Author: Alireza Ranjbar
From legend to reality
Today, the legend has truly come to life; as a script is being played out, and we are witnesses to this event.
Zal burned the first Simorgh feather when Rudabeh was pregnant and during the difficult labor, so that the Simorgh would come to her aid. This action taught Zal how to safely deliver the baby using a “Rostamzai” (or cesarean section).
With my permission, I liken this event to the emergence of the Pahlavi dynasty and the rise to power of Reza Shah I; the one who, with Simorgh-like wisdom, led Iran, which had survived the Qajar era, towards modernity and urbanization, built universities, and established a unified army. Alas, World War II took away our opportunity for construction early.
The second feather of the Simorgh and the second Pahlavi
The “second feather” of the Simorgh is the emergency feather that Zal kept with him. This feather was later used to treat the wounds of Rostam and Rakhsh in the battle with Esfandiar.
I liken this “second feather” to the reign of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi: he took over a country scarred and devastated by the effects of World War II, stood up to separatism, his diplomats fought at the United Nations to preserve Iran’s integrity, and over the course of 37 years, transformed the country from a famine-stricken and war-torn Iran into an industrialized, modern, and wealthy nation, with an army that was impressively powerful at the time.
However, a nation that did not seize the opportunity and remained a mere bystander, leaving its destiny to others—whether a savior from Israel or America—will never achieve the true freedom that the great nation of Iran deserves.
As our beloved Prince said, this window of opportunity is limited.
The third feather of the Simorgh and hope for the future
As we all know, the “third feather” of the Simorgh has never been used.
In the story of Zal and Simorgh, Simorgh gives Zal three feathers; on two occasions, Zal burns two feathers to summon Simorgh, leaving only one feather with him.
By reviewing Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh poems, no other examples can be found except for the two instances where the owl threw a feather on the pyre and burned it to ask for help. Therefore, the “third feather” must have a special philosophy and wisdom that we are still unaware of.
I see the “third feather” in the hands of the third Pahlavi — Reza Shah II — who asked the Lord of Iran for help to save Iran from fourteen hundred years of darkness with wisdom and understanding. This meaning is evidenced by his constant motto:
“Light will triumph over darkness.”
Conclusion and call to the nation:
Now is the time to seize this opportunity; so that all of us, led by Fereydoun Zaman—our beloved prince—can stand against Zahhak Tazi and his demonic army.
This freedom will only bear fruit when, as Dr. Ghasemlou said:
“Freedom is a precious commodity and must be paid for.”
It is not fair that after all this sacrifice, the blood of generals, pilots, generals, innocent youth and children like Kian Pirfalak should be ignored. Now is the time to rise up; with faith, with wisdom, and with the third feather of the Simorgh in the hands of the Iranian nation.
May Iran be enduring and victorious, and may Iranians be proud forever.
End