Note: This started out as a dramatis personæ (cast of characters) because I couldn't keep all the names straight. As I got further into The Shahnameh, it becomes more coherent - and, as I was clearly influenced by what I was reading, more lyrical as well. Enjoy, whoever actually reads this blog. The synopsis of each tale will be posted separately. No guarantees on spelling, grammar, or punctuation, as I don't worry about them while taking notes. Editorial comments and sarcasm may be evident. I can't help myself sometimes.
Update: I should also note that most versions of the Shahnameh that have been translated to English are highly abridged, this one included. And my Farsi's just not that good yet.
The Shahs of Old
Kaiumers, the first king of Persia, was hated by Ahriman the Evil, who sent his son, a Deev, against Kaiumers. Deevs are some sort of devil or Demon. Kaiumers sent his son Saiamuk to fight the Deev, and his son got killed. Fortunately, Saiamuk had also had a son, named Husheng, who avenged his father and ruled Iran after Kaiumers.
Serosch – angel who helped Persia; “who defendeth men from the snares of the Deevs, and who each night flieth seven times around the earth that he may watch over the children of Ormuzd” (God)
Tahumers – son of Husheng, enlisted aid of Deevs to help Persia, but in a good way.
Jemshid – son of Tahumers, ruled 700 years, built Persepolis, ordered No Ruz celebrations, but corrupted by pride and called himself God. Cast down by God and lost support of nobles, and Ahriman ruled instead.
Mubids – astrologers and wise men, told Zohak of Feridoun
Mirtas – generous and just king of Arabian kingdom of Thasis. Unfortunately, his son Zohak was corrupted by Ahriman, and he killed his father to be king of Thasis. Was both a good and evil ruler, so Ahriman tricked twice and Zohak became the Serpent-King, literally with snakes coming out of his shoulders, and now evil. Jemshid’s followers turned to Zohak and eventually Jemshid was killed, leaving Zohak to rule in fear for 1000 years. He was eventually killed by Feridoun, Jemshid’s grandson, by chaining to a rock in the desert.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment