SOURCE: An introduction to The Legend of Seyavash, by Ferdowsi, translated by Dick Davis, Penguin Books, 1992, pp. ix-xxvii.

In the following essay, Davis studies the plot and themes of the Shah-Nama, focusing in particular on the Sasanian bias of the later portions of the text, including the story of Seyavash. Davis observes that the authority of God and King in the text are of major importance, but are exceeded in significance by the authority of the father over the son.

The Legend of Seyavash is a section of The Shahnameh, written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi (c. 940-c. 1020). The Shahnameh bears approximately the same relation to Persian culture as the works of Homer do to ancient Greek culture. Coming at the virtual beginning of the recorded literature, it is seen as a massive and masterly work and, in some sense, as a touchstone for everything subsequent to...