Sharafxan, the Kurdish ruler of Bidlis, records a wide range of mythological traditions concerning the origins of the Kurds while generally refraining from endorsing any particular account. One notable exception is his dismissive treatment of the claim that the Kurds were descended from jinns, a belief he regarded as unworthy of serious consideration.
Sharafxan writes:
The writers of the book of prudence-"But [only] He is capable of achieving all things"-have commenced [this topic] by revealing in their words that there are many differing accounts on the ancestry of the Kurdish nation. Among these are those which [connect them] to the time of Dahhāk of Serpents, who was the fifth of the Peshdādi kings, and who occupied the throne of Persia and Central Asia (Eran and Türān) and the rest of the world after Jamshid. He was so cruel and irreligious that some historians have interpreted Shaddad [mentioned in the Koran] as being him. Hence an eloquent scholar described his tyranny:
Upon the departure of Jamshid from this abode of horrors, Dahhak occupied the throne.
Destiny rendered the Seven Climes the realm of the Shaddad-mannered Dahhāk.
The foundations laid by that enemy of faith, were not in the tradition of the bygone kings.
In his days these words were commonly said, that his days were the evillest of days.
In addition to his tyrannical nature, two veins had grown out of his shoulders like two serpents. This is what the learned call cancer. The strange malady caused much pain and suffering to Dahhāk, to the point that his patience and forbearance were at their end. No matter how many skilled physicians and astute scientists strove to alleviate his condition and restore his health, no results were forthcoming. Until the accursed Satan appeared to them in the guise of a physician. Addressing Dahhāk, he stated that: "your cure is found solely in young human brains, which are to be placed as ointment on the cancer." Following the advice of that accursed one, the reprehensible undertaking proved effective. The pain ceased at once and comfort was restored. Accordingly, every day two innocent youths were given to murder by the blade of injustice of that tyrant, and their brains served as remedy for that incurable malady.
For a while, this tyranny, oppression and inordinate conduct continued, affecting the noble and the commoner [alike]. The one appointed to [prepare] the victims was an extremely kind man, merciful and righteous at heart. He took umbrage and pity at this unbecoming affair. Every day, therefore, he would kill [only] one person, mixing his brains with those of a sheep. The other person he would secretly set free, with the proviso that that person leave his homeland and take refuge on the mountain tops, where no sign of habitation or human occupation could be found. Little by little a large number of people from every land and [conversant] in various tongues gathered in that place and location, where they intermarried and multiplied. Their children and progeny grew in numbers [and] they came to be called Kurds.
When a long time had passed, as a result of their avoiding intercourse with other people and remaining fearful of visiting [other] settlements, they developed their own language and customs. In the forests and mountains, meadows and peaks they engaged in construction and cultivation. Many of them gathered wealth and flocks, [and] dispersed into the plains and steppes. Another tradition maintains that they are called "Kurd" due to their overwhelming bravery and courage, which is an inalienable mark of that nation. As to others who maintain that "Kurds are a division of the genies," may God remove the cloud from their minds. And yet other chroniclers relate that demons married with humans, giving birth to the Kurdish nation. God knows all that come to pass. The Kurdish nation divides into four branches, each with its own different tongue and customs. First is the Kurmānj, second the Lur, third the Kalhur, and fourth the Guran.
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