In the age-old Persian epic, Fereydun, the great king, faced the delicate task of dividing his kingdom among his three sons. Before making this monumental decision, he devised a test to reveal the true nature of each child. Transforming himself into a fearsome, colossal dragon, he confronted the three princes on a rugged mountain path. Salm, the eldest, froze in fear and fled, believing that wisdom lay in avoidance, revealing caution that bordered on cowardice. Tur, the second son, charged forward, roaring and striking at the dragon, exposing a fiery temper and aggressive streak. Iraj, the youngest, stepped forward with calm courage, saying, "If you are a dragon, I have my sword; if you seek peace, I have my mercy," embodying both intelligence and bravery.
Satisfied with their responses, Fereydun divided his kingdom accordingly. Salm received the western lands, Rum, a place where prudence and carefulness were prized. Tur was granted Turan and the lands of Central Asia, territories that demanded the strength of a warrior. Iraj, beloved of his father, received the central and most fertile part of the kingdom, Iran, along with the royal crown and throne. Fereydun recognized in Iraj the heart of a true king, compassionate yet wise.
However, this division sowed the seeds of envy and tragedy. Salm and Tur grew bitter and resentful, coveting the rich and prestigious lands of their youngest brother. They sent threatening letters to their father, demanding Iraj’s removal. Iraj, embodying extreme benevolence, rode alone to meet his brothers, seeking reconciliation. He was even willing to surrender the throne for the sake of family unity. But blinded by ambition, Tur struck, murdering Iraj, severing his head, and sending it back to the grieving Fereydun.
The death of Iraj shattered the king’s heart. Fereydun vowed he would not rest until justice was served. Years passed, and Iraj’s grandson, Manuchehr, rose to adulthood. Leading the armies of Iran, he defeated Salm and Tur, avenging his grandfather’s unjust death and restoring order to the kingdom.
This tragic tale carries enduring symbolism. It explains the origins of the Iranian and Turanian peoples, tracing their roots to the descendants of Iraj and Tur. It portrays the contrast between integrity and ambition, with Iraj as the embodiment of purity and compassion, and his brothers as symbols of greed and power lust. Finally, it serves as a cautionary story about the dangers of division, showing how familial strife can bring down an empire and alter the course of history.