Shahnameh stories | Poetry of time
Step into the world of Persia’s greatest legends with Poetry of Time, a narrative podcast that breathes life into Ferdowsi’s timeless masterpiece, the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings). Each episode unravels the myths, heroes, and cosmic battles that have shaped Persian culture for over a thousand years—blending rich storytelling with the lyrical beauty of classical verse.From the rise of mighty kings to the fall of tragic warriors, we journey through love, destiny, and divine intrigue, one spellbinding story at a time. Whether you’re new to the Shahnameh or a lifelong admirer, Poetry of Time invites you to r...
The White Demon Awaits: Rostam’s Seventh Trial Setup in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this episode of Poetry of Time, we retell all Seven Trials of Rostam in full detail — from the lion in the reeds to the final battle with the White Demon. This story stands apart in the Shahnameh: dreamlike, surreal, filled with speaking beasts and sorcery. We also explain why “seven trials” does not mean “seven tests,” but seven waystations where destiny awaited the hero.
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The War with Mazandaran Begins — Key Kavous’s Pride and the Demon’s Song | Poetry of Time
After King Key Qobad’s death, his son Key Kavous ascends the throne — proud and restless. A demon disguised as a musician sings of Mazandaran’s beauty, luring the young king to invade the land of demons. Ignoring Zal’s warnings, Kavous marches into ruin, and only Rostam can now restore Iran’s fate.
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Rostam’s First Battle and the Peace of Kay Qobad — The Birth of a Legend | Shahnameh
In this episode of Poetry of Time, we witness Rostam’s fiery debut in battle against Afrasiab and the dawn of the Kayanian age under King Kay Qobad.
From the clash of black and golden banners to the first uneasy peace between Iran and Turan, Ferdowsi’s verses blaze with youth, wisdom, and destiny.
A new era begins — and the next will test its light.
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The Drought of War and the Rise of Rostam — The Peace of Zav
The endless war between Iran and Turan brings drought and despair until both sides realize that nature itself has turned against them.
King Zav restores peace and life returns to the earth.
But when Zav dies, Pashang urges Afrasiab to attack again, and a young hero named Rostam finds his destined horse, Rakhsh.
The age of heroes begins to stir beneath calm skies.
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Battles of Nowzar, Afrasiab, and the Rise of Zav — Shahnameh’s Turning Point | Poetry of Time
In this sweeping saga of the Shahnameh, we witness the fall of King Nowzar, Afrasiab’s bloody rise, Zal’s fierce defense of Zabol, and the crowning of Zav. Betrayal, vengeance, and the turning of dynasties collide in one of Ferdowsi’s most dramatic chapters. Join us as Poetry of Time brings this cycle of war and rebirth to life.
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The Death of Sam and the Battle in the Mist: Afrasiab’s First War in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this episode of Poetry of Time, the death of the great hero Sam shakes Iran as Afrasiab marches with a vast army. Qobad, the elder warrior, duels Barman in a tragic battle, and Garen vows to fight on. Sorcery shrouds Afrasiab in mist, leaving the war between Iran and Turan unresolved.
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Nozar the Tyrant and the War Council of Turan: Shahnameh Stories of Kingship and Revenge
In this episode of Poetry of Time, King Nozar ascends the throne after Manuchehr’s death but soon becomes a cruel tyrant. Sam Nariman is asked to take the crown but refuses, teaching a lesson about divine legitimacy. Meanwhile in Turan, Poshang gathers his champions, Afrasiab and Aghrirat among them, and plans his great war of revenge against Iran.
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The Birth of Rostam: Miracle Child of the Simurgh in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this breathtaking episode of Poetry of Time, Rudabeh’s painful labor calls forth the Simurgh, who guides the first cesarean birth in Persian myth. From fire and feather, Rostam is born — the giant child destined to become Persia’s greatest hero.
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The Wedding of Light and Shadow: Zal and Rudabeh’s Union in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this episode of Poetry of Time, we enter Kabul’s golden halls as Zal and Rudabeh’s forbidden love becomes a celebrated wedding. With Sam’s blessing, Zabulistan and Kabul are united in splendor, setting the stage for the birth of Persia’s greatest hero, Rostam.
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Zal’s Trials: The Seven Riddles, the Arena of Heroes, and the Birth of a Prophecy
In this episode of Poetry of Time, Zal faces King Manuchehr’s judgment. Seven riddles test his wisdom; trials of archery, mace, shield, and wrestling test his strength. The court witnesses a young hero who is both philosopher and warrior — and the stars themselves foretell his destiny.
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Fire, Fury, and the Queen’s Gambit: Zal and Rudabeh’s Forbidden Love in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this powerful episode of Poetry of Time, King Manuchehr commands Sam to destroy Kabul — but Zal refuses, choosing love over loyalty. Sam writes a legendary letter recalling his dragon-slaying days, while in Kabul, Queen Sindokht’s wisdom prevents bloodshed. A tale of rage, diplomacy, and the courage of women.
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The White-Haired Hero and the Cypress Princess: Zal and Rudabeh’s Forbidden Love in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this episode of Poetry of Time, Zāl journeys to Kabul, where fate leads him to Rudābeh, the daughter of King Mehrāb. Born of rival bloodlines, their love blooms in secrecy — and a midnight meeting beneath the stars. A forbidden love story begins, destined to shape Persia’s future.
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The Trust and the Map of Legends: Zal’s First Rule and the Lands of Shahnameh
In this episode of Poetry of Time, Zal returns to Zabulistan with his father Sām. Entrusted with rule while Sām marches to Mazandaran, Zal laments yet embraces his destiny. The story then opens the map of the Shahnameh, exploring the true meanings of Zabulistan, Sistan, Kabul, and Mazandaran — lands of kings, warriors, and demons.
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The White-Haired Child and the Simurgh: Manuchehr’s Reign and the Story of Zal in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this powerful episode of Poetry of Time, Manuchehr avenges Iraj and takes the throne, Fereydun passes into legend, and the great warrior Sam abandons — then redeems — his son, Zal. Rescued and raised by the mythical Simurgh, Zal’s destiny begins as he steps into Manuchehr’s court, foreshadowing the epic tales yet to come.
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Manuchehr the King: Building a Throne from the Ashes of Vengeance in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
After avenging Iraj’s blood and defeating Kakuy, Manuchehr steps into his destiny — not only as a warrior, but as a king. In this episode of Poetry of Time, we explore how Manuchehr claims the throne, restores order to Persia, and begins shaping a kingdom born from sorrow, justice, and fire. Yet even as peace settles across the land, the winds of change whisper of struggles yet to come.
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Night of the Lion: Manuchehr’s Ambush and the Fall of Toor
In this thrilling episode of Poetry of Time, Manuchehr faces his first great test. As Toor plots a night ambush, fate shifts beneath the stars. With wisdom, bravery, and a warrior’s heart, Manuchehr turns darkness into justice — and the blood of Iraj is finally answered.
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The Rise of Manuchehr: Ferdowsi’s Hero Born for Revenge in Shahnameh
In this powerful opening to the Manuchehr cycle, we witness the secret birth of a child destined to avenge Iraj's blood. From the miracle of Fereydun’s regained sight to the golden coronation of Manuchehr and the call to war, this episode sets the stage for an epic tale of justice, identity, and divine reckoning.
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The Tragedy of Iraj – Betrayal, Letters, and Blood | Shahnameh Podcast
He offered peace.
He carried no sword.
But Iraj, the noble son of Freydun, walked into his brothers’ camp alone — and never returned.
In this heartbreaking episode of Poetry of Time, we follow the powerful exchange of letters between brothers, Iraj’s final stand for unity, and the brutal betrayal that shaped the future of Persia. This is not just myth… it’s a mirror of the human soul.
🎙️ Listen now — and remember the name Iraj.
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Three Sons, Three Fates: Freydun’s Test and the Division of the World | Shahnameh Stories
After overthrowing Zahhak, the just king Freydun looks to the future. In this episode, we explore the birth of his three sons, their quest for worthy brides, the wisdom tests of King Sarv, and Freydun’s final trial in disguise. From dragons to destiny, this tale marks the beginning of a tragic royal legacy. A poetic journey through fate, fire, and family — brought to life through the timeless verses of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh.
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The Fall of Zahhak | Fereydoun’s Spell, the Throne, and Mount Damavand | EP10
After years of darkness, the time has come.
In this powerful episode of Poetry of Time, Fereydoun reaches Zahhak’s fortress — not with brute force, but with sacred words and the will of justice. As iron gates crack under his command, the tyrant’s palace is exposed.
Zahhak returns to find his throne gone, his power broken, and the people no longer afraid. In a final clash, the cow-headed mace strikes true… but death is denied him.
By the order of Soroush, Zahhak is bound in chains and sealed deep inside Mount Damavand — where his...
Fereydoun’s Journey Begins | Magic, Betrayal, and the River to Zahhak’s Fortress | EP9
Before Fereydoun could face Zahhak and claim the throne, he had to walk a path of betrayal, magic, and impossible choices.
In this episode of Poetry of Time, Fereydoun meets a mysterious sage who teaches him ancient spells — just in time to survive an attempt on his life by his own brothers.
But the path to justice cannot be stopped. When a boatman refuses him passage across the Arvand River, Fereydoun and his army ride directly into the water, determined to reach Zahhak’s fortress — whatever the cost.
This is the quiet before the st...
Kaveh the Blacksmith & Fereydoun's Rebellion | How Iran Rose Against Zahhak — Persian Mythology | EP8
In this episode of Poetry of Time, the fires of rebellion begin to burn across Iran. While Fereydoun, the boy of prophecy, trains in the mountains, an unexpected hero rises from among the people — Kaveh the Blacksmith.
Grieving his son, lost to Zahhak’s serpents, Kaveh refuses to kneel before the tyrant. With nothing but his courage and his leather apron, he raises the legendary Derafsh-e Kaviani, the simple banner that would become the symbol of a nation’s resistance.
As Fereydoun descends from the mountains, the people rally behind Kaveh’s defian...
The Hidden Seeds of Rebellion | Zahhak's Dream, and Fereydoun's Fate — Shahnameh| EP7
In this episode of Poetry of Time, we follow the quiet whispers of defiance beneath Zahhak's thousand-year reign. As Iran suffers under the shadow of the Serpent King, two brave men save the lives of innocent youths — planting the first seeds of rebellion among the mountains, where the Kurdish people are born.
But even tyrants fear what the future holds. Zahhak's haunting dream speaks of a young warrior destined to strike him down — a boy hidden in the hills, nurtured by fate and guarded by the mountains. His name… is Fereydoun.
This i...
Zahhak the Serpent King | How Darkness Came to Iran — Shahnameh Tales | EP6
In this episode of Poetry of Time, we trace the chilling origins of Zahhak, the Serpent King of Persian mythology. Born in Arabia, tempted by Iblis, cursed with snakes upon his shoulders — Zahhak's hunger for power knows no limits. When the nobles of Iran, desperate for a ruler, invite him to their land… they unknowingly open the gates to a thousand years of fear and tyranny.
Discover how ambition, deception, and misplaced trust allowed darkness to cross mountains — and how the shadows of Zahhak’s reign fell over Iran.
This is the story of how a...
Jamshid’s Rise and Fall | The Golden Age and Tragic Downfall of Persia’s Legendary King| EP5
Jamshid — the brilliant, ambitious son of Tahmures — ushered in a golden age for Persia. From forging armor to weaving garments, building cities, and creating the celebration of Nowruz, his legacy shaped civilization itself. But pride is a dangerous companion.
In this episode of Poetry of Time, discover how Jamshid’s greatness blinded him, how divine favor abandoned him, and how his fall opened the door to the darkest ruler yet — Zahhak.
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Tahmures the Demon-Binder | How Persia's King Tamed the Wild and Discovered Writing | EP4
In this episode of Poetry of Time, we explore the legendary reign of Tahmures, the third king of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh. Known as Tahmoures Divband — the Binder of Demons — he tamed the wild beasts, taught humanity to hunt with falcons and cheetahs, and brought civilization one step closer to order. But his greatest legacy came from the most unlikely place: the demons themselves.
Join us as we uncover how Tahmures wrestled knowledge from the shadows and introduced the art of writing to the world.
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Hushang – Fire and the Dawn of Civilization | EP3
Witness the transformative moment when Hushang discovered fire — not as a gift from the gods, but as a spark found in stone. Learn how this single act changed humanity forever, leading to the invention of clothing, agriculture, and early rituals that shaped society. This episode explores the birth of human ingenuity and the first steps toward organized life — one strike at a time.
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Gayomart: The First King of Persia | EP2
Explore the story of Gayomart, the first king, whose reign was marked by peace and wisdom. Discover how his tragic loss set the stage for the rise of Hushang, the next great ruler.
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The Birth of All Things: Ferdowsi’s Cosmic Vision | EP1
Delve into Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh , Persia’s legendary epic. Explore the cosmic creation — from fire, wind, water, and earth to stars, mountains, and humans. Discover Ferdowsi’s vision of wisdom, speech, and moral duty that sets humankind apart. Uncover rich symbolism and ancient Persian mythology in this mythic prologue. Perfect for lovers of epic poetry, history, and storytelling. This is Poetry of Time — one verse at a time.
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