Podcast Episodes

Fereydoun's Sons & the Three Brides of Yemen

Season 1 Episode 15

Arsalan retells how Fereydoun's three sons pass the tests devised by King Sarv of Yemen to marry his three daughters.

1 year, 1 month ago

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The Death of Zahhak

Season 1 Episode 14

Arsalan retells the fall of Zahhak the Serpent King at the hands of Fereydoun, and the dawn of a new age as good is restored to the Earth.

1 year, 2 months ago

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Battle: Fereydoun vs. Zahhak

Season 1 Episode 13

Arsalan retells how Fereydoun reaches Zahhak the Serpent King’s dark fortress, liberates Jamshid’s imprisoned sisters, and sparks the long-awaited sh…

1 year, 2 months ago

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Commentary: Right and Wrong in the Shahnameh

Season 1 Episode 12

Arsalan explores how the early myths of the Shahnameh evolve from a supernatural battle between good and evil into a more nuanced, human-driven drama…

1 year, 2 months ago

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Kaveh the Blacksmith

Season 1 Episode 11

Arsalan retells the story of Kaveh the Blacksmith, who bravely defied Zahhak the Serpent King and sparked the peoples' rebellion toward freedom and j…

1 year, 2 months ago

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Fereydoun & the Sacred Cow's Sacrifice

Season 1 Episode 10

Arsalan retells the story of Fereydoun’s narrow escape from Zahhak’s army, and his years in hiding—nourished by the milk of the sacred cow Barmayeh.

1 year, 2 months ago

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Zahhak's Nightmare

Season 1 Episode 9

Arsalan retells the evil reign of Zahhak the Serpent King, and how an ominous nightmare shakes him to his core, foreshadowing his downfall. 

1 year, 3 months ago

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Rise of Zahhak the Serpent King

Season 1 Episode 8

Arsalan retells how Zahhak — once a noble Arabian prince — is possessed by Iblis the Devil and transformed into the evil Serpent King.

1 year, 3 months ago

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King Jamshid's Glory and Disgrace

Season 1 Episode 7

Arsalan retells the story of King Jamshid, whose glory led the world to its greatest heights and inspired the first Nowruz—until his pride invited Go…

1 year, 3 months ago

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Commentary: Ferdowsi as a World-Builder

Season 1 Episode 6

Arsalan explores how Ferdowsi’s world-building lays the foundation for the Shahnameh’s rich moral complexity and the narrative dilemmas that shape th…

1 year, 3 months ago

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