Zahak
(ضحاک)
Zahak was an Arab king who ruled Iran for 1,000 years. He was tricked by
Ahriman (Satan) into killing his father,
Mardas. Ahriman took on the appearance of a cook and, after feeding Zahak meat, was permitted to kiss his shoulders. Where he kissed, two black snakes grew. When they were removed, they grew back. To prevent the snakes from eating his own head, Zahak was advised to feed them the brains of two young men every day, which led to a terrifying and brutal reign. He was eventually overthrown by
Kaveh the Blacksmith and
Fereydun.