Shahnamh - Epic of the Persian Kings by
Hakim Abol-Ghasem Ferdowsi Toosi (940-1020 AD
The World Famous Persian (Iranian) Poet - Ferdowsi
The Shahnameh or The Epic of Kings is one of the definite classics of the world. It tells hero tales of ancient Persia.
The contents and the poet's style in describing the events takes the readers back to the ancient times and makes
he/she sense and feel the events. Ferdowsi worked for thirty years to finish this masterpiece.
An important feature of this work is that during the period that Arabic language was known as the main language of science
and literature, Ferdowsi used only Persian in his masterpiece. As Ferdowsi himself says "Persian language
is revived by this work".
Scroll down to read the Shahnameh --->
- Descriptions of
natural scenery, combat zones, heroes, armies, etc.
- Interesting
exaggerations and innovation in mythical narrative styles.
- Combination of
love stories with the elements of epic.
- Wise messages
and advice found in every story.
- The harmony
between the language and style of speech and the subjects of epics.
- The eloquence
and simplicity of the language.
- Preservation of
many old Persian words.
The great
epic poet of Iran came from a wealthy family. He was a true patriot and loved
Iran and Iranians. The epic stories which he turned into poetry were
sometimes told even before his time. Such stories as those taken from
Abu-Mansouri's Shah-Nameh, or others as in Daqiqi's Garshasp Nameh, stories
about Rostam and Garshasp family narrated perhaps by "Azad Sarv",
and other stories such as "Duel between Bijan and Gorazan",
"Story of Alexander", etc. .
Selected samples of his work are accessible in Persian.
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