Shahnameh Poems can be categorized in 3 groups:

•  I) Asatiri/Mythological – 1/10 of the book. From the first mythical king Keyumars (Pishhdadian Dynasty) to Keyghobad (Kayanian Dynasty) is depicting the beginning of human life and civilization. It tells about the human evolvement towards civilization. The mythical kings representing mankind.
• II) 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.
•  III) Tarikhi/Historical – from Sassanid (a bit of Ashkanian and a bit about Alexander through the Arab invasion. It is historical, but includes a bit of mythology.
  • Besides Historical information Shahnameh contains:
  • Tragedies like Rostam and Sohrab (Father & Son)
  • Love Stories like Bizhan and Manizheh
  • References to over 50 women. They are not just celebrated for their role as mothers, but also, like Rudaba (Rostam’s mother) they are known for their beauty, intelligence, independence, and fierceness. The epic poem features women as diplomatic envoys and queens. This gives them a degree of political power and, as Dr. Dick Davis has written, has allowed the women “to confront the world on their own terms.” i.e. It is in this book we hear about C-sections occurring when Rudabeh is giving birth to Rostam.