Shahnameh by Ferdowsi. Short summary

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An epic consisting of mythological and historical components. The story of 50 kings, from Gayomart to Jamshid. Historical data is presented in biographies of Darab, Iskander, and representatives of the Sassanids.

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The poetic epic of Iranian history is composed of two parts, the mythological and the historical. The first king Gayomart was wise and righteous. The 49 kings that followed brought something of value to human civilization (fire control, metal forging, farming, etc.) King Jamshid divided people into classes and became proud himself. This enabled the messenger of evil, Zohak, to overthrow him.

A popular uprising overthrew Zohak. Jamshid’s great-grandson Faridun came to the throne. He divided the empire among his three sons. The brothers quarreled. The murdered Iredj had a pregnant concubine, so the line continued.

During the reign of Manuchehr, the love story of Zal and Rudabe is described. To them was born Rustam, the legendary bogatyr. Unknowingly, he killed his son Sukhrab in battle, and then repented. Another love story, that of Bijen and Menije, is vocalized.

The historical period begins from Bahman to the Arab conquest of Iran.