Podcast Episodes

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, 1 month 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, 2 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, 2 months ago

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King Tahmures: The Dīv-Binder

Season 1 Episode 5

Arsalan retells the legend of King Tahmures, the magician king who bound Ahriman’s Dīv army and brought dazzling innovations to industry and the arts.

1 year, 2 months ago

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King Hushang Builds Civilization & Discovers Fire

Season 1 Episode 4

Arsalan retells how King Hushang laid the foundations of civilization and discovered fire, inspiring the ancient Feast of Sadeh.

1 year, 2 months ago

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King Kayumars & the Fall of Prince Siyamak

Season 1 Episode 3

Arsalan retells the birth of King Kayumars's court and the tragic death of Prince Siyamak at the hands of Ahriman's son, The Black Div. 

1 year, 2 months ago

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Ferdowsi's Invocation

Season 1 Episode 2

Arsalan summarizes Ferdowsi’s introduction to the epic, where he praises God and the Prophet Muhammad and recounts the origins and patronage of the S…

1 year, 3 months ago

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Welcome to Shahnameh Quest

Season 1 Episode 1

Arsalan Akhavan welcomes listeners by sharing how he came to learn about the Shahnameh and its significance to Persian language and culture.  

1 year, 3 months ago

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