The+Shah-nameh

// __The Shahnameh__ The Book of Kings // by: Hakim Abol-Ghasem Ferdowsi Toosi (940-1020) Anna Schmidt, Jen Hammond, Rachael Grossman, Courtney Rich __// Background // __

Ferdowsi was born in Tus in Northeast Iran to a land-owning family. He married at age twenty-eight.

Ferdowsi wrote The Shahnameh in order to give his daughter a dowry. He began around 977 CE and finished around 1010 CE, a thousand years ago.

The Shahnameh is a book of poems or stories, which Ferdowsi described as the whole history of Iran, beginning with the first man and ending six thousand years later with his fiftieth successor.

The Shahnameh was originally written in Persian. This work revived the use of the Persian language in a time when Arabic was mainly used in literature. Ferdowsi, therefore, brought about pride in the Iranian language and culture.

The Shahnameh was copied by scribes and illustrated with miniture paintings. During their rule, the Mongol Ilkhan Khans (1255-1335 CE), Timurid Sultans (1363-1506 CE), and Safavid Shahs (1502-1736 CE) commissioned the production of manuscripts of The Shahnameh. Unfortunately, while scribes were handwriting this lengthy book, some changes were introduced. Historians are unsure of Ferdowsi's complete and original verses. The book circulated around the Islamic Indo-Iranian region.



The stories in The Shahnameh express Ferdowsi's views about life, religion, ethics, and virtue. The book is divided into three parts: the mythical, the heroic, and the historical ages.

__The Mythical Age__ Begins with a praise of God and Wisdom Describes the creation of the world and of man Tells the story of the first man, Kayumars, who became the first king

This section is short in comparison to the others. It contains only about 2100 verses.  __The Heroic Age__ Takes place between Manuchehr's reign and the conquest of Alexander About the Sagzi (Saka) or Sistani heroes Depicts the fuedal system of the time

This section is the largest of the three sections, almost two-thirds of the Shahnameh. The story of Rostam and Sohrab, which is mentioned a lot in //The Kite Runner//, is in this section.  __The Historical Age__ Describes brief histories of Alexander, the Ashkanian, Ardeshir, the Sassanian, and the Arab conquest. Ferdowsi describes the Arab conquest as the arrival of "the army of darkness."

This is the final section of the Shahnameh, ending in Ferdowsi's present.

Ferdowsi asked his readers to learn from the rise and fall of the individuals and nations in his stories in order to improve the present and shape the future. The Shahnameh stresses the importance of avoiding cruelty, lying, avarice, and evil, while striving for justice, truth, order, and virtue. These things will bring happiness, ease, and honor. Ferdowsi, also, wanted future Iranian generations to know their history.  __//​ ​The Rostam and Sohrab Feud//__

Avoidance of the fatal tragedy -The tragedy could have been avoided in many ways. One way would have been if Rostam listened to Sohrab when he told Rostam not to fight because of his sense that Rostam was his father. Although Sohrab did not voice his thought that Rostam was his father he had an inner sense and tried to avoid the confrontation. Another avoidance came up while Sohrab is nervous and uncertain not wanting to fight, the second time, while Rostam claims a true hero does not kill at the first strike. This could have been avoided if Sohrab showed Rostam the bracelet right away instead of after he was stabbed, about to die.

__//Hosseini’s use in the Kite Runner //__ - This story tends to be very symbolic while it shows the tragedy between a father and son. Hosseini chose to use this story as a backdrop to correlate with the relationship between Hassan and Amir. While they were not father and son as Sohrab and Rostam they were brothers without knowing. When looking at both situations one can very easily see the parallel. Hosseini so easily uses this story as a metaphor or symbol of repentance. Amir and Hassan were brothers and Amir found this out after Hassan’s death. Looking back at the story this is very similar as Rostam and Sohrab did not realize they were father and son until Sohrab was stabbed on the ground showing Rostam his bracelet. Once Rostam’s son dies he continues the remembrance by holding a royal funeral. This could relate by Amir remembering Hassan by rescuing his son, sohrab, from assef and adopting him and taking him to America. The funeral is due to Rostam’s regret same as the adoption is due to Amir’s regret for lack of appreciation for his brother Hassan. Both stories correlate regret and repentance.

//__ Themes in The Shanameh __ // __//Conflicts in The Shanameh// __ //__Women and Children in The Shanameh__//
 * The Shanahmeh shows many themes in each story such as the mythical, the heroic, and the historic stages. Each story shows a recurring theme of a villain and a hero.
 * The stories were written to keep the Persian cultures and customs alive, so they describe a punishment or a lesson that is important for the future generations to understand.
 * These stories also explain what the culture is based off of such as religion and beliefs. The characters of the Shahnameh were a prime example in showing the society correct behaviors and the importance of pride in your country.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The hero conquering the villain is a major theme in The Shanameh.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The most famous hero of The Shanameh is Rostam. Rostam was glorified to show people that winning and having honor for your country is very important. Rostam won independence for his country while protecting people for the common good, and from the villains.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The purpose of the Shanameh is to keep the Persian culture alive, and by showing that the hero conquers the villain creates a belief that if you defend your country, you will end up on top.
 * Although the Hero and Villain are major conflicts in The Shanahmeh, women and children are present in some stories.
 * The presence of women and childeren in two specific stories are in the context of evil.
 * In the story of The Heroes Sam and Zal, a baby was born with snowy white hair, and they were convinced the unusual child was the gift of the evil spirit and not of God. They eventually decided to get rid of the baby.
 * Another example of a women being reffered to as evil is in the story of the The Haft-Khan. In this story, on the fourth trial of Rostam, he was eating when a beautiful woman appeared. Delighted and thinking that God was really kind to him today, he invited the woman to share the food and listen to his songs. After a while he asked her to join him in prayer when to his surprise the beautiful woman turned into an ugly witch. She was not sent by God but was the work of the evil spirit, when he noticed the change he pulled out his sword and killed the witch.
 * Besides the two stories given above, other relations to woman and children were looked as normal citizens.

__<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">//Shahnameh Artwork// __

Many of m​ost exquisite Persian miniature paintings are illuminated versions of the //Shahnameh.// Several copies remain intact. The most noted of these manuscrips are the //Houghton Shahnameh, Great Mongol Shahnameh,// and the //Bayasanghori Shahnameh.// Many of these masterful miniature paintings were made from the 16th to 18th centuries C.E. The //Shahnameh// has had a profound impact on Persian culture including their art.

//Great Mongol Shahnameh// //Bayasanghori Shahnameh// //Houghton Shahnameh// The first miniature painting if from //Zal// of the //Shahnameh.// The second miniature painting is from //Zal and Rudabeh// of the //Shahnameh.// These next two miniature paintings are from //Rustam// from the //Shahnameh.//


 * Art Representation:** The art is a representation of life. The artwork demonstrates that leaders, heroes, and kings are highly worshiped and praised by the community. Good conquering evil appears to be a common concept in the artwork. The background seems to be painted in more dull colors while the people in the art pop out with vibrant colors. People and togetherness appears to be valued.


 * Differences Between Persian Art and Western Civilization Art:** Persian art is particularly noted for its architecture and production of exquisite miniatures. Persian art is generally characterized by its firm lines, extensive detail, and bold use of color. Western Civilization art tends to be very geometrical and abstract. The art may not always be aesthetically pleasing. The Western Civilization art demonstrates economic, philosophical, and political matters.

__<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 130%;">//Our Favorite Stories// __

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 110%;">**Zal** In an area southeast of Iran, a man named Saum ruled. He was a very happy man except he was childless. Then he finally had a son. The child was perfect except he had hair like an aged man. Saum thought that this child might be a curse upon the village. He cast the baby out of the land and It was placed at the foot of Mount Alberz. The bird of marvel, Simurgh, lived at the top of the mountain where no one had ever been before. Simurgh took the baby from the bottom of the mountain and instantly bonded with the baby. Simurgh wanted to take care of it and raised the baby to be a brother to Simurgh’s babies. The baby grew to be full of strength and beauty and became well known by all. Saum even heard word about his son. Saum had a dream about his son and he feared that he had actually sinned and done the wrong thing. Saum had his Mubids see If the child was really his because he thought for sure that the child was dead. The Mubids said that even a savage beast would take care of their own and Saum didn’t so he needs to pray to god for forgivness. Saum took his army and went towards the mountain. Simurgh knew why Saum had come. The child cried because he had never seen men before. Simurgh wanted the child to go with the men because there is a better destiny for him with them. Saum promised never to mistreat his son again. Saum named his son Zal and gave him rich robes. Zal was seen as a hero among all the men. Zal had to learn the customs and the ways of the people. The Mubids were told to read Zal’s horoscope. It said that he would be a brave knight. All of the land was so happy that Saum had taken back his son. The Mubids taught Zal all the virtues of a king. And daily Zal increased in wisdom and strength, and his fame filled the land. And when Saum went forth to fight the battles of the Shah, he left the kingdom under his hands, and Zal administered it with judgment and virtue. <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The first man to be king was named Kayumars. He established his throne in the mountains and taught man how to prepare food and clothing. All animals, wild and tame, were obedient to him. Kayumars’ son, Siamak, was wise and eager to take the throne. Siamak’s only enemy, Ahriman, secretly tried to humble him. Ahriman’s son was a savage wolf, who planned to kill Kayumars. The angel Sorush appeared before Siamak and told him of this evil plan. Siamak raised an army and prepared for battle. Siamak was killed by the black demon. King Kayumars mourned for a year and the whole earth was dressed in blue. Sorush returned and told Kayumars to fight the demon. Siamak’s son, Hushang, helped his grandfather prepare for the battle. The demons were defeated and Hushang killed the black demon. Hushang then took the throne. He sought to establish justice in the world and the world flourished. One day, the king was in the mountains, when a snake crossed his path. He threw a rock at the snake but hit another rock instead. A spark was produced and fire was discovered. The feast Sadeh was created. Hushang also separated iron from the rock and the blacksmith’s craft. He established irrigation and increased the land available for growing grain. He separated the animals that can be hunted from the tame. Hushang had a son, Tahmures, who was called “the Binder of Demons.” Tahmures taught man how to spin wool into fibers and weave carpets. He trained animals that could be used for hunting. The king avoided evil and bound Ahriman by spells. The demons were angry by this and prepared for battle. Tahmures won the battle and the demons traded the written word for their lives. Jamshid, Tahmures’ son, then took the throne. He spent fifty years perfecting weapons and then another fifty years perfecting clothing. He separated man’s professions so everyone would know their worth and rank. He built public baths, castles, and ships. He then built a magnificent throne covered in gems, which he lifted into the sky. No-Ruz, the New Year, was then created. There were three hundred years without sorrow or evil. Jamshid believed he was the greatest man in the world and had forgotten God. From that day on, Jamshid’s world was darkened.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 110%;">The First Kings **

<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">**The Story Of Zohak** <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Zohak’s rule was unhappy for the Peshdadian people. Zohak and his evil nobles ruled by tyranny instead of the rule of law established by the previous kings. One day Zohak had a dream that he was attacked by three warriors. The youngest warrior hit him on the head with a club, put a rope round his neck and dragged him through the streets. Zohak woke up screaming and was scared of his dream. He then asked his astrologers to explain the dream. The astrologers figured out the meaning of Zohak’s dream, but they were afraid to tell him. After three days of excuses one of the astrologers picked up the courage and told Zohak the reasoning of his dream. It had meant that a young man, who was not born yet, named Faridoon would kill him. Faridoon would kill him because Zohak would have killed his father. From that day Zohak lived in fear of the unknown Faridoon. One day, Zohak ordered that every one of Jamshid’s family was to be killed. One of the family members was Abtin who had a wife named Faranuk. One day Abtin was captured and killed. His wife, Faranuk escaped with her two month old son, Faridoon. Faranuk could not feed her son because her grief had dried up the milk in her breasts. A kindly shepherd offered to take care of Faridoon and fed him milk from his cow. Eventually, Faranuk ran away and hid in the mountains. After many years she came back and took her son Faridoon away with her. Soon after, Zohak’s men heard about the shepherd and Faridoon. They came and killed the shepherd and the cow, but Faridoon was nowhere to be found. When he was sixteen Faranuk told Faridoon how his father had been killed and about the explanation of Zohak’s dream. Faridoon determined to get rid of Zohak.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype','Book Antiqua',Palatino,serif; font-size: 120%;">The Story Of The Tragedy of Sohrab **

Rostam was unaware that he had a son, Sohrab, by Princess Tahmina. He had not seen the Princess for many years. After years without any real knowledge of one another, Rostam and Sohrab faced each other in battle, fighting on opposing sides. Rostam did not recognise his own son, although Sohrab had suspicions that Rostam may be his father. They fought in single combat and Rostam wrestled Sohrab to the ground, stabbing him fatally. As he lay dying, Sohrab recalled how his love for his father – the mighty Rostam - had brought him there in the first place. Rostam, to his horror, realised the truth. He saw his own arm bracelet on Sohrab, which he had given to Tahmina many years before and which Tahmina had given to Sohrab before the battle, in the hope that it might protect him. But he realised the truth too late. He had killed his own son, ‘the person who was dearer to him than all others’. This is one of the most tragic episodes of the Shahname.

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Iran at a glance. (August 28, 2008). //Shahnameh, national epic of the Iranian people//. Retrieved February 21, 2010, from []. []