The Legend of Shahmeran
The Timeless Tale of Love, Wisdom, and Betrayal
The Legend of Sahmeran (pronounced Shah Meran) meaning “Queen of Snakes” in Persian — is a myth that dates back to the ancient Mesopotamian civilizations. The legend is believed to have originated in southeastern Turkey, in the mystical cities of Mardin or Tarsus, both of which lay claim to her story. At its heart, it’s a tale of love between Shahmeran, a half-snake, half-woman with extraordinary beauty and wisdom, and a young man named Tahmasp.
While seeking a way out of a cave, Tahmasp stumbles into an enchanted underground garden filled with vibrant snakes living in peace under the reign of Shahmeran. They fall in love. During their time together, Shahmeran teaches him the hidden secrets of the universe — knowledge of healing, herbs, and ancient wisdom passed down through generations.
Eventually, Tahmasp longs for the world above. With a heavy heart, Shahmeran allows him to leave, extracting a promise: never to reveal her existence, nor the secrets she entrusted to him.
Years pass. When the king of the land becomes deathly ill, the royal vizier declares that only the flesh of Shahmeran can cure him. A desperate search begins. Tahmasp, tortured and broken, reveals her whereabouts.
Captured and taken from her hidden sanctuary, Shahmeran is executed in a bathhouse. Before dying, she curses anyone who dares to eat her head — they shall perish. But she blesses those who eat from her body with long life.
As her body is divided, Tahmasp, overcome with grief and guilt, throws himself at her head — choosing death over life. But Shahmeran had the last word: she reversed her blessing. All who ate from her body died. Only Tahmasp, who consumed her head, survived. He became the most revered healer of all time, carrying her wisdom into the world above.
Today, Shahmeran's presence still graces the region — her image lives on in handmade soaps, embroidered fabrics, jewelry, and wall art. Her portrait is traditionally hung above girls’ beds, believed to bring wisdom, protection, and good fortune.
Shahmeran in Pop Culture
Don’t miss The Gift, a fantasy-drama series on Netflix. Set in Istanbul and the mysterious landscapes of Anatolia, the story follows a painter on a spiritual journey uncovering deep truths — including the myth of Shahmeran, woven beautifully into its mystical plot.
