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
55 episodes
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...
Season 2 Premiere: King Nowzar's Troubled Start
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.
Rostam vs. the White Elephant
Arsalan retells the story of Rostam's first fight, in which the young hero faces off against a rogue white elephant threatening the city.
Rostam Meets His Grandfathers
Arsalan retells how Baby Rostam grows into a mighty young warrior and meets his grandfathers, Sam and King Mehrab, for the first time.
Rostam's Birth
Arsalan retells the glorious birth of Rostam, Iran’s greatest future hero, after his mother Rudabeh is saved from life-threatening labor by Zal and the magical Simorgh.
Commentary: We're 10% Through the Shahnameh
Arsalan marks the 10% milestone through the Shahnameh, inviting listeners to reflect on favourite stories, surprising insights, and questions the podcast has sparked along the way.
The Love Story of Zal & Rudabeh
In this special episode, Arsalan retells the legendary love of Zal and Rudabeh, who bravely navigate family tensions and the threat of all-out war to triumph over prejudice and unite in a glorious marriage.
Princess Rudabeh of Kabul
Arsalan retells the introduction of Princess Rudabeh of Kabul and how she first falls in love with Zal of Iran, sight unseen.
Zal the Diplomat: From Zabol to Kabul
Arsalan retells Zal’s diplomatic visit to Kabul and his meeting with King Mehrab, where he first hears of Mehrab’s daughter, the enchanting Princess Rudabeh.
