Shahnameh stories | Poetry of time
Step into the world of Persia’s greatest legends with Poetry of Time, a narrative podcast that breathes life into Ferdowsi’s timeless masterpiece, the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings). Each episode unravels the myths, heroes, and cosmic battles that have shaped Persian culture for over a thousand years—blending rich storytelling with the lyrical beauty of classical verse.
From the rise of mighty kings to the fall of tragic warriors, we journey through love, destiny, and divine intrigue, one spellbinding story at a time. Whether you’re new to the Shahnameh or a lifelong admirer, Poetry of Time invites you to rediscover Persia’s epic soul—where history and myth collide.
Subscribe now and wander through the echoes of time
Episodes
27 episodes
Rostam’s First Battle and the Peace of Kay Qobad — The Birth of a Legend | Shahnameh
In this episode of Poetry of Time, we witness Rostam’s fiery debut in battle against Afrasiab and the dawn of the Kayanian age under King Kay Qobad.From the clash of black and golden banners to the first uneasy peace between Iran and Turan,...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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7:35
The Drought of War and the Rise of Rostam — The Peace of Zav
The endless war between Iran and Turan brings drought and despair until both sides realize that nature itself has turned against them.King Zav restores peace and life returns to the earth.But when Zav dies, Pashang urges Afrasiab to att...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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10:18
Battles of Nowzar, Afrasiab, and the Rise of Zav — Shahnameh’s Turning Point | Poetry of Time
In this sweeping saga of the Shahnameh, we witness the fall of King Nowzar, Afrasiab’s bloody rise, Zal’s fierce defense of Zabol, and the crowning of Zav. Betrayal, vengeance, and the turning of dynasties collide in one of Ferdowsi’s most dram...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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10:11
The Death of Sam and the Battle in the Mist: Afrasiab’s First War in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this episode of Poetry of Time, the death of the great hero Sam shakes Iran as Afrasiab marches with a vast army. Qobad, the elder warrior, duels Barman in a tragic battle, and Garen vows to fight on. Sorcery shrouds Afrasiab in mist, leavin...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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6:19
Nozar the Tyrant and the War Council of Turan: Shahnameh Stories of Kingship and Revenge
In this episode of Poetry of Time, King Nozar ascends the throne after Manuchehr’s death but soon becomes a cruel tyrant. Sam Nariman is asked to take the crown but refuses, teaching a lesson about divine legitimacy. Meanwhile in Turan, Poshang...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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7:05
The Birth of Rostam: Miracle Child of the Simurgh in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this breathtaking episode of Poetry of Time, Rudabeh’s painful labor calls forth the Simurgh, who guides the first cesarean birth in Persian myth. From fire and feather, Rostam is born — the giant child destined to become Persia’s greatest h...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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7:28
The Wedding of Light and Shadow: Zal and Rudabeh’s Union in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this episode of Poetry of Time, we enter Kabul’s golden halls as Zal and Rudabeh’s forbidden love becomes a celebrated wedding. With Sam’s blessing, Zabulistan and Kabul are united in splendor, setting the stage for the birth of Persia’s gre...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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6:41
Zal’s Trials: The Seven Riddles, the Arena of Heroes, and the Birth of a Prophecy
In this episode of Poetry of Time, Zal faces King Manuchehr’s judgment. Seven riddles test his wisdom; trials of archery, mace, shield, and wrestling test his strength. The court witnesses a young hero who is both philosopher and warrior — and ...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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10:22
Fire, Fury, and the Queen’s Gambit: Zal and Rudabeh’s Forbidden Love in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this powerful episode of Poetry of Time, King Manuchehr commands Sam to destroy Kabul — but Zal refuses, choosing love over loyalty. Sam writes a legendary letter recalling his dragon-slaying days, while in Kabul, Queen Sindokht’s wisdom pre...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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6:41
The White-Haired Hero and the Cypress Princess: Zal and Rudabeh’s Forbidden Love in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this episode of Poetry of Time, Zāl journeys to Kabul, where fate leads him to Rudābeh, the daughter of King Mehrāb. Born of rival bloodlines, their love blooms in secrecy — and a midnight meeting beneath the stars. A forbidden love st...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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7:20
The Trust and the Map of Legends: Zal’s First Rule and the Lands of Shahnameh
In this episode of Poetry of Time, Zal returns to Zabulistan with his father Sām. Entrusted with rule while Sām marches to Mazandaran, Zal laments yet embraces his destiny. The story then opens the map of the Shahnameh, exploring...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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6:30
The White-Haired Child and the Simurgh: Manuchehr’s Reign and the Story of Zal in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this powerful episode of Poetry of Time, Manuchehr avenges Iraj and takes the throne, Fereydun passes into legend, and the great warrior Sam abandons — then redeems — his son, Zal. Rescued and raised by the mythical Simurgh, Zal’s d...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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8:00
Manuchehr the King: Building a Throne from the Ashes of Vengeance in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
After avenging Iraj’s blood and defeating Kakuy, Manuchehr steps into his destiny — not only as a warrior, but as a king. In this episode of Poetry of Time, we explore how Manuchehr claims the throne, restores order to Persia, and begins shapin...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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6:45
Night of the Lion: Manuchehr’s Ambush and the Fall of Toor
In this thrilling episode of Poetry of Time, Manuchehr faces his first great test. As Toor plots a night ambush, fate shifts beneath the stars. With wisdom, bravery, and a warrior’s heart, Manuchehr turns darkness into justice — and the blood o...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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5:55
The Rise of Manuchehr: Ferdowsi’s Hero Born for Revenge in Shahnameh
In this powerful opening to the Manuchehr cycle, we witness the secret birth of a child destined to avenge Iraj's blood. From the miracle of Fereydun’s regained sight to the golden coronation of Manuchehr and the call to war, this episode sets ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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7:42
The Tragedy of Iraj – Betrayal, Letters, and Blood | Shahnameh Podcast
He offered peace.He carried no sword.But Iraj, the noble son of Freydun, walked into his brothers’ camp alone — and never returned.In this heartbreaking episode of Poetry of Time, we follow the powerful exchange of letters...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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6:35
Three Sons, Three Fates: Freydun’s Test and the Division of the World | Shahnameh Stories
After overthrowing Zahhak, the just king Freydun looks to the future. In this episode, we explore the birth of his three sons, their quest for worthy brides, the wisdom tests of King Sarv, and Freydun’s final trial in disguise. From dragons to ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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7:55
The Fall of Zahhak | Fereydoun’s Spell, the Throne, and Mount Damavand | EP10
After years of darkness, the time has come.In this powerful episode of Poetry of Time, Fereydoun reaches Zahhak’s fortress — not with brute force, but with sacred words and the will of justice. As iron gates crack under his comm...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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8:05
Fereydoun’s Journey Begins | Magic, Betrayal, and the River to Zahhak’s Fortress | EP9
Before Fereydoun could face Zahhak and claim the throne, he had to walk a path of betrayal, magic, and impossible choices.In this episode of Poetry of Time, Fereydoun meets a mysterious sage who teaches him ancient spells — just...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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5:30
Kaveh the Blacksmith & Fereydoun's Rebellion | How Iran Rose Against Zahhak — Persian Mythology | EP8
In this episode of Poetry of Time, the fires of rebellion begin to burn across Iran. While Fereydoun, the boy of prophecy, trains in the mountains, an unexpected hero rises from among the people — Kaveh the Blacksmith.Gri...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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9:37
The Hidden Seeds of Rebellion | Zahhak's Dream, and Fereydoun's Fate — Shahnameh| EP7
In this episode of Poetry of Time, we follow the quiet whispers of defiance beneath Zahhak's thousand-year reign. As Iran suffers under the shadow of the Serpent King, two brave men save the lives of innocent youths — planting the firs...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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7:25
Zahhak the Serpent King | How Darkness Came to Iran — Shahnameh Tales | EP6
In this episode of Poetry of Time, we trace the chilling origins of Zahhak, the Serpent King of Persian mythology. Born in Arabia, tempted by Iblis, cursed with snakes upon his shoulders — Zahhak's hunger for power knows no limi...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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7:25
Jamshid’s Rise and Fall | The Golden Age and Tragic Downfall of Persia’s Legendary King| EP5
Jamshid — the brilliant, ambitious son of Tahmures — ushered in a golden age for Persia. From forging armor to weaving garments, building cities, and creating the celebration of Nowruz, his legacy shaped civilization itself. But pride is...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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6:59
Tahmures the Demon-Binder | How Persia's King Tamed the Wild and Discovered Writing | EP4
In this episode of Poetry of Time, we explore the legendary reign of Tahmures, the third king of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh. Known as Tahmoures Divband — the Binder of Demons — he tamed the wild beasts, taught humani...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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9:14
Hushang – Fire and the Dawn of Civilization | EP3
Witness the transformative moment when Hushang discovered fire — not as a gift from the gods, but as a spark found in stone. Learn how this single act changed humanity forever, leading to the invention of clothing, agriculture, and early ritual...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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7:05
