During the thousand-year reign of the tyrant Zahhak, the kingdom was shrouded in darkness and despair. Every day, as the cursed snakes grew from Zahhak’s shoulders, two young men were sacrificed to feed their insatiable hunger. Fear and sorrow gripped the people, and hope seemed like a distant memory. Among the oppressed stood Kaveh, a humble blacksmith, who had already lost seventeen sons to the tyrant’s cruelty. When the soldiers came for his last remaining son, rage ignited in Kaveh’s heart, surpassing even his fear of death.
Kaveh stormed into Zahhak’s palace, confronting the dark ruler with courage fueled by grief. Zahhak, seeking to mask his cruelty with false benevolence, demanded that Kaveh sign a declaration proclaiming him a just king. In a powerful act of defiance, Kaveh tore the document to shreds before Zahhak, boldly declaring that the tyrant was a demon, not a king. His courage inspired whispers of rebellion throughout the terrified city.
From the palace, Kaveh stepped into the town square, surrounded by citizens who had suffered under Zahhak’s rule. He lifted his leather blacksmith’s apron, hanging it on a spear as a banner, and shouted, “Brothers, who stands for justice, follow me!” The tattered apron instantly became Derafsh Kaviani, the Banner of Kaveh, a symbol of the people rising against oppression. Villagers from across the land, many of them mourning lost children, rallied under his flag, ready to fight for freedom.
Kaveh led his followers to seek Fereydun, the hidden prince of ancient royal lineage, asking him to lead the uprising. The combination of Kaveh’s courage and the righteous authority of Fereydun created an unstoppable force. On the battlefield, Kaveh fought at the forefront, forging weapons and equipping the rebels with skill and determination. The army surged forward, and in the final confrontation, Zahhak was defeated and chained atop Mount Damavand, his snakes still gnawing at his shoulders as a symbol of eternal punishment.
The victory left a lasting legacy. The sacred banner, once a blacksmith’s apron, was adorned with silk and gems, becoming the emblem of the Persian Empire for centuries, a testament to the idea that true rule exists only with the support of the people. The rebellion’s triumph is also celebrated during Nowruz, the Persian New Year, marking the victory of light over darkness.
The story of Kaveh teaches enduring lessons. The power of ordinary people is limitless when guided by love, justice, and courage. Unmatched bravery is shown in Kaveh’s act of tearing Zahhak’s decree, proving that truth and integrity are always stronger than deception and tyranny. This tale remains a timeless reminder that even the humblest individual can change the fate of a nation.