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© 2025 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.
35 Episodes
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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.
In this special bonus episode, Arsalan summarises the riveting art history saga of the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasb from it's creation through the present day, where he and his mother Dr. Zahra Faridany-Akhavan are leading a major cultural initiative to digitally reassemble the masterpiece.
Arsalan retells the thrilling final chapter of this battle trilogy, where Prince Manuchehr defeats Zahhak’s great-grandson Kakhuy and finally delivers justice to the evil Salm.
Arsalan retells the story of how Prince Manuchehr's generals Qaran and Shiruy outwit Salm's guards to successfully ambush and destroy his seaside fortress, setting the stage for Salm's inevitable fall.
Arsalan retells the first part of the epic battle between Prince Manuchehr and the envious brothers Salm and Tur, which seals Tur’s fateful demise.
Arsalan retells how Salm and Tur’s plea for forgiveness after Iraj’s murder is answered with King Fereydun’s wrath.
Arsalan retells the birth of Manuchehr by Iraj's daughter, and his destiny to avenge the murder of his grandfather, Prince Iraj, and become heir to the righteous King Fereydoun.
Arsalan retells the tragic aftermath of Iraj’s murder, as King Fereydoun mourns his son and makes a desperate plea to God for justice against the treacherous brothers Salm and Tur.
Arsalan invites listeners to pause and explore how the Shahnameh's stories resonate with them personally.
Arsalan retells how Fereydoun’s division of the world among his three sons Salm, Tur, and Iraj drives the eldest two to conspire against and ultimately kill their younger brother.
Arsalan gives an overview of Turan, Iran’s rival nation in the Shahnameh, exploring its cultural, geographical, and thematic importance to the rest of the epic.
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