Oral & Mythical History recorded in Shahnameh
- The themes of Ferdowsi’s epic cover the origins of civilization; the notion of kingship; tenderness and a longing for justice and social order. It tells the story of ancient Persia, beginning in the mythic time of Creation, origins of civilization, and continuing forward to the Arab-Islamic invasion in the seventh century.
- Shahnameh Poems can be categorized in 3 groups:
- Asatiri/Mythological – 1/10 of the book. From the first mythical king Keyumars (Pishhdadian) to Keyghobad (Kayanian) is depicting the beginning of human life and civilization. It tells about the human evolvement towards civilization. The mythical kings representing mankind.
- Hamasi/Battle stories – 1/3 of the book People are trying to be ready to defend invasions or are trying to take revenge and invade/win over the enemy.
- Tarikhi/Historical – about Sassanid (a bit of Ashkanian and a bit about Alexander through the Arab invasion. It is historical, but includes a bit of mythology.
- Note: See More in the cultural section