Shahnameh Quest

Arsalan retells Manuchehr’s first speech, emphasising his devotion to God and his mission to uphold Fereydoun’s fight against evil.

Arsalan recaps the full arc of Fereydoun's story and examines his impact as a symbolic character representing many of the Shahnameh's core themes

Arsalan retells King Fereydoun’s final days, Manuchehr’s coronation, and the blessed legacy of one of the Shahnameh's most beloved kings. 

In this special bonus episode, Arsalan summarises the riveting art history saga of the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasb from it's creation through the present day, where he and his mother Dr. Zahra Faridany-Akhavan are leading a major cultural initiative to digitally reassemble the masterpiece. 

Arsalan retells the thrilling final chapter of this battle trilogy, where Prince Manuchehr defeats Zahhak’s great-grandson Kakhuy and finally delivers justice to the evil Salm.

Arsalan retells the story of how Prince Manuchehr's generals Qaran and Shiruy outwit Salm's guards to successfully ambush and destroy his seaside fortress, setting the stage for Salm's inevitable fall. 

Arsalan retells the first part of the epic battle between Prince Manuchehr and the envious brothers Salm and Tur, which seals Tur’s fateful demise. 

Arsalan retells how Salm and Tur’s plea for forgiveness after Iraj’s murder is answered with King Fereydun’s wrath. 

Arsalan retells the birth of Manuchehr by Iraj's daughter, and his destiny to avenge the murder of his grandfather, Prince Iraj, and become heir to the righteous King Fereydoun. 

Arsalan retells the tragic aftermath of Iraj’s murder, as King Fereydoun mourns his son and makes a desperate plea to God for justice against the treacherous brothers Salm and Tur.

Arsalan invites listeners to pause and explore how the Shahnameh's stories resonate with them personally. 

Arsalan retells how Fereydoun’s division of the world among his three sons Salm, Tur, and Iraj drives the eldest two to conspire against and ultimately kill their younger brother.

Arsalan gives an overview of Turan, Iran’s rival nation in the Shahnameh , exploring its cultural, geographical, and thematic importance to the rest of the epic. 

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

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.

Arsalan retells how Fereydoun reaches Zahhak the Serpent King’s dark fortress, liberates Jamshid’s imprisoned sisters, and sparks the long-awaited showdown between the forces of good and evil.

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 of moral choice.

Arsalan retells the story of Kaveh the Blacksmith, who bravely defied Zahhak the Serpent King and sparked the peoples' rebellion toward freedom and justice under Fereydoun's grace and leadership. 

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.

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

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

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 God's punishment.

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

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.

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