The Ox rider King

Feraydun is a mythic character who has a major role in the literature of Persian land. His distinctive characteristics among the mythic Persian kings have made him an outstanding figure. His own and his family’s connection with cow is one such peculiar feature. In Persian texts there are disparate references to this relationship. Feraydun is born simultaneously with Barmayeh cow, is fed by this wet nurse and is raised close to it. In his battle against Zahhak he mounts the ox and not the horse, a habit he maintains all through his life due to his modesty towards God. A complete account that Feraydun chooses a red cow, mounts it to fight with Zahhak in passing from Arvand Rud is included in a Gurani text narrated by Shahrokh Kakavandi in West of Iran. Attempt is made in this article to trace Feraydun’s connection with cow, also introduce, translate and edit the Gurani narrative text while discussing its phonography.