Ahriman (اهریمن)

Ahriman is the supreme spirit of evil, darkness, and disorder, serving as the enemy of Ahura Mazda and human civilization. As the destructive force behind demons (divs), he corrupts the world, causes sickness, and tempts kings—notably Zahak—to commit atrocities. After Ahriman successfully manipulated Zahak into killing his father, Mardas, he appeared again in the king's court, this time disguised as a marvelous cook. At that time, humans were vegetarians. Ahriman introduced meat to Zahak's diet, feeding him delicious dishes of birds and animals for several days to gain his trust. When an impressed Zahak offered the cook any reward he desired, Ahriman asked only to kiss the king's shoulders. As soon as Ahriman’s lips touched Zahak's flesh, Ahriman vanished, and two black snakes sprouted instantly from where he had kissed him. Zahak tried to cut the snakes off, but they would immediately grow back. Ahriman appeared a third time, disguised as a skilled physician. He "counseled" the king that the snakes could only be calmed by being fed two human brains every day. If they were not fed, the snakes would feed on Zahak’s own brains. Also, Ahriman opposes the divine order established by kings like Kiomars, the first world king. He sends his demon son, Div-e Siah, to kill Siamak, Kiomars's son, bringing sorrow to the early world. Ahriman commands hordes of demons, including Akvan Div (a nasty demon) and other evil creatures who combat heroes like Rostam. Tahmures used powerful spells to bind Ahriman and transform him into a horse. Tahmures famously rode Ahriman around the world for 30 years to display his dominance and keep evil in check. After Tahmures's death, Ahriman escaped back into the darkness.