In the dawn of the Zoroastrian faith, the story recounts the heroic deeds of Zarēr who is also mentioned in Shahnameh of Ferdowsi. King Wishtasp, who accepted the “pure religion of the Mazda-worshippers” (dēn ī abēzag ī māzdesnān), is sent a messenger by king Arjasp, the king of the Hyons. Although Jamasp, minister of Wishtasp, predicts that Zarir, brother of Wishtasp, and many of the kins of Wishtasp will be martyred in the future battle, because of the advent of new religion, the tensions are inevitable.
Zarēr, after a heroic fight, is foully slain by a Hyōn, Wīdrafš the sorcerer. His young son Bastwar, forbidden by Wištāsp to go to the battle-field, fronts this command, finds his father’s body, and utters a moving lament over it. He kills many Hyōns in revenge, and shoots an arrow through Wīdrafš’ heart. His cousin Spandyād (Esfandiyar in Shahnameh), Wištāsp’s son, ends the battle by capturing Arǰāsp, mutilating him, and sending him abject away.
The story follows a simple intrigue. However, behind its simplicity, we can find out in this epic story about our culture, and history. How significant is this text and where is its place in the Iranian Literature? Introducing a part of Pre-Islamic literary history helps us to better know our culture and forgotten past.
To be presented by Nazila Khalkhali
Time: Friday, May 10, 2013 · 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: SITE 5084, University of Ottawa
Language: Persian
Admission: Free
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