Jamshid (جمشید)

Jamshid is the forth Pishdadian king after his father, Tahmures. He was a legendary, glorious king, representing the golden age of civilization. Jamshid rules during a time of prosperity where he is said to have banished death, illness, and evil for 700 years. He is credited with introducing armor and weapons, weaving silk/linen fabrics, building with bricks, mining gems, perfumery, and navigation. After centuries of success, Jamshid grows arrogant, stops thanking God, and demands adoration, claiming himself as God. His pride leads to the loss of his divine glory and resulting in his downfall. Seizing the opportunity created by Jamshid's weakened authority, the Arab king Zahak—manipulated by Ahriman—invaded Iran. Jamshid lost all his power and glory, fleeing his capital. He wandered, hidden from the world, for a hundred years. Jamshid was eventually located in China by his own half-brother, Spityur, who reported him to Zahak. Zahak ordered his men to capture Jamshid and kill him by having him sawn in half.