A tale from the 11th-century epic the Shahnameh (or Book of Kings)
comes to vivid life in Clinton's attractive blank verse
translation. It's the story of brave young Prince Esfandiyar's
battle with his country's aging soldier hero Rostam (whom
English-language readers may have encountered in Matthew Arnold's
narrative poem "Sohrab and Rustum"): a task ordered by Shah
Goshtasp, who fears either his son or his enemies may dethrone him.
The tale exudes as much ironic fatalism as romance, and comes to a
powerful conclusion with the stated realization that the defeat and
humiliation of a national hero is a sin that must be expiated. A
fine and moving introduction to one of world literature's
least-known masterpieces. (Kirkus Reviews)
The story of Rostam and Estandiyar is one of the most moving
tragedies in Ferdowsi's epic "Shahnameh. In this story, Esfandiyar,
the designated heir to the throne of Iran, has just returned in
triumph from his campaign against the shah of Turan. He slain
Arjasp, Iran's greatest enemy, captured his family and treasury,
and liberated his own sisters from their captivity. He expects that
his father, Goshtasp, will now abdicate the throne of Iran in his
favor as he had sworn to Goshtasp, however, is not yet ready to
honor his promise. Instead he sets his son yet another task as a
condition of his abdication. He must bring Iran's greatest hero,
Rostam, back to the court in chains. Rostam, back to the court in
chains. Rostam has neither come to the court of Iran to honor
Goshtasp, nor has he sent him a letter declaring his loyalty,
Esfandiyar recognizes this is simply a means to put his own life at
risk, and says as much. Yet he cannot refuse his father's command.
The story of Rostam and Esfandiyar displays a surprisingly modern
skepticism about the values we associate with Ferdowsi's epic. It
expresses a profound ambivalence about the demands of heroism, and
is sharply critical of a monarch who exploits the courage and
loyalty of his heroes to further his own selfish ends.
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