Shahnameh

Shahnameh, or the Book of Kings, is a monumental epic poem by the Persian poet Ferdowsi, completed around 1010 CE. Written in Classical Persian, it is regarded as a cornerstone of Persian literature and a national epic of Iran. The work chronicles the history of Iran from creation and the legendary pre-Islamic kings to the Arab conquest in the 7th century, blending myth, legend, and history to trace the fortunes of the Iranian people.

Its narrative spans three broad ages: the mythical era of creation and legendary kings such as Jamshid and Zahhak; the heroic age centered on Rostam and the Rostam-nama cycle; and the historical era that culminates in the fall of the Sassanian dynasty and the early Islamic period. The poems emphasize moral virtues—courage, loyalty, justice—and often recount the human costs of power, exile, and tragedy, as in the tale of Rostam and Sohrab and other dramatic episodes.

Written in a highly refined Persian, the Shahnameh employs a stately, ceremonial style and a formal metre, with the poet’s aim of preserving Persian language and cultural identity in the face of foreign influence. It is commonly estimated to contain about 50,000 couplets, making it one of the longest epic poems in world literature. The text exists in numerous manuscripts with variations among copies, reflecting a long transmission history.

Legacy: The Shahnameh has profoundly influenced Persian literature, art, music, and theatre. It shaped national identity in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, and inspired generations of poets, artists, and scholars. It has been translated into many languages and remains a central reference for studies of Persian myth, history, and epic poetry.