Myth Madness: A Mythology Podcast

Up to now the Shahnameh largely focused on conflicts between the forces of good and evil with evil being represented by monsters and strange otherworldly creatures. But now, the Shahnameh switches its approach, and the Iranian heroes will struggle against foreign human enemies. 
This episode (80) introduces the feud between the neighbouring kingdoms of Iran (Persia) and Turan, and the destruction wrought by the wars between them.

In this episode (79) I introduce Rostam, one of the most significant heroes in Persian legends and who is often compared to the Greek Heracles. The Shahnameh covers the story of his birth but for other stories of his youth, we have to look at other epic poems. While sharing from these, I also introduce the close association between Rostam's family and that of another Persian hero named Gudarz.

This episode (78) covers the romance of the Persian hero Zal (Zaal) and the beautiful princess Rudabeh. While a foreigner, Rudabeh represents the ideal Persian woman - virtuous, beautiful, dutiful, and intelligent. Their romance as presented in the Shahnameh, in the original language, is considered one of the best examples of Persian poetry. Its also just a great story, a bit like Romeo and Juliet if everyone was a good communicator.

The first part of the Shahnameh focuses on several generations of legendary kings and their conflict with the forces of evil. But during the reign of the king Manuchehr, its heroes - the king’s various commanders - leave the background, begin to play a larger role, and are the stars of their own stories.
This episode (77) focuses on Sam, loyal ruler of the region of Sistan and a powerful warrior. I use other sources, like the Samnameh, to introduce Sam and share some of his exploits. Then I move to the Shahnameh to share the story of his son Zal’s birth.

Fereydun’s rule ushered in another Golden Age but trouble brewed when his three sons were well into adulthood. The two eldest, Salm and Tur, coveted what Ferdydun granted the youngest, Iraj, to rule. They murdered him and Fereydun hoped his great grandson, Manuchehr, would one day avenge Iraj.