Three as a Number, and the Symbolic Triplet oppositions in the Myth of Zahak in Shahnameh

Three as a number is used with its symbolic concepts of perfection, accomplishment, and plentitude in most of religions, cultures, and myths. Also this number is used to show the extremity of goodness and evil. The existence of triplets is one of the instances of the functions that the number three plays in Shahnameh and the myth of Zahak. The results of this library study, the aim of which is to investigate symbolic triplets of Zahak story and their opposition, show that triplets are the representative of mythical concepts of the number three and the opposition of goodness and evil. The three-times appearance of demon to Zahak makes him reach the climax of his cruelty and tyranny. Also, Jamshid’s triple undoing by Zahak, and then Zahak’s triple annihilation by Fereydoun show that sometimes triplets are in opposition to each other, and, though these triplets do not perish in this conflict, they are both predominant and conquered; in this myth, for instance, Fereydoun, as a symbol for perfect goodness and a sign of Ahura, is after the overthrow of Zahak (the extreme evil), and with the help of his brothers and Jamshid’s sisters, he fights the triple evil (Zahak); in the end, though Zahak is defeated, he is not destroyed completely.