Shahnameh Quest
Hosted by Arsalan Akhavan, Shahnameh Quest is a journey through the Persian Book of Kings, one story at a time. Featuring accessible retellings in English, with occasional commentary and bonus episodes.
Episodes
62 episodes
Rostam’s Horse Rakhsh
Arsalan retells the origin story of how Rostam meets and lassoes his legendary steed Rakhsh, one of the most iconic partnerships in all of world mythology.
Garshasp Enthroned, Afrasiyab Disowned, Rostam Summoned
Arsalan retells the peaceful reign of King Garshasp, the bitter estrangement between Afrasiyab and his father King Pashang of Turan, and the summoning of Rostam to defend Iran against a renewed Turanian invasion.
Spotlight: Qaran, Son of Kaveh the Blacksmith
Arsalan shines a spotlight on Qaran, the fierce and loyal warrior who has defended Iran from invaders and honourably carried forward the legacy of his father, Kaveh the Blacksmith.
Commentary: The Pishdadian Dynasty
Arsalan marks the approaching end of the Pishdadian dynasty, reflecting on the significance of the Shahnameh's first lineage of kings and the transition that lies ahead.
King Zaav & the Famine That Ended a War
Arsalan retells King Zaav's brief reign and how a devastating famine unites the warring sides behind a common cause for peace, bringing about the conclusion to the first Turanian invasion of Iran.
The Election of King Zaav
Arsalan retells how Zal and Qaran seek out and elect Zaav, an Iranian elder, as the nation's new king to succeed the fallen King Nowzar, even as Afrasiyab of Turan still occupies the throne.
Afrasiyab Takes the Iranian Throne
Arsalan retells the crisis of leadership facing Iranians after Afrasiyab murders King Nowzar and seizes the Iranian throne.
Aghriras the Merciful
Arsalan retells the tale of Aghriras, the brother of Afrasiyab who defies his own nation to save 1200 Iranian nobles from execution and pays the ultimate price for his mercy.
Celebrating 1 Year of Shahnameh Quest
Arsalan marks the first anniversary of Shahnameh Quest with a personal message, thanking listeners for being part of the journey.
Commentary: Ferdowsi's Warning on Greed and Power
Arsalan discusses Ferdowsi's thoughts on greed, power, and ambition in the wake of King Nowzar's execution by Afrasiyab and the end of Fereydoun's line .
King Nowzar's Doom
Arsalan retells the tragic ultimate fate of King Nowzar of Iran at the hands of the menacing Prince Afrasiyab of Turan.
Zal Answers Mehrab's Call
Arsalan retells the triumphant return of Zal, who answers Mehrab’s desperate call and arrives to rescue Zabolistan from the Turanian invaders.
Battle: King Nowzar vs. Prince Afrasiyab, Part 2 of 2
Arsalan retells how King Nowzar joins the battle against Afrasiyab's Turanian invasion, and how Qaran bravely rescues the women and children of Iran by defeating the fearsome warrior Barman.
Battle: King Nowzar vs. Prince Afrasiyab, Part 1 of 2
Arsalan retells the first clash between the Iranian and Turanian armies, where the veteran warrior Qobad confronts Barman of Turan in a fatal duel that marks the opening of the invasion.
Bonus: The First Nowruz
Arsalan retells the mythic origin of Nowruz in the Shahnameh at the height of King Jamshid’s glorious reign.
Sam Passes, Afrasiyab Advances
Arsalan retells how the passing of Sam, the great Iranian champion and father of Zal of Zabolistan, gives Afrasiyab’s Turanian army a major military advantage in the lead-up to their invasion of Iran.
Enter Afrasiyab
Arsalan retells the explosive entrance of Afrasiyab, the fierce prince of Turan, as his father prepares an invasion to avenge their slain ancestor Tur. With Iran weakened under King Nowzar, the rivalry between the two kingdoms moves one step cl...
King Nowzar's Troubled Start (Season 2 Premiere)
Arsalan retells the beginning of King Nowzar’s corrupt reign, as growing unrest forces the embattled king to summon the wise and beloved champion Sam to restore order. Meanwhile, Iran’s enemies in Turan watch closely for signs of weakness amid ...
Recap: The Mythical Age in 10 Minutes
Arsalan presents a concise and abridged summary of the Mythical Age of the Shahnameh, from the court of Kayumars to the birth of Zal.
Commentary: The Ox-Headed Mace
Arsalan traces the lineage of the ox-headed mace from its origins with Tahmures to its use by Fereydoun and later Rostam, exploring how this iconic weapon serves as a physical bridge between generations of Persian heroes.
Season 1 Finale: The Turanian Menace
Arsalan concludes Season 1, marking the transition from the Shahnameh’s Mythical Age to the Heroic Age and foreshadowing the rise of Iran’s arch nemesis, Afrasiyab of Turan.
King Manuchehr's Parting Wisdom
Arsalan retells the final moments of King Manuchehr's life and reign, and how he passes the throne to his son, Prince Nowzar.
Rostam Takes Mount Sepand
Arsalan retells how young Rostam conquers Mount Sepand, avenging the death of his great-grandfather General Nariman.
