Show notes
This audio excerpt opens with a poetic recitation that sets a melancholic yet grand tone, before transitioning into an analysis of a crucial epic narrative from the Shahnameh: "Rostam and Esfandiar." The speaker introduces the story's central conflict between the legendary hero Rostam and the valiant prince Esfandiar, emphasizing their heroic qualities and Esfandiar's lineage as a Zoroastrian prince. The text then explores Ferdowsi's prelude to the tale, including his personal reflections on spring and wealth, contrasting his own circumstances with the lavish lives of other poets, and also presents a vivid description of nature, which subtly foreshadows the impending tragedy. The narrative further develops by outlining King Goshtasb's reluctance to cede his throne to Esfandiar, despite the prince's many heroic deeds, and ultimately Goshtasb manipulates Esfandiar into confronting Rostam, who the stars foretell will be his killer. The source concludes with Esfandiar's mother and Esfandiar's son, Bahman, attempting to dissuade him, and Esfandiar's rejection of his mother's wisdom, as well as ominous omens on his journey, highlighting his tragic destiny and setting the stage for the climactic confrontation between the two legendary figures.The Journey to ZabolestanAt dawn, Esfandiyar departs with his retinue. At a crossroads, one path leads to Gonbadān, the other to Zabol. A leading camel collapses, refusing to move. Esfandiyar interprets this as an omen urging him toward Gonbadān. He sacrifices the camel to divert misfortune, but the omen shifts—foreshadowing his own death. Though troubled, he dismisses it, declaring that both good and evil come from God and that his triumph will secure his fate.Reaching the Hirmand River in Sistan, he sets camp with his wise brother, Pashootan. Esfandiyar reflects on straying from his father’s path and his past disregard for Rostam’s service. Acknowledging Rostam’s vital role for Iran, he chooses diplomacy, hoping the hero will submit without conflict. Pashootan advises him to preserve Rostam’s honor (Āzarm Mardān). Esfandiyar sends his son, Bahman, as envoy to persuade Rostam to come willingly and allow himself to be bound. Yet the narrator reminds us that Rostam will never accept such humiliation—fate is sealed.Main FiguresEsfandiyar: Prince, son of Gushtasb, famed for the Haftkhan and avenging Lohrasb. Loyal to his father yet tragically bound to die at Rostam’s hands. Brave but flawed in ignoring counsel.Gushtasb: King of Iran, manipulative and power-hungry. Despite his son’s victories, he denies him the throne, sending him on a doomed mission.Rostam: The legendary Jahān Pahlavān, loyal to Iran’s kings, unmatched in strength and honor. Respected across the land, yet refuses submission or binding.SupportingKatayun: Esfandiyar’s mother, wise and compassionate, warning him of Gushtasb’s schemes.Jamasb: Court astrologer, loyal yet sorrowful, who foresees Esfandiyar’s death.Pashootan: Esfandiyar’s saintly brother, voice of wisdom and restraint.Bahman: Esfandiyar’s son, entrusted with the mission to Rostam, later to become king.MentionedFerdowsi: Poet of Shahnameh, who laments his poverty versus the patronage given to Farrokhi, Asadi, and Unsuri.Lohrasb: Grandfather slain by Arjasp.Arjasp: Enemy king defeated by Esfandiyar.Zal: Rostam’s father, esteemed elder of Zabol.Zavarh & Faramarz: Rostam’s kin and warriors.Div-e Sepid: Demon once slain by Rostam.King of Hamavaran, Soodabeh, Siyavash, Kay Kavoos, Kay Qobad, Manuchehr, Kay Khosrow: Earlier figures shaping Rostam’s legacy and Iran’s fate.This tale contrasts Esfandiyar’s obedience and tragic fate with Rostam’s independence and enduring honor—two heroes bound by destiny to clash.