Artist Statement
“The Shahnameh” is one of the most important epic poems in Persian literature and the largest
surviving source of Iranian history and mythology before Islam. This literary masterpiece,
composed over a thousand years ago by Abu al-Qasim Ferdowsi, is written in prose and is the
result of collecting stories that existed before Ferdowsi’s time.
As many ancient Iranian writings have been lost over time due to wars and fires, it seems that
without Shahnameh, a significant gap would exist between us and the past culture. While
Shahnameh is well-known among many Iranians, it may not be as recognized by the younger
generation, both inside and outside of Iran.
This literary work not only provides a historical account of kings, battles, and their victories but
also reflects aspects of the culture, thought, and life of the ancient Iranians. The way Ferdowsi
composed and beautified the verses of this book showcases his mastery in narrating these
enduring tales.
What fascinated me most about this book is the vividness and complexity of its characters.
Throughout the stories, we encounter not just mythical beings with magical powers, ambition,
and warrior spirit, but also beings who experience love, sin, confusion, and defeat, only to rise
again. What we grapple with spiritually in this modern era, our ancient people also dealt with,
making it evident that our concerns and dilemmas have remained constant.
Understanding these characters introduces us to the culture and traditions of pre-Islamic
Iranians, making the primary goal of identifying these characters and creating a different, more
familiar image of them a foundation for this work. This collection will be divided into three
volumes, focusing on different aspects of Shahnameh’s characters.
The first volume will explore the women of the Shahnameh, who played diverse roles in the
stories, from rulers and warriors to servants and lovers, sometimes sparking various wars and at
other times founding peace and prosperity.
The second volume will delve into the demons and mythical creatures of the epic. These beings
alternated between distancing humanity and aiding it, at times challenging and at others
imparting knowledge.
The third volume will shine a spotlight on the male heroes of the Shahnameh’s stories, their
struggles to safeguard their homeland’s borders, and their battles for power. Identifying these
distinct and prominent characters and their captivating stories, which Ferdowsi meticulously
crafted over fifty years, is the primary and most significant goal of this work. Recognizing this
precious work and offering a different, more tangible perspective for the younger generation, as
well as reviving the values of purity, authenticity, valor, and truth in our hearts through the
imagery of these characters, are the guiding principles of this endeavor for the benefit of future
generations.
