Shahnameh

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Epic poem written by Persian poet Ferdowsi

Shahnameh
Author	Ferdowsi
Language	Persian

The Shahnameh (, "The Book of Kings") is a long epic poem written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi. It is the national epic of Greater Iran and is considered one of the most important works of Persian literature. The Shahnameh tells the mythical and historical past of Persia (modern-day Iran) from the creation of the world until the Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7th century.

Composition

The Shahnameh was written over a period of 30 years and was completed in 1010 CE. Ferdowsi's primary source was the Khwaday-Namag, a compilation of historical and mythical stories from the Sassanian Empire. Ferdowsi's work is notable for its use of the New Persian language and its preservation of pre-Islamic Iranian culture and history.

Structure

The Shahnameh consists of some 50,000 "distichs" or couplets (two-line verses), making it more than three times the length of Homer's Iliad. The poem is divided into three parts: the mythical, the heroic, and the historical ages.

Mythical Age

The mythical age begins with the creation of the world and the first man, Keyumars. It includes stories of legendary figures such as Jamshid, Zahhak, and Fereydun.

Heroic Age

The heroic age is the most famous part of the Shahnameh and includes the stories of Rostam and his family. This section is rich with tales of heroism, love, and tragedy.

Historical Age

The historical age covers the history of Persia from the rise of the Achaemenid Empire to the fall of the Sassanian Empire and the Islamic conquest of Persia.

Themes

The Shahnameh explores themes such as the struggle between good and evil, the importance of loyalty and bravery, and the inevitability of fate. It also reflects Ferdowsi's deep sense of nationalism and his desire to preserve Persian culture and history.

Influence

The Shahnameh has had a profound influence on Persian culture and literature. It has inspired countless works of art, including miniature paintings, music, and theater. The stories of the Shahnameh have also been adapted into various forms of media, including films and television series.

Manuscripts and Editions

There are numerous manuscripts of the Shahnameh, some of which are richly illustrated. The most famous of these is the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp, which is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Persian miniature painting.

See also

• Ferdowsi
• Persian literature
• Epic poetry
• Rostam
• Sassanian Empire
• Achaemenid Empire
• Islamic conquest of Persia

Related Pages

• Ferdowsi
• Persian literature
• Epic poetry
• Rostam
• Sassanian Empire
• Achaemenid Empire
• Islamic conquest of Persia

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