Olddahak

Olddahak is a fictional character featured in the science fiction novel "Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson. He is portrayed as a powerful and enigmatic figure, a cybernetic entity with a significant influence within the digital world known as the Metaverse. Olddahak's origins are deeply tied to the novel's exploration of linguistics, mythology, and computer viruses. He is presented as a being capable of manipulating information and people, often acting as a shadowy antagonist.

The character's name itself is a nod to the ancient Persian demon Zahhak, who in legend had serpents growing from his shoulders. This mythological connection hints at Olddahak's parasitic or corrupting nature within the digital realm. His actions in "Snow Crash" drive much of the plot, as he seeks to control and exploit the Metaverse for his own purposes, often through the spread of a digital contagion that affects both humans and the virtual environment. Olddahak represents a significant threat, embodying the dangers of unchecked technological power and the exploitation of information. His role highlights themes of control, knowledge, and the potential for digital entities to exert real-world influence.