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© 2026 Shahnameh Quest
Description
Hosted by Arsalan Akhavan, Shahnameh Quest is a journey through the Persian Book of Kings, one story at a time. Featuring accessible retellings in English, with occasional commentary and bonus episodes.
45 Episodes
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Arsalan retells the beginning of King Nowzar’s corrupt reign, as growing unrest forces the embattled king to summon the wise and beloved champion Sam to restore order. Meanwhile, Iran’s enemies in Turan watch closely for signs of weakness amid this critical transition.
Arsalan presents a concise and abridged summary of the Mythical Age of the Shahnameh, from the court of Kayumars to the birth of Zal.
Arsalan traces the lineage of the ox-headed mace from its origins with Tahmures to its use by Fereydoun and later Rostam, exploring how this iconic weapon serves as a physical bridge between generations of Persian heroes.
Arsalan concludes Season 1, marking the transition from the Shahnameh’s Mythical Age to the Heroic Age and foreshadowing the rise of Iran’s arch nemesis, Afrasiyab of Turan.
Arsalan retells the final moments of King Manuchehr's life and reign, and how he passes the throne to his son, Prince Nowzar.
Arsalan retells how young Rostam conquers Mount Sepand, avenging the death of his great-grandfather General Nariman.
Arsalan retells the story of Rostam's first fight, in which the young hero faces off against a rogue white elephant threatening the city.
Arsalan retells how Baby Rostam grows into a mighty young warrior and meets his grandfathers, Sam and King Mehrab, for the first time.
Arsalan retells the glorious birth of Rostam, Iran’s greatest future hero, after his mother Rudabeh is saved from life-threatening labor by Zal and the magical Simorgh.
Arsalan marks the 10% milestone through the Shahnameh, inviting listeners to reflect on favourite stories, surprising insights, and questions the podcast has sparked along the way.
In this special episode, Arsalan retells the legendary love of Zal and Rudabeh, who bravely navigate family tensions and the threat of all-out war to triumph over prejudice and unite in a glorious marriage.
Arsalan retells the introduction of Princess Rudabeh of Kabul and how she first falls in love with Zal of Iran, sight unseen.
Arsalan retells Zal’s diplomatic visit to Kabul and his meeting with King Mehrab, where he first hears of Mehrab’s daughter, the enchanting Princess Rudabeh.
Arsalan retells Zal’s return to his home province of Zabolistan, his audience with King Manuchehr, and his destined rise to becoming a legendary hero.
Arsalan explores the narrative and symbolic significance of the Simorgh’s feather in the Shahnameh and its enduring place in Iranian culture.
Arsalan retells how the majestic Simorgh raises Zal in her nest and guides him to a reunion with his father Sam after gifting him one of her magical feathers.
Arsalan retells the bittersweet story of how Baby Zal is cast away by Sam and saved by the magnificent Simorgh on the summit of Mount Alborz.
Arsalan retells Manuchehr’s first speech, emphasising his devotion to God and his mission to uphold Fereydoun’s fight against evil.
Arsalan recaps the full arc of Fereydoun's story and examines his impact as a symbolic character representing many of the Shahnameh's core themes
Arsalan retells King Fereydoun’s final days, Manuchehr’s coronation, and the blessed legacy of one of the Shahnameh's most beloved kings.
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