A New Comparative Note on Zahhak’s Myth (According to Sasanian and Post-Sasanian Texts)

Abstract
Zahhak’s Myth is one of the oldest and most well-known myths in the Persian literature from ancient times to new periods.
The myth is known through the Avestan text; however, in Zoroastrian Pahlavi texts, it is a prominent myth and clearly, it had influenced Post-Sasanian texts, too.
A comparative study of the myth based on Post-Sasanian texts shows a close similarity in Arabo-Persian texts.
Yet, in Kush-nameh, by Hakim Iranshan ibn Abal-Khayr, an Indian physician has been mentioned-- with respect to treatment of Zahhak’s illness-- to whom there is no reference in other known Arbo-Persian texts.
With reference to the developments of the early Islamic centuries, I have tried to explain why Zahhak’s myth has been mingled with an Indian physician. I compare Zahhak with Harun the Caliph, and the Indian physician with Manka, the great Indian physician.
It is known that Manka, a famous scientist and translator of some Sanskrit texts into Persian, arrived in Baghdad, most probably around 193 Hegira, to treat the Caliph. His stay in Baghdad is a brilliant period with regards to translation of scientific texts from Indic to Iranian and later into Arabic. Muslim writers have highly respected him such as Abu-Rayhan Birun’s report.
Keywords: Zahhak, Kush-nameh, India, Manka, Post-Sasanian texts.