The Comparative Study of Zahak Story in the Shahnameh with the Principles of Mani Religion

In Zahak story of the Shahnameh we can see the similar principles to Mani religion: 1- As the gender of the demon of greed is female in Manichean religion, according to some signs, Zahhak, the embodiment of greed in Shanameh, is female too. 2- Two growing up snake on Zahhak's shoulders can be considered as the two female and male demons in Manichean religion: These two snakes cannot be cut, and they are growing up. 3- It is said in Manichean texts about the viper of darkness which bears much pain and death at night as the Snakes of Shahnameh kills greedily two young men every night. 4- According to Manichean texts, Hormazdbagh and his sons incorporate with darkness which is a deceiving war plot to release themselves as Armayel and Garmayel synthesize with Zahhak in Shahnameh, but Armayel and Garmayel want to save people. As the shining Christ makes aware Adam to greed, Kaveh makes aware people from Zahhak (Greed).  In Manichean texts, After Mehr Izad saved Hormozdbagh from the abyss of Ahriman, He bounded Devils and vipers in mountains as Freidoon bounded Zahhak in mountain. As Ashkaloon becomes sad and ill for Gihmard's son is born, Zahhak becomes so sad when he is made aware about Freidoon's being born, and as Gihmard calls his son Lotus, Freidoon is called “Derakhte Barvar”, Fruitfull tree. Ashkoloon demolishes the tree and the cow, and Zahhak demolishes meadow and the cow which is there.