Kaveh the Blacksmith

After Kaveh’s sons were killed by Zahhāk, the blacksmith courageously rose against the tyrant. Leaving Zahhāk’s palace, Kaveh lifted his leather apron upon a spear and proclaimed: “Whoever desires the death of this demonic and oppressive Aži-Dahāka, and seeks the kingship of Fereydun, join me!”

The status of the Kaviani Banner (Derafsh-e-Kāvīānī) in the legendary world of the Iranians is remarkably significant—even astonishing. In Shahnameh, the most important and revered banner of the Iranians is undoubtedly the Kaviani Banner, which may rightly be referred to as Iran’s national banner. Iranians were willing to sacrifice their lives for it, and even their enemies believed Iran’s strength resided in this very flag and sought to capture it.