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.
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Episodes
34 episodes
Rostam Reads the Letter, Defies the King, and Sneaks Into Sohrab's Camp — But Does He Know the Truth? | Shahnameh Ep. 34
The mystery of the Shahnameh deepens.In this episode of Poetry of Time, a desperate letter reaches Kay Kavus. A fourteen-year-old warrior has appeared at the White Fortress. His arms are like a camel's thigh. His body is like an elephan...
Rostam and Sohrab: The Tragedy Begins — A Hero's Grief, a Princess's Secret, a Warrior Woman Who Fought a Giant, and a Son Who Does Not Know His Father | Shahnameh Ep. 33
The most famous tragedy in Persian literature begins.In this episode of Poetry of Time, Rostam wakes at dawn with a heart full of grief. He rides to the border of Turan to hunt — but falls asleep. When he wakes, Rakhsh is gone. Seven Tu...
The Madness of Kay Kavus: A Mansion in the Mountain, a Throne to the Sky | Shahnameh Ep.32
Three strange tales. One reckless king. In this episode of Poetry of Time, Kay Kavus builds a miraculous mansion inside Mount Alborz — where winter never comes and sorrow cannot enter. But that is only the beginning. Whispered lies from a demon...
The Fall of Hamavaran: Kay Kavus Betrayed, Rostam’s Sea-Borne Rescue | Shahnameh Ep. 31
In this episode of Poetry of Time, King Kay Kavus’ hunger for conquest leads Iran’s army across the known world—from Turan and China to the mysterious land of Makran, and onward into Barbaristan, where the battlefield darkens the sun i...
The White Demon Falls: Rostam’s Bloody Triumph & The King of Stone | Shahnameh Ep. 30
In this episode of Poetry of Time, we reach the bloody conclusion of the War of Mazandaran. Rostam descends into the sun-scorched cave of the White Demon to tear out its liver and restore the sight of the blinded King Kay Kavus. But the war is ...
The White Demon Awaits: Rostam’s Seventh Trial Setup in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh
In this episode of Poetry of Time, we retell all Seven Trials of Rostam in full detail — from the lion in the reeds to the final battle with the White Demon. This story stands apart in the Shahnameh: dreamlike, surreal, filled with speaki...
The War with Mazandaran Begins — Key Kavous’s Pride and the Demon’s Song | Poetry of Time
After King Key Qobad’s death, his son Key Kavous ascends the throne — proud and restless. A demon disguised as a musician sings of Mazandaran’s beauty, luring the young king to invade the land of demons. Ignoring Zal’s warnings, Kavous marches ...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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 ...
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...
