Timeline and Cast of Characters in the Opening of the ShahnamehI. The Beginning – Praise to God and Wisdom
The Shahnameh opens with praise to God (Yazdān, “Khudāwand jān o khirad”), the source of life and wisdom. Ferdowsi stresses God’s unity and incomprehensibility: He cannot be seen with human eyes or fully grasped by thought. Wisdom (khirad) is portrayed as the “eye of the soul” and guardian of life, essential for both worldly success and salvation. Yet, Ferdowsi admits intellect cannot fully prove or contain the divine. This emphasis reflects his Mu‘tazilite leanings—rational theology coupled with acknowledgment of human limits.
From nothing, God creates the four elements: fire, wind, water, and dark earth. From their mixture arise dryness, moisture, and balance. The heavens form as a fast-turning dome; twelve constellations and seven heavens orbit around the earth, which becomes a bright, lamp-like center.
Plants emerge after mountains rise and waters flow.
Animals follow: they eat, sleep, and rest but lack speech, discernment, or the capacity to worship.
Humans appear last, upright like cypress trees, endowed with wisdom and speech. They are the key to creation, rulers over beasts, but also seekers of knowledge and purpose.
The Sun (Khorshīd) is a radiant jewel, like a golden shield rising from the east. The Moon (Māh) cycles from thin crescent to full and back, marking time and illuminating the night.
Ferdowsi, aware that many wise words had already been spoken, sought to create a lasting monument. His main source was the Abū Manṣūrī Shahnameh, compiled by scholars and priests at the command of Abū Manṣūr ‘Abd al-Razzāq, a noble commander. The project was directed by Abū Manṣūr Mo‘ammarī, who gathered Mobeds from many lands to record Iran’s ancient kings and heroes.
The poet Daqīqī, eloquent and youthful, began versifying the Abū Manṣūrī text. He composed about a thousand lines, but due to his “bad temperament” was slain by his servant, leaving his work incomplete. Ferdowsi preserved Daqīqī’s verses in his own poem as tribute.
Determined to finish the book, Ferdowsi searched for patrons. A helpful friend, close “like skin and flesh,” encouraged him, providing a Pahlavi manuscript and reminding him of his talent and youth. With this support, Ferdowsi committed himself to the monumental task.
Another great patron was Amīrak Manṣūr, young, wise, and generous. He shielded Ferdowsi “like a fresh apple” from harm and urged him to present the final poem to a king. Tragically, Amīrak was killed by enemies (“man-eating crocodiles”), leaving Ferdowsi bereft but inspired to complete his mission.
Ferdowsi eventually dedicated his Shahnameh to Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, a powerful ruler described as unparalleled since creation. Ferdowsi recounts a dream: a radiant candle rose from the sea, lighting the world, revealing a turquoise throne where a moon-like king sat, crowned, with armies and elephants. This vision confirmed Mahmud’s divine kingship, stretching from India to Byzantium. Ferdowsi praises Mahmud’s justice, generosity, and victorious campaigns, portraying him as a scourge of evil and a bringer of prosperity.
He also honors Mahmud’s family and commanders, including his compassionate younger brother and the valiant general Tūs, famed for his battlefield ferocity and generosity.
II. The Creation of the UniverseIII. The Genesis of the ShahnamehDaqīqī’s AttemptFerdowsi’s Struggle and SupportAmīrak ManṣūrIV. Dedication to Sultan Mahmud