You may have studied the ancient Persian Empire in school, but have you ever wondered what kinds of stories the ancient Persians told to themselves and their children?
The roots of Persian myth extend back more than five thousand years to the culture of the Aryan people who migrated into Iran from India. Ideas from this ancient culture have enjoyed amazing longevity and are alive even today as part of the Zoroastrian faith, which is still practiced in Iran, India, and several other places around the world.
However, Persian myth is more than just sacred writings about divine beings. There are also fantastic tales of kings and queens, of foundling princes who gain their rightful place against all odds, of magical beasts, and the daring adventures of bold heroes who ride out to conquer demons and dragons alike-and who always come home victorious.
In this book of captivating myths from the rich culture of ancient Persia, you will encounter:
- The struggle between the good creator, Ahura Mazda, and the evil destroyer, Angra Mainyu
- The story of Ahura Mazda's creation of the world and the Blessed Immortals who guard it and keep it in existence
- How Yima the good shepherd enlarged the world to make room for all its creatures and then saved it from an apocalyptic winter
- The victory of the prophet Zarathustra over the demons sent to kill him
- The story of Kuyamars, the very first Persian king, and his grandson Hushang, who discovered fire
- The downfall of King Jamshid the Magnificent, who thought he was as powerful as God
- The evil Prince Zahhak, who had serpents growing out of his shoulders
- The fearsome but kindly Simorgh, a mythical giant bird with a lion's head
- The great hero Rostam and his faithful stallion, Rakhsh
- And more!
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