Epic : The Shahnama of Firdausi

Note: (This course has just been addressed only to the Rostom and Sohrab story from
The Shahnama of Firdausi.)

Biography of Firdausi:
Firdausi (or Ferdowsi), born Abu al-Qasim Ferdowsi Tusi around 940 CE in Tus, a town in
the region of Khorasan (now part of modern-day Iran), was a highly esteemed Persian poet.
He is best known for his monumental work, the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings), which is
regarded as the national epic of Greater Iran and one of the most significant works in Persian
literature.

Early Life:

Firdausi was born into a family of landowners and likely had access to a good education,
enabling him to develop a deep understanding of Persian history, mythology, and culture. His
upbringing provided him with the tools to become a masterful poet, equipped to produce
works of epic scale and literary brilliance.

The Shahnameh:

Firdausi began composing the Shahnameh around 977 CE, completing it in 1010 CE after
approximately 30 years of dedicated work. The Shahnameh consists of over 50,000 couplets
(distichs) and tells the legendary and historical past of the Persian Empire, from the creation of
the world up to the Arab conquest of Persia in the 7th century. The epic is notable for
preserving pre-Islamic Persian culture, traditions, and stories, presenting a blend of myth,
legend, and real historical events.

Patronage and Challenges:

Firdausi wrote the Shahnameh under the patronage of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, hoping to
be rewarded handsomely for his masterpiece. However, historical accounts suggest that
Firdausi did not receive the recognition or compensation he expected. The reasons for this
vary, with some sources attributing it to court politics or conflicts between Firdausi’s vision
and Sultan Mahmud’s court preferences. Disillusioned, Firdausi is said to have written a bitter
satire about the sultan before leaving the court.

Legacy and Death:

Firdausi died around 1020 CE in Tus. He was reportedly buried in his hometown, and a
mausoleum now stands in his honor, recognizing his contributions to Persian culture and
literature. His legacy endures as the Shahnameh continues to be celebrated for its poetic
excellence and rich depiction of Persian identity, values, and history. Firdausi’s work has
inspired countless poets, scholars, and artists in both Persian-speaking regions and beyond,
solidifying his status as one of the greatest epic poets in world literature.

Introduction :
Introduction to Rostom and Sohrab:

The Shahnama, or The Book of Kings, is a monumental work of Persian literature

written by the poet Firdausi around the 10th century. It recounts the mythical and historical
past of Persia, celebrating its heroes and legends. Among the many stories within this epic, the
tale of Rostom and Sohrab stands out for its profound emotional depth and tragic
consequences.

Rostom:

Rostom, also known as Rostam, is a central figure in Persian mythology and one of the
mightiest heroes of The Shahnama. He is famed for his incredible strength, bravery, and
martial skills. Rostom is a member of the Pahlavan family, and his feats are legendary, making
him the champion of Persia. He represents the ideals of heroism, loyalty, and the protector of
the realm. Throughout his adventures, Rostom engages in battles against formidable foes, and
his legacy is that of a quintessential warrior.

Sohrab:

Sohrab is introduced as the son of Rostom and Tahmineh, the princess of Samangan.
Though he is born from a brief union between Rostom and Tahmineh, he grows up without
knowing his father's identity. Raised by his mother, Sohrab becomes a mighty warrior in his
own right. He is characterized by his bravery, ambition, and longing to connect with his father,
who he has never met. The absence of Rostom in Sohrab's life fuels his quest for identity and
recognition.

The Quest for Identity:

As he matures, Sohrab yearns to prove himself as a great hero and seeks to find Rostom.
Inspired by tales of his father's exploits, he dreams of establishing a legacy that will honor his
lineage. However, he remains unaware of the tragic fate that awaits him due to the intricacies
of destiny.

The Tragic Encounter:

The story reaches its climax when Sohrab and Rostom unwittingly face each other on the
battlefield. The lack of recognition between father and son sets the stage for a tragic
confrontation, filled with valor and intensity. Both warriors are determined to showcase their
strength, leading to an inevitable clash that will forever alter the course of their lives.

Themes and Significance:

The narrative of Rostom and Sohrab is rich with themes of fate, the complexity of
familial relationships, and the consequences of misunderstanding. It reflects on the nature of
heroism, the sorrow of loss, and the inevitability of destiny. The tale serves as a poignant
reminder of the fragility of life and the deep emotional bonds that connect family members,
even across great distances and misunderstandings.
Summary:
Rostom, a legendary Persian hero, is celebrated for his strength and bravery. During one of his
adventures, he encounters Tahmineh, the princess of Samangan. The two fall in love, and after
spending a night together, Rostom gives Tahmineh a special armlet as a token for their future
child, instructing her to give it to their son if he ever seeks his father. Rostom leaves without
knowing that Tahmineh is pregnant.Years later, Tahmineh gives birth to a son, Sohrab, who
grows up to be a mighty warrior, often dreaming of his father. Fueled by a desire to find
Rostom and prove himself, Sohrab sets out on a quest to discover his father’s identity.
Unbeknownst to him, his father is Rostom, the greatest hero of Persia.As fate would have it,
Sohrab, now a renowned warrior, encounters Rostom on the battlefield without realizing their
connection. Both men are unaware of each other's identities, and a fierce duel ensues between
them. The battle is marked by tremendous strength and valor, with each warrior displaying
exceptional prowess.In the climax of the duel, Rostom delivers a fatal blow to Sohrab. As
Sohrab lies dying, he reveals the armlet he wears, which Rostom had given to Tahmineh. This
shocking revelation hits Rostom with profound grief and guilt, as he realizes he has killed his
own son.Overcome with sorrow, Rostom mourns Sohrab’s death, lamenting the tragic
consequences of fate and their inability to recognize each other. The story concludes with
Rostom vowing to honor Sohrab’s memory, emphasizing the themes of love, loss, and the
inevitable intertwining of fate.

Text : Story of Rostom and Sohrab

Part 1: Introduction and Sohrab’s Birth

Original: "Rostom, the hero of Persia, was a mighty warrior known for his strength and
valor."

Urdu: ‫ اﭘﻨﯽ ﻃﺎﻗﺖ اور ﺑﮩﺎدری ﮐﮯ ﻟﯿﮯ ﻣﺸﮩﻮر اﯾﮏ ﻋﻈﯿﻢ ﺟﻨﮕﺠﻮ ﺗﮭﺎ۔‬،‫ ﻓﺎرس ﮐﺎ ﮨﯿﺮو‬،‫رﺳﺘﻢ‬

Original: "He was celebrated for his unmatched skills in battle and was the protector of his
people."

Urdu: ‫اﺳﮯ ﺟﻨﮓ ﻣﯿﮟ ﺑﮯ ﻣﺜﺎل ﻣﮩﺎرﺗﻮں ﮐﮯ ﻟﯿﮯ ﻣﻨﺎﯾﺎ ﺟﺎﺗﺎ ﺗﮭﺎ اور وہ اﭘﻨﮯ ﻟﻮﮔﻮں ﮐﺎ ﻣﺤﺎﻓﻆ ﺗﮭﺎ۔‬

Original: "During his travels, Rostom fell in love with Princess Tahmineh, the daughter of the
king of Samangan."

Urdu: ‫ رﺳﺘﻢ ﻧﮯ ﺳﻤﯿﻨﮕﺎن ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎدﺷﺎہ ﮐﯽ ﺑﯿﭩﯽ ﺷﮩﺰادی ﺗﮩﻤﯿﻨﮧ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺤﺒﺖ ﮐﯽ۔‬،‫اﭘﻨﮯ ﺳﻔﺮ ﮐﮯ دوران‬

Original: "They shared a night of passion, and Tahmineh became pregnant."

Urdu: ‫ اور ﺗﮩﻤﯿﻨﮧ ﺣﺎﻣﻠﮧ ﮨﻮ ﮔﺌﯽ۔‬،‫اﻧﮩﻮں ﻧﮯ اﯾﮏ رات ﻣﺤﺒﺖ ﮐﯽ‬

Original: "Rostom, however, had to leave Tahmineh and their newborn son to return to his
kingdom, unaware of the child’s birth."

Urdu: ‫ اﺳﮯ ﺑﭽﮯ ﮐﯽ‬،‫ رﺳﺘﻢ ﮐﻮ اﭘﻨﯽ ﺳﻠﻄﻨﺖ ﻣﯿﮟ واﭘﺲ آﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﯿﮯ ﺗﮩﻤﯿﻨﮧ اور اﭘﻨﮯ ﻧﻮزاﺋﯿﺪہ ﺑﯿﭩﮯ ﮐﻮ ﭼﮭﻮڑﻧﺎ ﭘﮍا‬،‫ﺗﺎﮨﻢ‬
‫ﭘﯿﺪاﺋﺶ ﮐﯽ ﺧﺒﺮ ﻧﮩﯿﮟ ﺗﮭﯽ۔‬

Original: "Before leaving, he gifted Tahmineh a special armlet, instructing her to give it to
their son if he ever sought his father."

Urdu: ‫ اس ﻧﮯ ﺗﮩﻤﯿﻨﮧ ﮐﻮ اﯾﮏ ﺧﺎص ﮐﮍا دﯾﺎ اور اﺳﮯ ﮐﮩﺎ ﮐﮧ اﮔﺮ ﺳﮩﺮاب ﮐﺒﮭﯽ اﭘﻨﮯ واﻟﺪ ﮐﻮ ڈﮬﻮﻧﮉﻧﮯ آﺋﮯ‬،‫ﺟﺎﻧﮯ ﺳﮯ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ‬
‫ﺗﻮ ﯾﮧ ﮐﮍا اﺳﮯ دے دﯾﻨﺎ۔‬

Part 2: Sohrab Grows Up

Original: "Sohrab grew up in Samangan, raised by his mother, who often told him
stories of great heroes, including his father."

Urdu: ‫ ﺟﻦ ﻣﯿﮟ‬،‫ ﺟﻮ اﮐﺜﺮ اﺳﮯ ﺑﮍے ﮨﯿﺮوؤں ﮐﯽ ﮐﮩﺎﻧﯿﺎں ﺳﻨﺎﺗﯽ رﮨﯿﮟ‬،‫ﺳﮩﺮاب ﺳﻤﯿﻨﮕﺎن ﻣﯿﮟ اﭘﻨﯽ واﻟﺪہ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﮫ ﺑﮍا ﮨﻮا‬
‫اس ﮐﮯ واﻟﺪ ﺑﮭﯽ ﺷﺎﻣﻞ ﺗﮭﮯ۔‬

Original: "He was strong and skilled in combat, showing great promise as a warrior from a
young age."

Urdu: ‫ اور ﭼﮭﻮﭨﯽ ﻋﻤﺮ ﺳﮯ ﮨﯽ اﯾﮏ ﺟﻨﮕﺠﻮ ﮐﮯ ﻃﻮر ﭘﺮ ﺑﮍی اﻣﯿﺪﯾﮟ ﺟﮕﺎﺗﺎ ﺗﮭﺎ۔‬،‫وہ ﻃﺎﻗﺘﻮر اور ﻟﮍاﺋﯽ ﻣﯿﮟ ﻣﺎﮨﺮ ﺗﮭﺎ‬

Original: "Sohrab grew increasingly curious about his father, whom he had never met."
Urdu: ‫ ﺟﺲ ﺳﮯ وہ ﮐﺒﮭﯽ ﻧﮩﯿﮟ ﻣﻼ ﺗﮭﺎ۔‬،‫ﺳﮩﺮاب اﭘﻨﮯ واﻟﺪ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎرے ﻣﯿﮟ ﺑﮍﮬﺘﯽ ﮨﻮﺋﯽ ﺗﺠﺴﺲ ﻣﺤﺴﻮس ﮐﺮﺗﺎ رﮨﺎ‬

Original: "Determined to find Rostom, he set out to challenge the Persian king and prove his
strength."

Urdu: ‫ اس ﻧﮯ ﻓﺎرﺳﯽ ﺑﺎدﺷﺎہ ﮐﻮ ﭼﯿﻠﻨﺞ ﮐﺮﻧﮯ اور اﭘﻨﯽ ﻃﺎﻗﺖ ﺛﺎﺑﺖ ﮐﺮﻧﮯ ﮐﺎ ارادہ‬،‫رﺳﺘﻢ ﮐﻮ ڈﮬﻮﻧﮉﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻋﺰم ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﮫ‬
‫ﮐﯿﺎ۔‬

Original: "He gathered an army of brave warriors who were eager to follow him into battle.

Urdu: ‫اس ﻧﮯ ﺑﮩﺎدر ﺟﻨﮕﺠﻮؤں ﮐﯽ اﯾﮏ ﻓﻮج ﺟﻤﻊ ﮐﯽ ﺟﻮ اس ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﮫ ﺟﻨﮓ ﻣﯿﮟ ﺷﺎﻣﻞ ﮨﻮﻧﮯ ﮐﮯ ﻟﯿﮯ ﺑﮯ ﺗﺎب ﺗﮭﮯ۔‬

Part 3: The Approach to Battle

Original: "As Sohrab marched towards Persia, he was filled with excitement and anticipation,
dreaming of meeting his father."

Urdu: ‫ اﭘﻨﮯ واﻟﺪ ﺳﮯ‬،‫ وہ ﺟﻮش و ﺧﺮوش اور ﺗﻮﻗﻌﺎت ﺳﮯ ﺑﮭﺮا ﮨﻮا ﺗﮭﺎ‬،‫ﺟﯿﺴﮯ ﮨﯽ ﺳﮩﺮاب ﻧﮯ ﻓﺎرس ﮐﯽ ﻃﺮف ﻣﺎرچ ﮐﯿﺎ‬
‫ﻣﻠﻨﮯ ﮐﮯ ﺧﻮاب دﯾﮑﮭﺘﺎ ﮨﻮا۔‬

Original: "Unbeknownst to him, Rostom was preparing to defend his kingdom against this
new threat."

Urdu: ‫اﺳﮯ ﯾﮧ ﻧﮩﯿﮟ ﻣﻌﻠﻮم ﺗﮭﺎ ﮐﮧ رﺳﺘﻢ اس ﻧﺌﮯ ﺧﻄﺮے ﮐﮯ ﺧﻼف اﭘﻨﯽ ﺳﻠﻄﻨﺖ ﮐﺎ دﻓﺎع ﮐﺮﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺗﯿﺎری ﮐﺮ رﮨﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬

Original: "The news of the invader reached Rostom, who was filled with a sense of duty to
protect his people."

Urdu: ‫ ﺟﻮ اﭘﻨﮯ ﻟﻮﮔﻮں ﮐﯽ ﺣﻔﺎﻇﺖ ﮐﮯ اﺣﺴﺎس ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﮫ ﺑﮭﺮ ﮔﯿﺎ۔‬،‫ﺣﻤﻠﮧ آور ﮐﯽ ﺧﺒﺮ رﺳﺘﻢ ﺗﮏ ﭘﮩﻨﭽﯽ‬

Original: "He gathered his warriors and prepared for battle, unaware that he was about to face
his own son."

Urdu: ‫ ﯾﮧ ﺟﺎﻧﺘﮯ ﮨﻮﺋﮯ ﮐﮧ وہ اﭘﻨﮯ ﮨﯽ ﺑﯿﭩﮯ ﮐﺎ ﺳﺎﻣﻨﺎ ﮐﺮﻧﮯ واﻻ‬،‫اس ﻧﮯ اﭘﻨﮯ ﺟﻨﮕﺠﻮؤں ﮐﻮ ﺟﻤﻊ ﮐﯿﺎ اور ﺟﻨﮓ ﮐﯽ ﺗﯿﺎری ﮐﯽ‬
‫ﮨﮯ۔‬

Part 4: The Duel

Original: "The day of battle arrived, and the two sides faced each other with tension in the
air."

Urdu: ‫ اور دوﻧﻮں ﺟﺎﻧﺐ ﺗﻨﺎؤ ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﮫ اﯾﮏ دوﺳﺮے ﮐﺎ ﺳﺎﻣﻨﺎ ﮨﻮا۔‬،‫ﺟﻨﮓ ﮐﺎ دن آﯾﺎ‬

Original: "When Sohrab and Rostom finally confronted each other, neither recognized the
other."

Urdu: ‫ ﺗﻮ ﻧﮧ ﺗﻮ ﮐﺴﯽ ﻧﮯ دوﺳﺮے ﮐﻮ ﭘﮩﭽﺎﻧﺎ۔‬،‫ﺟﺐ ﺳﮩﺮاب اور رﺳﺘﻢ آﺧﺮﮐﺎر اﯾﮏ دوﺳﺮے ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﻣﻨﮯ آﺋﮯ‬

Original: "The duel began, filled with displays of strength and combat skills from both sides."

Urdu: ‫ اور دوﻧﻮں ﺟﺎﻧﺐ ﺳﮯ ﻃﺎﻗﺖ اور ﻟﮍاﺋﯽ ﮐﯽ ﻣﮩﺎرﺗﻮں ﮐﺎ ﻣﻈﺎﮨﺮہ ﮨﻮا۔‬،‫ﻟﮍاﺋﯽ ﺷﺮوع ﮨﻮﺋﯽ‬

Original: "Sohrab fought valiantly, driven by his desire to prove himself as a warrior."

Urdu: ‫ اﭘﻨﮯ آپ ﮐﻮ اﯾﮏ ﺟﻨﮕﺠﻮ ﮐﮯ ﻃﻮر ﭘﺮ ﺛﺎﺑﺖ ﮐﺮﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ ﺧﻮاﮨﺶ ﺳﮯ ﻣﺘﺎﺛﺮ ﮨﻮ ﮐﺮ۔‬،‫ﺳﮩﺮاب ﻧﮯ ﺑﮩﺎدری ﺳﮯ ﻟﮍاﺋﯽ ﮐﯽ‬

Original: "Rostom, equally fierce, struck with power and determination, focused on defending
his kingdom."

Urdu: ‫ اﭘﻨﯽ ﺳﻠﻄﻨﺖ ﮐﺎ دﻓﺎع ﮐﺮﻧﮯ ﭘﺮ ﺗﻮﺟﮧ ﻣﺮﮐﻮز ﮐﯿﮯ‬،‫ ﻃﺎﻗﺖ اور ﻋﺰم ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﮫ وار ﮐﺮﺗﺎ رﮨﺎ‬،‫ ﺑﺮاﺑﺮ ﮐﯽ ﺷﺪت ﺳﮯ‬،‫رﺳﺘﻢ‬
‫ﮨﻮﺋﮯ۔‬

Original: "After a long and exhausting battle, Rostom finally managed to deliver a fatal blow
to Sohrab."

Urdu: ‫ رﺳﺘﻢ ﻧﮯ آﺧﺮﮐﺎر ﺳﮩﺮاب ﮐﻮ ﻣﮩﻠﮏ وار ﮐﺮ ﮐﮯ ﮔﺮا دﯾﺎ۔‬،‫ﻃﻮﯾﻞ اور ﺗﮭﮑﺎ دﯾﻨﮯ واﻟﯽ ﺟﻨﮓ ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺪ‬

Part 5: The Tragic Revelation

Original: "As Sohrab lay on the ground, struggling for breath, he revealed his identity to
Rostom."

Urdu: ‫ اس ﻧﮯ رﺳﺘﻢ ﮐﻮ اﭘﻨﯽ ﺷﻨﺎﺧﺖ ﺑﺘﺎﺋﯽ۔‬،‫ ﺳﺎﻧﺲ ﮐﮯ ﻟﯿﮯ ﻟﮍﺗﺎ رﮨﺎ‬،‫ﺟﺐ ﺳﮩﺮاب زﻣﯿﻦ ﭘﺮ ﭘﮍا ﮨﻮا‬

Original: "Rostom's heart shattered upon hearing that he had killed his own son, whom he had
never known."

Urdu: ‫ ﺟﺴﮯ وہ ﮐﺒﮭﯽ ﻧﮩﯿﮟ ﺟﺎﻧﺘﺎ ﺗﮭﺎ۔‬،‫رﺳﺘﻢ ﮐﺎ دل ﯾﮧ ﺳﻦ ﮐﺮ ﭨﻮٹ ﮔﯿﺎ ﮐﮧ اس ﻧﮯ اﭘﻨﮯ ﮨﯽ ﺑﯿﭩﮯ ﮐﻮ ﻣﺎر دﯾﺎ‬
Original: "In agony, Rostom held Sohrab in his arms, realizing the tragic fate that had befallen
them."

Urdu: ‫ اور ان ﭘﺮ آﻧﮯ واﻟﮯ اس اﻟﻤﯿﮧ ﻣﻘﺪر ﮐﺎ اﺣﺴﺎس ﮐﯿﺎ۔‬،‫ ﺳﮩﺮاب ﮐﻮ اﭘﻨﯽ آﻏﻮش ﻣﯿﮟ ﺑﮭﺮ ﻟﯿﺎ‬،‫رﺳﺘﻢ ﻧﮯ درد ﻣﯿﮟ‬

Original: "Sohrab, with his last breath, forgave his father, urging him to live on."

Urdu: ‫ اور اﺳﮯ زﻧﺪﮔﯽ ﺟﺎری رﮐﮭﻨﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻧﺼﯿﺤﺖ‬،‫ اﭘﻨﮯ واﻟﺪ ﮐﻮ ﻣﻌﺎف ﮐﺮ دﯾﺎ‬،‫ﺳﮩﺮاب ﻧﮯ اﭘﻨﯽ آﺧﺮی ﺳﺎﻧﺴﻮں ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﮫ‬
‫ﮐﯽ۔‬

Part 6: Aftermath and Reflection

Original: "Overcome with grief, Rostom mourned the loss of his son, filled with regret for not
knowing him sooner."

Urdu: ‫ اور اس ﭘﺮ ﭘﺸﯿﻤﺎﻧﯽ ﮐﺎ اﺣﺴﺎس ﮐﯿﺎ ﮐﮧ وہ‬،‫ رﺳﺘﻢ ﻧﮯ اﭘﻨﮯ ﺑﯿﭩﮯ ﮐﯽ ﻣﻮت ﮐﺎ ﻣﺎﺗﻢ ﮐﯿﺎ‬،‫ﻏﻢ ﮐﯽ ﺷﺪت ﺳﮯ ﻧﮉﮬﺎل‬
‫اﺳﮯ ﭘﮩﻠﮯ ﮐﯿﻮں ﻧﮩﯿﮟ ﺟﺎن ﺳﮑﺎ۔‬

Original: "This tragic tale of fate and destiny is a poignant reminder of the consequences of
war and misunderstanding."

Urdu: ‫ﯾﮧ اﻟﻤﯿﮧ ﮐﮩﺎﻧﯽ ﺗﻘﺪﯾﺮ اور ﻧﺼﯿﺐ ﮐﯽ اﯾﮏ دﻟﮕﺪاز ﯾﺎد دﮨﺎﻧﯽ ﮨﮯ ﮐﮧ ﺟﻨﮓ اور ﻏﻠﻂ ﻓﮩﻤﯿﻮں ﮐﮯ ﻧﺘﺎﺋﺞ ﮐﯿﺎ ﮨﻮﺗﮯ ﮨﯿﮟ۔‬

Moral Lessons from the Story of Rostom and Sohrab

Part 1: The Importance of Knowledge and Communication

Original: "One of the key morals of the story is the importance of knowledge and
communication within families."

Urdu: ‫ﮐﮩﺎﻧﯽ ﮐﺎ اﯾﮏ اﮨﻢ ﺳﺒﻖ ﯾﮧ ﮨﮯ ﮐﮧ ﺧﺎﻧﺪاﻧﻮں ﻣﯿﮟ ﻋﻠﻢ اور راﺑﻄﮯ ﮐﯽ اﮨﻤﯿﺖ ﮨﻮﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬

Original: "Rostom and Sohrab never communicated, leading to a tragic misunderstanding."

Urdu: ‫ ﺟﺲ ﮐﯽ وﺟﮧ ﺳﮯ اﯾﮏ اﻟﻤﯿﮧ ﻏﻠﻂ ﻓﮩﻤﯽ ﭘﯿﺪا‬،‫رﺳﺘﻢ اور ﺳﮩﺮاب ﻧﮯ ﮐﺒﮭﯽ ﺑﮭﯽ اﯾﮏ دوﺳﺮے ﺳﮯ راﺑﻄﮧ ﻧﮩﯿﮟ ﮐﯿﺎ‬
‫ﮨﻮﺋﯽ۔‬

Original: "Had Rostom known of Sohrab's existence, he could have prevented the tragic fate
that befell them."
Urdu: ‫اﮔﺮ رﺳﺘﻢ ﮐﻮ ﺳﮩﺮاب ﮐﯽ ﻣﻮﺟﻮدﮔﯽ ﮐﺎ ﻋﻠﻢ ﮨﻮﺗﺎ ﺗﻮ وہ ان ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﮫ ﭘﯿﺶ آﻧﮯ واﻟﮯ اﻟﻤﯿﮧ اﻧﺠﺎم ﮐﻮ روک ﺳﮑﺘﺎ ﺗﮭﺎ۔‬

Part 2: The Consequences of War and Violence

Original: "The story highlights the destructive nature of war and violence."

Urdu: ‫ﮐﮩﺎﻧﯽ ﺟﻨﮓ اور ﺗﺸﺪد ﮐﯽ ﺗﺨﺮﯾﺒﯽ ﻧﻮﻋﯿﺖ ﮐﻮ اﺟﺎﮔﺮ ﮐﺮﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬

Original: "Rostom and Sohrab's battle, fueled by misunderstanding, led to immense loss and
sorrow."

Urdu: ‫ ﻧﺎﻗﺎﺑﻞ ﺑﯿﺎن ﻧﻘﺼﺎن اور ﻏﻢ ﮐﺎ ﺑﺎﻋﺚ ﺑﻨﯽ۔‬،‫ ﺟﻮ ﻏﻠﻂ ﻓﮩﻤﯽ ﺳﮯ ﺑﮭﺮی ﮨﻮﺋﯽ ﺗﮭﯽ‬،‫رﺳﺘﻢ اور ﺳﮩﺮاب ﮐﯽ ﻟﮍاﺋﯽ‬

Original: "This teaches us that violence often has unintended consequences that can affect
many lives."

Urdu: ‫ﯾﮧ ﮨﻤﯿﮟ ﯾﮧ ﺳﮑﮭﺎﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐﮧ ﺗﺸﺪد اﮐﺜﺮ ﻧﺎﭘﺴﻨﺪﯾﺪہ ﻧﺘﺎﺋﺞ ﮐﺎ ﺣﺎﻣﻞ ﮨﻮﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﺟﻮ ﺑﮩﺖ ﺳﮯ ﻟﻮﮔﻮں ﮐﯽ زﻧﺪﮔﯿﻮں ﮐﻮ ﻣﺘﺎﺛﺮ‬
‫ﮐﺮ ﺳﮑﺘﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬

Part 3: The Bonds Between Parents and Children

Original: "The relationship between Rostom and Sohrab reflects the deep emotional bonds
between parents and children."

Urdu: ‫رﺳﺘﻢ اور ﺳﮩﺮاب ﮐﮯ درﻣﯿﺎن ﺗﻌﻠﻖ واﻟﺪﯾﻦ اور ﺑﭽﻮں ﮐﮯ درﻣﯿﺎن ﮔﮩﺮے ﺟﺬﺑﺎﺗﯽ رﺷﺘﻮں ﮐﯽ ﻋﮑﺎﺳﯽ ﮐﺮﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬

Original: "Despite never having met, the bond of blood and destiny connects them
profoundly."

Urdu: ‫ ﺧﻮن اور ﺗﻘﺪﯾﺮ ﮐﺎ رﺷﺘﮧ اﻧﮩﯿﮟ ﮔﮩﺮاﺋﯽ ﺳﮯ ﺟﻮڑﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ۔‬،‫ﺣﺎﻻﻧﮑﮧ اﻧﮩﻮں ﻧﮯ ﮐﺒﮭﯽ ﻣﻼﻗﺎت ﻧﮩﯿﮟ ﮐﯽ‬

Original: "The tragedy of their encounter underscores the significance of recognizing and
valuing these relationships."

Urdu: ‫ان ﮐﯽ ﻣﻼﻗﺎت ﮐﺎ اﻟﻤﯿﮧ اس ﺑﺎت ﮐﻮ اﺟﺎﮔﺮ ﮐﺮﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐﮧ ان رﺷﺘﻮں ﮐﯽ ﭘﮩﭽﺎن اور ﻗﺪر ﮐﺮﻧﮯ ﮐﯽ اﮨﻤﯿﺖ ﮨﮯ۔‬

Part 4: The Value of Forgiveness

Original: "Another vital lesson is the importance of forgiveness."

Urdu: ‫اﯾﮏ اور اﮨﻢ ﺳﺒﻖ ﻣﻌﺎﻓﯽ ﮐﯽ اﮨﻤﯿﺖ ﮨﮯ۔‬

Original: "In his final moments, Sohrab forgave Rostom, demonstrating the power of
compassion even in tragedy."

Urdu: ‫ ﺟﻮ اﻟﻤﯿﮧ ﻣﯿﮟ ﺑﮭﯽ ﮨﻤﺪردی ﮐﯽ ﻃﺎﻗﺖ ﮐﻮ ﻇﺎﮨﺮ ﮐﺮﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ‬،‫ ﺳﮩﺮاب ﻧﮯ رﺳﺘﻢ ﮐﻮ ﻣﻌﺎف ﮐﺮ دﯾﺎ‬،‫اﭘﻨﮯ آﺧﺮی ﻟﻤﺤﺎت ﻣﯿﮟ‬
"Original: "Forgiveness can heal wounds and provide closure, even after great loss.‫۔‬

Urdu: ‫ﻣﻌﺎﻓﯽ زﺧﻤﻮں ﮐﻮ ﺑﮭﺮ ﺳﮑﺘﯽ ﮨﮯ اور ﺑﮍی ﻧﻘﺼﺎن ﮐﮯ ﺑﻌﺪ ﺑﮭﯽ ﺑﻨﺪش ﻓﺮاﮨﻢ ﮐﺮ ﺳﮑﺘﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬

Part 5: The Impact of Fate and Destiny

Original: "The story illustrates the theme of fate and how it shapes our lives."

Urdu: ‫ﮐﮩﺎﻧﯽ ﺗﻘﺪﯾﺮ ﮐﮯ ﻣﻮﺿﻮع ﮐﯽ ﻋﮑﺎﺳﯽ ﮐﺮﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ اور ﯾﮧ ﮐﮧ ﯾﮧ ﮨﻤﺎری زﻧﺪﮔﯿﻮں ﮐﻮ ﮐﺲ ﻃﺮح ﺗﺸﮑﯿﻞ دﯾﺘﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬

Original: "Rostom and Sohrab were caught in a web of destiny that led to their tragic
encounter."

Urdu: ‫رﺳﺘﻢ اور ﺳﮩﺮاب ﺗﻘﺪﯾﺮ ﮐﮯ ﺟﺎل ﻣﯿﮟ ﭘﮭﻨﺴﮯ ﮨﻮﺋﮯ ﺗﮭﮯ ﺟﻮ ان ﮐﯽ اﻟﻤﯿﮧ ﻣﻼﻗﺎت ﮐﯽ ﻃﺮف ﻟﮯ ﮔﯿﺎ۔‬

Original: "This teaches us to reflect on how our choices and circumstances can intertwine in
unexpected ways."

Urdu: ‫ﯾﮧ ﮨﻤﯿﮟ ﯾﮧ ﺳﮑﮭﺎﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐﮧ ﮨﻢ اﭘﻨﮯ اﻧﺘﺨﺎب اور ﺣﺎﻻت ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎرے ﻣﯿﮟ ﻏﻮر ﮐﺮﯾﮟ ﮐﮧ ﯾﮧ ﮐﯿﺴﮯ ﻏﯿﺮ ﻣﺘﻮﻗﻊ ﻃﺮﯾﻘﻮں‬
‫ﺳﮯ اﯾﮏ دوﺳﺮے ﮐﮯ ﺳﺎﺗﮫ ﻣﻞ ﺳﮑﺘﮯ ﮨﯿﮟ۔‬

Part 6: The Legacy of Love and Grief

Original: "Ultimately, the tale of Rostom and Sohrab serves as a powerful reminder of love
and grief."

Urdu: ‫ رﺳﺘﻢ اور ﺳﮩﺮاب ﮐﯽ ﮐﮩﺎﻧﯽ ﻣﺤﺒﺖ اور ﻏﻢ ﮐﯽ اﯾﮏ ﻃﺎﻗﺘﻮر ﯾﺎد دﮨﺎﻧﯽ ﮐﮯ ﻃﻮر ﭘﺮ ﮐﺎم ﮐﺮﺗﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬،‫آﺧﺮ ﻣﯿﮟ‬

Original: "Rostom's sorrow for Sohrab became a legend, symbolizing the enduring nature of
parental love."

Urdu: ‫ ﺟﻮ واﻟﺪﯾﻦ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺤﺒﺖ ﮐﯽ ﻣﺴﺘﻘﻞ ﻧﻮﻋﯿﺖ ﮐﯽ ﻋﻼﻣﺖ ﮨﮯ۔‬،‫رﺳﺘﻢ ﮐﺎ ﺳﮩﺮاب ﮐﮯ ﻟﯿﮯ ﻏﻢ اﯾﮏ ﻗﺼﮧ ﺑﻦ ﮔﯿﺎ‬

Original: "It shows that love can persist even in the face of great loss and tragedy."
Urdu: ‫ﯾﮧ دﮐﮭﺎﺗﺎ ﮨﮯ ﮐﮧ ﻣﺤﺒﺖ ﺑﮍی ﻧﻘﺼﺎن اور اﻟﻤﯿﮧ ﮐﮯ ﺑﺎوﺟﻮد ﺑﮭﯽ ﻗﺎﺋﻢ رہ ﺳﮑﺘﯽ ﮨﮯ۔‬

Questions & Answers:

Biography of Firdausi

1. Question: Who was Firdausi?

Answer: Firdausi was a Persian poet, best known for his epic poem The Shahnama (The Book
of Kings), which is considered one of the greatest works of Persian literature.

2. Question: When was Firdausi born?

Answer: Firdausi was born around 940 CE in Tus, in what is now Iran.

3. Question: What is Firdausi's most famous work?

Answer: His most famous work is The Shahnama, which he began composing around 977 CE.

4. Question: What inspired Firdausi to write The Shahnama?

Answer: Firdausi was inspired by the desire to preserve the history and mythology of Persia,
as well as to celebrate Persian culture.

5. Question: How long did it take Firdausi to complete The Shahnama?

Answer: It took Firdausi approximately 30 years to complete The Shahnama.

6. Question: What themes are prominent in The Shahnama?

Answer: Major themes include heroism, fate, love, betrayal, and the struggle between good
and evil.

7. Question: How did Firdausi's life end?

Answer: Firdausi died in 1020 CE, reportedly in poverty despite his literary contributions.
8. Question: What was Firdausi's stance on Arab influence in Persian culture?

Answer: Firdausi was a strong advocate for Persian language and culture, often opposing the
dominance of Arabic influence.

9. Question: How did Firdausi's work influence Persian literature?

Answer: The Shahnama laid the foundation for Persian poetry and inspired generations of
poets and writers.

10. Question: What is the significance of Firdausi in Iranian history?

Answer: Firdausi is considered a national hero in Iran for his role in reviving and preserving
Persian identity through literature.

Introduction to The Shahnama of Firdausi

11. Question: What does the title Shahnama mean?

Answer: The title Shahnama translates to "The Book of Kings."

12. Question: What is the structure of The Shahnama?

Answer: The poem is divided into three main sections: the mythological era, the heroic age,
and the historical period.

13. Question: How many verses are in The Shahnama?

Answer: The Shahnama consists of approximately 60,000 verses.

14. Question: What language is The Shahnama written in?

Answer: The Shahnama is written in Persian.

15. Question: What are some notable characters in The Shahnama?

Answer: Notable characters include Rostom, Sohrab, Kaveh, and Zahhak.

16. Question: What historical period does The Shahnama cover?

Answer: The Shahnama covers the history of Persia from its mythical origins to the Islamic
conquest.

17. Question: Why is The Shahnama considered a national epic?

Answer: It is considered a national epic because it reflects Persian values, culture, and identity.

18. Question: How has The Shahnama been preserved over time?

Answer: The Shahnama has been preserved through numerous manuscripts and has been
translated into various languages.

19. Question: What is the role of women in The Shahnama?

Answer: Women in The Shahnama often play significant roles, influencing events and
showcasing virtues such as loyalty and bravery.

20. Question: How does The Shahnama address the concept of fate?

Answer: Fate is a recurring theme in The Shahnama, often depicted as an inescapable force
that shapes the destinies of characters.

The Story of Rostom and Sohrab

21. Question: Who are the main characters in the story of Rostom and Sohrab?

Answer: The main characters are Rostom (Rostam) and his son Sohrab.

22. Question: What is the central conflict in the story of Rostom and Sohrab?

Answer: The central conflict revolves around the tragic misunderstanding and duel between
Rostom and Sohrab, who do not recognize each other.

23. Question: How did Sohrab come to seek his father?

Answer: Sohrab sought to find his father, Rostom, after growing up hearing stories of great
heroes and feeling a longing to prove himself.

24. Question: What did Rostom gift to Tahmineh, Sohrab's mother?

Answer: Rostom gifted Tahmineh a special armlet to give to their son if he ever sought his
father.

25. Question: What tragic fate befell Sohrab during the duel with Rostom?

Answer: During the duel, Rostom unknowingly delivered a fatal blow to Sohrab, leading to a
tragic revelation.

26. Question: What was Sohrab’s reaction upon discovering his father's identity?

Answer: Sohrab expressed forgiveness towards Rostom, despite the pain of their tragic
encounter.

27. Question: How does the story of Rostom and Sohrab reflect the themes of fate and destiny?

Answer: The story illustrates how fate can lead to unforeseen and tragic consequences, despite
the characters’ intentions.

28. Question: What lesson does the story of Rostom and Sohrab convey about parental
relationships?

Answer: It conveys the importance of communication and understanding in parental

relationships to avoid tragic misunderstandings.

29. Question: What is the significance of forgiveness in the story?

Answer: Forgiveness is portrayed as a powerful and healing act, emphasizing compassion

even in the face of tragedy.

30. Question: How does the story end?

Answer: The story ends with Rostom mourning the loss of Sohrab, reflecting on the profound
sorrow and the lessons learned from their encounter.