Şahmeran (Bronze Plated)

Shahmaran (Shah-i Meran)

Shahmaran is a supernatural creature called Maran, who is seen in Iranian-Persian mythology, described as intelligent and benevolent, and in the form of a snake below the waist and a human on the top. Its name comes from the Persian "shah-i meran" meaning king of snakes. However, in all the legendary records of Şahmeran and in all descriptions of Şahmeran legends, the entity is female. It is believed that Şahmeran lived in the Tarsus district of the Mediterranean region. Although it is said that Şahmeran lives in the snake castle between Ceyhan and Misis, according to the legend, Şahmeran lives with his snakes in an underground country. A legend with the same name also takes place in the Mardin region. In this region, Şahmeran is depicted with a picture, and the name of the first person to meet Şahmeran, who adorned the walls of the houses, is described as Belkıya in some sources, while this name changes as Cemşab in some sources. In some sources, it is told that Lokman was the first person to meet Şahmeran.

The murder of Şahmeran is the common end in every different legend. The main purpose of this common end, namely the murder of Şahmeran, is for people to find health and healing. In some narrations, the encounter between Hekim and Şahmeran is described at length, and Lokman Hekim is told what the healing herbs are by Şahmeran. A different version of the legends of Lokman Hekim and Şahmeran, which are very common in Çukurova and the surrounding provinces, are told in İçel. In the Legend of Illuyanka, which is told during the Hittite period, the battle of Illuyanka, a snake-like creature, with the Storm God is told. Another mythological subject that can be a source for the Shahmaran Legend is "Medusa". In Greek mythology, Medusa, who was beheaded by Perseus, is physically similar to the Queen of Snakes, Sahmeran.