Persia

• Abrasax
• Ahriman
• Asdeev
• Azi Dahaka
• Dahak
• Ganj
• Footnotes

History: In the religion known as Zoroastrianism, Ahriman is the equivalent of the devil. He found against Spenta Mainya (the Holy Spirit) and Ahura Mazdah, the supreme "Father" god. Furthermore, Ahriman tried to hurt man.

Ahriman introduced the frost in the winder, heat in the summer, and diseases throughout the year. He also created Azhi Dahaka, a dragon who could bring ruin to the Earth. Azhi Dahaka created the planets against the stars as he sprung up to heaven.

Ahriman is considered to be the embodiment of evil (darkness, ect). When he invaded Heaven, it was in the form of a dragon. However, Mithra battled and won against Ahriman. It is also said that Ahriman had dragon minions.

Symbolism: As the embodiment of all evil and material desires (jealousy, greed, and so on), Ahriman is a poor symbol for dragons.

Physical Description: Unknown

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History: This creature resides in Persian Mythology, where he is described as being a croass between a two-legged dragon and a serpent. In addition, he had the head of a cockerel. His weapon was a whip. Abrasax was often refered to as some sort of demon, as he was known for having a poor temper.

Abrasax means "supreme being", and the sum of the letters (Greek) of the name equals 365. So, even though regarded as some to be a demon, Abrasax was the Lord of the 365 Virtues. Obviously, one of these virtues is prominant for each day of the year.

He is further remembered by having his name engraved on gems. These are commonly called Abraxas Stones and are usually used for talismans.

Symbolism: Abrasax holds the symbol of virtue and of power. Being known to have a bad temper, he almost has a bit of duality to him.

Physical Description: He was a cross of a serpent and a two-legged dragon, and he had the head of a cockerel.

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History: Asdeev was the white dragon of Persian Mythology. He was slain by Rustam (also known as Rootsam or Rustem). Rustam slew the dragon as one of his tasks which ultimately lead to his final victories.

Symbolism: While Asdeev does not have any clear symbolism, this dragon does have a unique trait. Unlike the other dragons of Europe and other areas, Asdeev was white.

Physical Description: Asdeev was much like a western dragon, and he was white as well.

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History: From Zoroastrian beliefs, Dahak was an evil being that wished to destroy the good and worthy in the world. His body is said to be filled with spiders, snakes, and lizards. Should he be cut open, these creatures would infest the Earth. As the servant of Angra Mainu, or the Ultimate Evil, he attempted to rid the world of human beings. Moreover, he was said to be the son of Angra Mainu and Autak.

In addition, Dahak also tried to extinguish the Divine Glory, a sacred fire.

The hero Thraetona did not manage to kill him, but he did manage to chain Dahak under a mountain, where Dahak will have to remain for eternity. Prophecy claims that, near the final battle and the end of the world, he will be able to break free of his chains. Afterward, he will cause mass destruction.

Symbolism: Dahak lacks redeeming qualities. He was obviously a symbol of evil and fear.

Physical Description: Dahak was said to have three heads, each with six eyes and three pairs of fangs. His wings were said to be so enormous that they would block out the sun.

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History: Ganj is a Persian dragon that is like a stereotypical Western dragon. He is a huge dragon and a gauridan of a grand horde. In this horde, there are many precious stones, one of which is embedded into his head.

Symbolism: Unknown/None

Physical Description: Unknown

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History: Azi Dahaka has been known as both a dragon and a snake, but he is always seen as a three-headed creature with at least two of these heads being snake-like in nature.⁶ The Avesta, the holy book of the Zoroastrian religion, refers to this creature as "the strongest Drug that Angra Mainyu [aka Ahriman] created against the material world".⁷

The creature was said to be born of the female demon Autak and also related to Ahriman, the great evil. He was first noted as a creature who preyed upon cattle, but then he began to dine upon human beings. He destroyed the first human, Yima; thus, Thraetaona planned to punish him.⁸

Thraetaona (also refered to as Atar) said, "Grant me this, O good, most beneficent Ardvi Sura Anahita! that I may overcome Azi Dahaka, the three-mouthed, the three-headed, the six-eyed, who has a thousand senses, that most powerful, fiendish Druj, that demon, baleful to the world, the strongest Druj that Angra Mainyu created against the material world, to destroy the world of the good principle; and that I may deliver his two wives, Savanghavach and Erenavach, who are the fairest of body amongst women, and the most wonderful creatures in the world."⁹

Thraetaona succeeded in his quest and temporarily defeated him, chaining him to Mount Demavand, rendering him powerless. At the end of time, however, the dragon is predicted to break free and wreak havoc, destroy one-third of the human population, but he will, in the end, be defeated by Keresaspa.¹⁰

Symbolism: Azi Dahaka is a symbol of evil and vengence as well as jealousy.

Physical Description: There are two very different descriptions of this dragon. One is a that Azi Dahaka is a winged snake with three heads and huge wings that blot out the Heavens. The other is that of a human with two serpents coming out of his neck.¹¹ In addition, lizards and scorpions are said to crawl all over his body, both while moving and stationary.¹²

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1. Angra Mainyu
2. Myths, Gods and Fantasy by Pamela Allardice
3. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
4. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
5. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
6. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
7. Tables of Ancient Middle Eastern Deities
8. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
9. Avesta: Khorda Avesta: Hymn to the Waters: IX
10. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
11. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose
12. Tables of Ancient Middle Eastern Deities

For more information, see the Bibliography.