When a ruler feeds his power with the suffering of others, he becomes a prisoner of his own darkness. Zahhak is one of the most feared figures in ancient Persian mythology, best known from the epic Shahnameh. He was originally a prince, the son of a righteous king, but was corrupted by evil influences most notably the deceit of Ahriman. After betraying and killing his own father to seize the throne, Zahhak was cursed: two serpents grew from his shoulders. These snakes could only be fed with human brains, driving him into a reign of terror. As king, Zahhak became a symbol of tyranny, fear, and moral decay. For years, he oppressed his people, sacrificing countless lives to satisfy the serpents. His rule eventually sparked rebellion, led by the hero Fereydun, who defeated him. Digital illustration 1/1 4500 x 5500 px 2026