Chapter 1: Kay Kavus, the King of Iran

Who knows the name of the first king of the world? No one has a memory that stretches back so far. But I know an old man who has read the ancient books that tell of kings and heroes. He says that long ago Gayumars invented the royal crown and was the first king.

His descendents ruled the world until mighty King Faridun divided up the earth among his sons. The country of Iran he created for his son Iraj. Generation after generation, the descendants of Fardiun governed Iran. Many ruled with wisdom, but some were proud and vain. One of the most foolish was King Kay Kavus.

Listen now to the words of the old sage, and remember them well.

Kay Kavus was very young when he succeeded his father to the throne. On his head was the golden crown of Iran and beneath him a golden throne. The wealth of the earth, stored up piece by piece by his glorious ancestors, lay at his feet. The entire world, it seemed to him, was his property. He asked the noblemen of his court: “Who is the king of the world? Who is worthy of that title if not me? I am the emperor of this earth, and no one dares challenge me!” The wise men and the chiefs of the army were astounded when they heard this speech. It also came to the ears of Ahriman, the evil one. Now, the kings of Iran had always been followers of Ormuzd, the divine source of all light and goodness. Ahriman, the enemy of Ormuzd, was jealous of their power. He decided to use young Kavus’ pride to destroy the kings of Iran.