terrorizing land-dwellers, due to which God banished Azhdaha underwater, where it developed fins and thrived in the depths. Notorious for their insatiable appetites for both humans and horses, these dragons held a menacing presence. The folklore surrounding the utility of dragon bodies are several, such as consuming a dragon's heart was believed to instil bravery and strength, while planting its head in the ground was thought to enhance soil fertility, fostering robust plant growth.

The Shahnameh, crafted by Abul Qasim Firdausi in 1010, stands as a quintessential piece of Persian literature, delving into the rich tapestry of Persian culture through its exploration of mythology and folklore. Within its pages, the vivid presence of the azhdaha is unmistakably portrayed, notably in the tale of Sekandar's confrontation with a dragon. The excerpt titled "Sekandar Reaches a Land Where the Men Have Soft Feet and Kills a Dragon" paints a captivating picture of a medieval Persian dragon. This short passage on Sekandar talks about how he was on his quest across the Middle East, and he reached a land where the citizens were under a great deal of turmoil and agony caused by a dragon who lived in a cave within a mountain. Sekandar would have to fight and kill the dragon in order to cross the mountain and continue with his journey. The citizens of the town go on to describe the dragon as one which exhumes venomous vapours and has a “massive maw” which breathes fire. The dragon had a hearty appetite, as it consumed five cows daily, which were carried up the mountain by the town’s people and left outside its lair in order to satiate him. Sekandar tactically was able to defeat the dragon and kill it by using those same cows as bait for the dragon. He stuffed poison into the hide of the cows before sending it up the mountain for the dragon to feast on, inevitably killing it and making safe passage through the mountain.

The passage masterfully conveys the maliciousness and wrath enveloping the dragon, vividly detailing its physical attributes such as a "huge dark cloud," purple tongue, blood-red eyes, and the continuous rising of fire from its maw. The poetic descriptions further delve into the dragon's "noxious vapours," offering a comprehensive portrayal of its nature and characteristics.The Shahnameh's tapestry extends beyond Sekandar's encounter, featuring multiple excerpts recounting victories over these majestic and intricate creatures. Stories of dragons, as seen in the narratives of Zahhak and Rustam, unfold within the epic, showcasing triumphant battles against these formidable beings.