FerdowsilSh~?

hnamehPersian Lesson on The Rebirth of Rostam

This elementarylintermediate Persian lesson begins with pre-reading and pre-listening activities, proceeds with
reading and listening activities and practice, and culminates in the viewing of a n animation feature film in Persian
called The Rebirth of Rostam, which tells a version of the story of Rostam and his son Sohrib inspired by Ferdowsi's
Shrihnrimek [Book of Kings]. DVD copies of The Rebirth ofRosram are available for purchase at IranianMovies.com.

$1. Read a n English translation of Ferdowsi's story of Rostam and Sohrib. Here is a list of publications and web
sites which offer translations of the story.

Ferdowsi, Abolqisem. The Epic of the Kings. Translated by Reuben Levy. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago,
1967; New York, NY: Arkana(Penguin), 1990. 4.65-80.
. The Shhhnhmeh: The Persian Book of Kings. Translated by Dick Davis. New York. NY: Penguin
Classics, 2006. Pp. 187-214.
. The Shah-Nameh of Fardoicsi. Translated from the original Persian by Alexander Ross. New Delhi:
Heritage Publishers, 1973: first published by London: Chapman 81 Hall, 1907
. The S h a h n h of Firdausi Done into English by Arthur George Warner and Edmond Warner. 9 volumes.
Available at various On-line sites.
, The Shdhndma of Firdousi. Done into English by Arthur George Warner and Edmond Warner. Volume

111. Ann Arbor, MI: Xerox University Microfilms. Available at The Shahnama of Firdausi-Google Book Results.
, Fathers ond Sons: Stories from the Slmhnomeh of Ferdowsi. Volume 2. Translated by Dick Davis.

Washington, D.C.: Mage Publishers, 2000.

The Tragedy of Sohrab and Rostam. Translated by Jerome W. Clinton. Seattle, WA: University of
Washington Press, 1996. Revised edition. First edition, 1988.

$2. Check items in the following vocabulary list ( X ) which identify objects, characters, and events likely to appear in
a movie about war and hand-to-hand combat in ancient Iran.

castle 0 mountain -mountains h b 4 . c b$ 0

fortress J
; 0 rnountain(ous) area ‘jh&0
tower 0 elain(s) d~
0
, ,
moat 3 6 0 desert ALL?rI
5 , , r,
drawbridge L*&" river G L J ~ ,0

gate bjlg,~ 0 woods -forest J?&- -"

,
a -

,
saddle 2; rl dagger - sword p A&A &b O - & O
0 ,

horse -1 0 spear InayzU b> 0

helmet /kolih khudl J&

,0
o mace j3 0
coat of maillarmor b ,
j c -gt
,

0 lasso, rope & O

bwt(s) 60 bow and arrow (lit: arrow and bow) 'jh.?g @ 0

quiver &IJ& ,$&>O
 ,,
battle J+ king b 0
k , b k ~ L
,, 0 , ,*
battlefield ImaydW J* 1+'b J+ prince, princess b ~ l i p I k0

war && paladin J> .;I& 0

r I
attack 4LL enemy &J 0

escape JIG fighter, combatant j2& o

surrender(ing) 4 army (division)
combat, war, battle C ~ J demon %J O

52.1. While working with this lesson and preparing to watch the movie which is the lesson's last activity, think of
other words relevant to reading and listening on the subject of ancient warfare. Use an English-Persian dictionary
(e.g., Farhang Moaser Living English-Persian Dictionary by M.R. Bateni et al., 2007 [3rd edition]) to find Persian
equivalents for English terms that come to mind.

shield
y
war engine, catapult, manganel
- . .
, ,
are + ,,

hatchet 5 6 ,>
ambush 4
night raid -A
,,
RVeat &+&+

.....................................................................................
$3. In each of the four groups of words below, match proper Persian names in the column to the right with their
English equivalents or definitions in the columns to the left. Ask your instructor or other adult native speaker of
Persian for help in cases where you cannot match pairs. Having read an English translation of Ferdowsi's story o f
Sohrib, you should be able to match the six pairs in each of the four groups through the process o f elimination.
, ,
the son of the Iranian paladin Rostam - +J \

Iran's most famous legendary warrior - cr'l.n~~ 7

Rostam's white-haired father - J ~ J.r
an Iranian king - e 3 3 G f

an Iranian paladin whom Sohrab caplures and who later lies to Sohrib ahout Rostam - (%$ 4) D
Turanian monarch and lran~anarch-enemy - cr'&~>i F

Rostam's grandfather and Nariman's son - V

Iranian female warrior who fights to protect the White Fortress - .~>TJ> ? ?
A

daughter of the King of Samangh who proposes "marriage" to Rostam - J ~ , J J S ~q

Iranian farmer, Iranian landowner - -?P
creator, divine provider -

Zoroastrian priest -

the land of Iran's arch enemies -

, ,
- 0

Iranian mountain range which separates the Caspian littoral from Tehr3.n - &+J G ' J ~ jf
legendary Iranian "capital" called Perseplis in English -
.- \D
Iran's tallest mountain - LLi>h;06 \?
, ,
a border area and kingdom between I r h and Turin ;& \V

native region of the family of Nariman, Sim, ZBI and Rostam -

chief devil or demon in Zoroastrian mythology -

White Demon whom Rostam kills - -%J

.I I
y.

lord, lord god - A9i Y\

the ciry in Khorb3.n where Ferdowsi was horn, lived, and is buried - L L '~ ~ I A I.
YY

author of the 11th-century Persian epic called Shrihnrimeh - iebolqasCrnfcrdowsul f l S ~?LhJ

P lpl YY

mythological phoenix-like bird who raise Rostam's white-haired father - & yf

$3.1. Use www.iranica.com (Encyclopaedia Iranica On-line) and other On-line resources to get more information
about foregoing names.
54.1. Match the following descriptions of word and phrase forms with groups of words and phrases below. English
equivalents in the lists below come mostly from Farhang Moaser Kimia Persian-English Dictionary (2006) by
Karim Emami.
1. plural nouns
2. Arabic loanword nouns exhibiting an I...U or l...btl suffix (signalling grammatical feminine gender in Arabic).
3. nourdadjectives consisting of an adjective + a superlative-making suffix.
4. Arabic loanword nouns exhibiting a moldZe3t? panern and communicating meanings
of reciprocity, mutuality, or twosidedness.
5. noudadjective words ending in a suffix which denotes "having/possessed of."
6. adverb loanwords from Arabic exhibiting the adverb-making / . . . i d suffix.
7, two-part nouns the second part of which denotes "place."
8. nouns ending in the noun-making l...b2rd suffix denoting "protectorlguardian."
Item number

h
goes here.

years before, prior

I r

ancestors, forbears after, afterwards

Iranians - Turanians ;&,I+ - ;&121 currently, presently

0 I-
%&
heroic exploits ~m >La'$ usually JF

people - people(s) human beings

9
Jp
,
-
9
J p
,
consequently
&* .-
powerful, strong
w
n &aJ)&
, *
combatting, fighting

wise, sage, wise person

artist(e), endowed to artistic talent

LJ> confronting

La*
* - 9
discussing
0
needful & combat, fighting, war, belligerence

attack 1 highest

plan
part. fate
0 u
-
eZb; biggest

highcst, loftiest, highest-ranking &_;JI,

tlulh wisest

captivity, slavery purest, cleanest

b ~ J ) J J i gardener . .
camp, encampment
0 ;&L
resting place, grave. tomb

doorway, threshold, king's palace

o&l,i

OK,;
policemen
0
doorman, doorkeeper, gate kecper
;-
; ~ J J

shelter, place of refuge &a&

guard, watchman, sentinel .LA
u .,
,,
place of battle, battlefield OKJS prolector, patron ;4 +iu
84.2. Match the following descriptions of word and phrase forms with groups of words and phrases below.
English equivalents come from K. Emami's Farhang Moaser Kimia Persian-English Dictionary (2006).

9. nouns consisting of a noudadjective word + a verb present stem + a noudadjective-making lil suffix
10, noudadjective words consisting of a verb present stem + a suffixed lettedsyllable(s).
11. verb past participles used as noudadjective words.
12. nouns consisting of a verb's past stem ( = infinitive minus /...id).
13. intransitive and active voice transitive multi-word verb infinitives.
14. passive voice verb infinitives.
15. verb present stems (with or without a prefix or suffix) used idiomatically.
16. noudadjective words consisting of a verb's present stem + / , , , 2 d

h
Item number
goes here.

twisted, complicated b defeat A

burned

unlucky, ill-fated
0 * 3-
"
victory, win
GJAU
, defeat, loss
0 6 4
!
J,

unripe(ned) b+JL; return &.LJ ,

prince, princess (lit: born of a king] b ~ l > k fate &&Y

-
,,

to hide to be victorious ($/A)

i)& j~e
to attack 0 + i)~$
0 ,
to surrender
0 j
& +A
to find IpaydU i ) ~ $I % to be killed i)&
*,
to need ( J ~ )
tobewounded ~ i)& &~/cs?
to keep, to hold, to stop (sb) &&IJ & to be tired i ) & G

knowledge &IJ power, might, energy 51s

thought, idea 0 +&j running
0 i)
learned, knowledgeable, wise L; I J smiling, laughing i)l&
able, powerful, mighty L;I& flowing, moving, fluent; psyche h19J
,,
bird b&# visible, apparent, in full view
* L-k,;
0 ,*
retreat(ing), pull-back it seems that Ig6yU 6.J
arresr(ing) 0 CS&;
,,
as if;you'd think 0 d.J
trash talk, warrior's boasting to afoe j as if; you'd think J

conducting a military campaign &@ may it not happen that... IJ&

shooting an arrow, firing a weapon GJ 1 & 1

s
55.1. Read t h e f o l l o w i n g q u e s t i o n s . Then, after reviewing the vocabulary i n Sections 52, 53, and 54 ( a b o v e ) , scan
t h e t e x t on the facing page f o r answers.
, , 0 ,

?&Lip
............................................................................................... +CSI,I~ &i J~, .\
[How many lines does thelext under consideration have?] /mowred-; nazkl'

. ? J & ~ ~ ~' . - ; ; ~ I & 4;-

,,
Q .Y
[With what word d w s the text begin?]

.
....................................... .
............................................................. 7-1 CiilJl ,L &Lt i
j. .r
,,
['The text contains how many paragraphs?]

-
e ,
..................... ...........................................................
-.- ....... ..................... 7- 7 ir;.JJ SJ&&ST .f
[What is the last phrase in the text?]

...................................................................................... 5-1 ;LIJ ?IL6,4,~ , &

,,
, ,J
0 ,

.b
[Thc tcxt in question deab with what Shhhnlmeh slory?]

.
...................... .
.............................................................r-I b ~ e 9
: irjr ,,+
+ ,,djnnl:)) ,
.F
[Accordmg to the text, who was Tahmineh?]

...........................................................................................................................
S d , < U- L l p l , , &.,
. ,+
,,
.V
[According to the text, who is Afr6siyBb71

.........................................................................
?J& sfYj ; L I J &I JJ jI2l ;L> ?l.k .A
[Which Iranian w u n o r hero is laken prisoner in this story?]

,,
..................................................................7-
ip *I - 7 J& A &I2\ L;,o> +I+,y! .?
[What is the name of the sister of lhe Iranian hem who is *en prisoner?]

, ,
.
........................ .
.............................
N o defeats this brother and sisler?]

................................... .
.............
[ W h m do the most important events offhis story takc place?]
, #

,,3 k 1+ I
J
, ;LIJ 2-
&I LSb~~S13J,\\
* ,

....
................................. 5-1 DJ- 4+& , ,J ;LIJ ;L> JJ ;l*l ~GJL
.\T

[Who was the king of Iran at the time of the story under cornideration?]

5'-9,, d ;&It?( $+J +I+ 3 ,JI> L++ ,I & + 1;21 o L t .\r

[Whom does the Iranian king send to rescue the bmlher and sisler and other Iranians?] .
.................................... .
..............
$5.3.Read the foregoing text while listening again to a n instructor's reading of it or to its audio recording. If you still
have questions about the meaning of words, phrases, or statements in the text, use this relatively free translation to
resolve those questions.
The story of Sohrab is one of the most famous stories in the Shdhihndrneh. In this story, Rostam, Iran's greatest
paladin, and Tahmineh, daughter of the king of Samangiln, have a child called Sohrib. Because Rostam leaves
Samangan (a border area between Iran and Tursn) for good before his son's birth, Sohrab ggrws up with one desire: to
find his father. To this end he leaves his birthplace Samangsn recruits an army, and sets out for Iran.
At this juncture. Iran's long-time cnemy Afr&iyab, king of the land of Turan, learns of Sohr2b's identity and plots
to keep Rostam and S a h i b from recognizing each other and to have them fight cach other.
Sohrab reaches the While Fortress, which is in lranian territory, and captures thc Iranian paladin called Hojir (or
Hazhir). He also cngages in combat with Hojir's sister Gordilfarid, and she who is no physical match for him seeks
refuge within the White Fortress. She sends amessage by means of a bird to Iranian monarch Kaykavus at Persepolis,
requesting that the Iranian army come to the aid of the White Fortress. Kaykilvus assigns Rostam, his greatest
warrior-champion, to carry out this important task, and Rostam sets out for the White Fortress.
Rostam comes to the rescue of the lranians at the White Fortress and confronts Sohrab. Unfortunately, father and
son do not recognize each other, and Rostam does not give a true answer to SohrAb when Sohrsb asks him: "Are you
Rostam?" Consequently, they proceed to battle one another, and eventually....
56. Read the following translation of a popular preface to Ferdowsi's Story of S o h r a . Then look at the Persian text,
checking key words and phrases in it equivalent to underscored items in the English. This preface posits fate as the
chief actor in human affairs and offers a rationale for not being overwhelmed by the tragedy which the story entails.
Listen to a reading of the text to get a feel for its rhythm, seriousness, and sense of foreboding. Try momentarily to
visualize Ferdowsi sitting at a table transcribing this story, perhaps not wanting it to end the way it has to end.

I ,

Now listen tohear the story of the battle between Sohrib and Rostam. \ +FJ ~ u I - F $ Y . ~ ~ J~6
You've heard about other battles, hear this one as well. = -+L) @ &I -& LPI$ J
It's a story full of tears- Y &?I
- >LIJ
, , , I
sensitive hems will become angry at Rostam. jlLjl; JJ
, ,
.
., .
If a harsh wind springs up from some comer of the world 'r &,j+r
,,
2 &L AX >I
an- an unripe citron to the eround, &Y- b -u J L &I L l i 4+
shall we call thc wind tyrannical orjust? T 3~1-1
JI b J L

Should we consider it right or wrong? J%+J~~+++JL>

If death is iugkd.then what is unjust? D CYY

- 7
-11- -1 JIJ xp 31
If it's just, then what is all this clamor and screaming? CYLY
- JL>
2
3 &L LA &I JIJ j
Your knows nothing about this mystery- f @ + j l J &I j l
For you there is no way into this veil.
, ., ,
(6d<&lJd=J&lo~x&+) \J@JLI b ~ + & +

All have approached desire's door (i.e.,to excessiveJgreedy desire) V jr JJ Ld

but for no one has this door to secrets opened. (&>=*L).~Ic~) j 4 j 1 , JJ&I L 2 J +
in departure from this world, you'll find a better place A &i,&r&~&*~+
-
when you rest in peace in another abode. 6'- &J
0

e l ~ rJJi
d
,

*
Why should there be joy /pleasure in the world for the young, 9 U'& & e! 4 % I J GI&
,,
wherdbecause old age is not the cause of death. - I S e A ( J x > > 4

In this place for passing through, not a place for tarrying. \. &JJ Gb >>
Fb&I JJ

should death tighten the cinch on the horse of transience, &x$&~lii+-~~

know that it is just and not unjust. \\ iuvv
- ' dl- 3-1 J I J , ~~ I J & &
When justice visits you, what is clamoring and screaming for? - ,J - L &4
CYLY ~
9, ,
a'&i J ~ J *
Now I'll recount the story of Sohrib's warringlbattling, \Y -JJ vd U I & ~ ~ >G&
how he eame to do baule with his father. ~ G * ~ ~ ' + ~ I ~ G

56.1. In a class setting, time permitting, your instructor can read this text with you and point out salient language
features in it. A lesson on the text appears in Prrsian Listening (Hyattsville, MD: Dunwoody Press, 2009).
$7. Read the following six rhymed couplets (= pairs of verses) from Ferdowsi's Shdhrdmeh. A Latin transcription
with marks indicating long and short syllables in the quantitative metrical pattern in the text, an English translation,
and notes on premodern Persian forms appear beneath each couplet.
crrls P P c;rSO
" . . " . . " . . " .
be n2m-e khodsvand-ejAn-o kherad
" . . " . . " . - ".
k-az in bmar andishe bar nagzarad
[in he name of the lord of life and wisdom, more lofty han whom thought emat imagine.]

hame talkhi ar bahr-e bishi bovad

" .. " .." . . " .
mab8di kc b8 Bz khishi h v a d

[All bitterness eames from excessive desire, so god forbid that a person be related to such desire.]
I , , - 3
t a v h i bovad har ke din8 bovad J* LIJ4 9 J* Llqj .Y
" . . ".."..". r l
ze dinesh del-e pir born2 bovad JS!L,~JJ+IJ;, ,
[Capable is whoever is knowledgeable;though knowledge he old headhe heart of an old person is young (again) ]

nadhad harni rnardorn az ranj-o &

" . . " . . " ..".
jf 3 $J jl c J &
~ &I& .P

yaki doshmani-ri ze farzand biz ;&&;A j I,-J&

[Because of sufferingand pride man does not know son from a foe.]

kas andar jahin jAvd3ne namind LLL LIJ>I+ ;& ,A & . b

" . . " . . " . . " .
za gardun mari khod bahine namhd L L G& J$ I> j3J$ j
[No one in the world has lived forever, so far me no complaint remains about the world.]

$7.1. Think about the nature of a culture which privileges such observations and advice as the foregoing. Does any
of the advice seem specifically or particularly "Iranian" and opposed to "American?"

$7.2. A chapter on "Persian Poems," consisting of fifteen texts and explanations of features of Persian poetry,
including meter and rhyme, appears in the textbook Persian Listening (Hyansville, MD: Dunwoody Press, 2009).

$8. Read the following phrases and sentences which appear in the dialogue of the animation feature film Rebirth of
Rostam. You will note that the dialogue mixes formal and informal and literarylwritten and colloquial/spoken
registers of Persian. What effects can such a mixture have on the audience? Use accompanying English translations
to resolve questions about the meaning of Persian statements. Boxed numbers below indicate movie scene numbers.
Lines of dots (............) between lines of text indicate missing context or action or some other break between
preceding and proceeding dialogue. (An edited version of Text 4 will appear on ferdowsi1000.com.)
crrls P A ? c;rSO

CI
r I
(The opening line of Ferdowsi's Shcihncimeh; J> >&I+ &31&?&)):*J~> \
(See Section 97. item 1, above.) ,
+ ~2>
, , o ,
i +$
 , , , ,
Narrator: In long past times (lit, distant), the land of Iran ;I%1 + j r ~JJJ isb hLj J~ T.

~ ~ g ! ~ ~ > , + > > & ~ s h > k j ~ h > ~ 4 +?

was the broadest. most beautiful, and most pure land of the age
At a time when the peoples of other lands P
,
had submitted to Ahiman '.Li~g!~ J IJ
,J 3 ++I
>

+ F
I I
Iranians lived in purity and truth
I ,
.dl;$ p >,
.~,
,-i j
J 9 $L T
L. ;
L - 21
1 V

r L~ , q J l j
- 0

~g! SJ>LIJP&,$ 9 J 4 , ~ Jj J A

Z i l son of S i m who grew up under the wing6 and feathers) of wise Sirnorgh
, ,
had a chilUoffspring &isAij> iSIJl~ 4
,,
to protect the people from the stingbite of ~ ~ l n m a n . J;IJ di J~~ -_~lj .~i'$ j~,I ; L J ~
L \.
I
LIG; + ;LJ,+,
r r

Rostam son of D a s t h ( = ZAI) was born (lit: c a n t inlo the world) \\

,,
to become the most exalted of men. ,~$jl~~;i$d1~jll.i \7

Pat wrotemad written his waylroadlpath for him as follows. . Jg!&&

,,
&I J $1 J 91 d&ry
,, \T.

Afrbsiyib. the Allrimanic(= satanic) king of (the land of)Turb, 61

s
, b k ~-L+l>j
L :LTJJ~ \?

the Ahimanic king Afrasiysb to reach his filthy goals i k h d JG -4irL,I + G.LLY>.
, , , , ,
is1>
,
lo

;l%l J-4 + j r y ~ k;
;J,~ IJ e 6
~YY 15

which was the aequisilion of all of the lands of Iran and SamangPn

+$p &JJ ,&+I 9 &d 15J>~~s

e b j ~ G \V

continually skove to raise mia and to increase his satanic power.

0 ,

Kbvus. Lhe wise king + ~ Q I ~ I + J + ~ ~ J & ' ~\ A ~ ~ K

, ,
who was aware of the wealnessllack of ability of the king of Samangb JF b Ki;bo k >14;L j 1 4 \q

J ,, I 1 I I + r ,

7.

(King Kavus) sent Rostam there to inspect the situation in Samangb. lowrl/
, ,
n e king of Samangb receivedireceives Rostam warmly J& p &$% ,1 +,;L
, ,
b k
71

.LL, ;LJJ j l IJ ' 6 LS p irp~

91 j l g 77

and invitediinvites him to spend the night in Samangh.

LL .......................................

Who are you? What do you want? /n>ikhby/= Imikh&hii , I ? “ J & + ~ ? ~ ; L " ~ $ , I : + - 7T.
,
, ,,
I am Tahmineh, princess of S a m a n g b ‘jL b ~ l j A ,L+@
k +)I :++ 7?

rve heard a lot about you. /shenide'am/ = ishenid6mJ .el b e 4; j jl

~ & 70

I've heard a lot about you. <;gi;.@ j l 9gij l 7r

10
your h m i c deeds and yonrchivalmus behavior G~J-I& 3 g i L S b&La'$ YV

has twistdspread about .a- b;JJk; jJ YA

any kings and princes want (to marry) me. 6 1 ;;O jbl& ~ S J L,jYS~
,
~ l 9 4L j b k 79

~ u I tsee no man your equal .++'+4icSG~~,e+d9

I have come lo ask you to slay here with me ,;,
I&madd'ad= I h a d ~ d
4 ‘j k &I 9 j l d ,I ,hid +I& V\
, ,
as my spause, as the grwdson-in-law of Samangh. JLIJ '+ +;I&
,,JELL YY

Samangh needs a brave wanior hero like you. .J,IJ c&I + -L. c S & ~ i)I&
,, , L. j L rr
,,
My father now longer has the endurance forlpower lo resisl Afrbiybb JJIL I U ~ ~ + j &J J+ YT
,, , , , ,
and taks about stepping aside. dp&JJm j l w 4 YO

He wants m enmst Samangh to me. . J;I$I~ ;

,4+ I, j~ A& p rr

Ineed a man like you. Stay with me. .;k! LF L! . p J l ~jb; 4; hecSJYe > rv
,,
Your beauty is dazzling -1 b& b- IF?&j~)
:+J ?A

and your moral conrage and your honesty have found a place in my hem. .A
, ,
4+ @ $J J 4 && g Yq
, ,
What you say is very appealing (lit: your speech is sweet]. . ~ z Y I & + c ~ ~ ~Y .
, ,
jI%l +J -1‘ (jl%I eas;j -I' dg r\
Rostam is alive for Iran. Rostam is/exisu for l r h .

But 1 can't stay with you

,, ,
. + ~ S I '+
> gi L ;
. i.;

Just as you have m be here for your people, '&& ~ J p a &I kr2 d J&+ TT
, ,
the Iranians need me, and 1 the Iranians. I,. jG121 4+ & L& jb; ;
.+ p ;&I2/ rr
, ,
So, take me for your spouse (for ) this evening, tJ&~JAc;+e I J & a ~ ~ ~ YO I I : ~
even if reparation is our fate. /haittU J* &I& f I rr
, ,,
,, , , , ,
Perhapsthe providentGod will givens a child like you. (( . A J& e 4; (jeLSdjA JS# d Lk TV

, ,
IfGodgivesus adaughler.lieitlo hwhair. .A& &by e IJ &I ,JIJ LSsJ
L Lgl& 4+ f fl rq

and if our child is a boy, tie it onto lhis a m . ii.i;L?4jL e J* cjCqS;jA d 4 o.

Some time passed.

+-+e c;-ri
I
God gave Tahmmeh a son just like Rostam. fluJ (
je-11-1 L91& OY
r I

.J* ( j k L 4 1c ; ~ > ~4 J II-LC_& 4 is;$ $J& jb j l Or

from his childhmd he displayed suengrh and bravery and courage.

 , ,
3;
$1~4; LYJ~ ,
J ~ S &
J ~ L 4 ,- JJ
, 07
,,
In his tecn y e m no man in Samangh or T u r h had the ability to d o battle with him. ,&I& 4 ~J&&(J&
1 1 ~
like hisher ancertorslforbears .&s& j e &'dl+ ,;I& '4; 00

Meanwhile Afr.%siyW,king of the land of T d a , +j Q I - ) ~~

; & J uLul+l
L 7 . -
G& &I JJ bf

who w a one of iraa's old enemia, Jst h 1 2 I&

J
, LJ I DY
1? , ,* ,
J 1 - - J J J L J bA
persuaded Samangb to join it agaimt the Iranians

me king of Samangb &I& l J ;lJ4; A9i& L J & ;

& ~ I ~ d LDIA 07

who did not have the power to do bank with the Ahrimanic army of T u r b submittedlsurrenderedl , & f.
0 ,

Warsibatlles between Iran andTuran eontinuedfor years. .&& L IJI Y L 5 1~4;

3 I* 1 & ish& if\
, , , ,
(and) kept Rostam from seeing his spouse and child. . d I JjL Jq; &j+3 Jl+J jl+uJ fY
-

, ,
Mother, now you have to tell me who my father is? F + ~ ~ ,~ ,
J ; I & ( ~ ~ < L & J ~ ~ J L . ~ : ~ i~
I -
No one in this tenitorylregion is like me. ~ ; P ~ ~ J ~ J & I J J ~ s" J P ~
No one has the ability lo do banle with me.

My father is not of these people.

, ,
Why don't you tell me who my father is? r m worried. 1 7 1 f~

I have the feeling that my father's life is in dangu. .b& JJ C ~ 7 L,"I+ 4 $ -

' rn
I have to find my father. Who is my father? C+ (p JJFI .+1% lJ CJJ;I +I+ ip f4

.+
1 knew that one day r d have to tell you the outh.
UI
- - + L i S j 3 ~4 d - 3 ~
+ IJ +
, ,
~~_.l):Gy4i
Y.

J*
- 0

1-1 +j QI~I,;~J+ Ls'gls 4 &SJ> 4; JJ;I Y\

Son, your father is the greatest man and the highest-ranking wmior hero of Ule land of Iran.

.-J,yy 4; i ) * * i j ~ ~ ~ d315J_;D-;G
liS~~ 3 J3j &I L $1 YT

If you are possessed of this swength and nobility and courage, it is because you are theson of Rostam.

*&;1; ,1*1;?' F;lid,+uJ ?+I], :?I- YY

Rostam? Rostam son of ZBI ( = D a t h ) ? 7 % ~wmior hero of Iran?

Why diddl you tell me before now? /nlgah6'ri= lnlgoftii L JLb I* YT

In fearof AfiaiiyW I k e p t y w identity hidden. b a s & l J &I -I+I p l j j l ip n :Gy4i Y0

,,
so that I wouldn't lose you. . &J j 4 ; Vf

On account of this war 1 am separated from your father. ,+LA

I$ u ~ j~
L A& &I .AL;
.. + vY

you are my only hope. 1(.>~1.IL6;ijqi YA

12
 ,,
I have to go to lrsn and fmd my father. 4 ' q ,

J >
,,
33
,,
2 > U vq

My fatheis lifc is in danger. . b&

,
JJ
,
r J* ,hb A.

r m afriad rll lose you. ' J 1 1 I A\

r m going w Iran and find my father. .+ p I%

6 ,

I> r > * 3 r32+

,,
5121 e n:?I*
You arcdl safe in Irsn either. . h J 1 1 J : AY

Not tell anyone? Keep it hidden? F ~ ~ I J & - F&&+II:~I+ AT

My father Rostam and 1 Sohrab. (~~2-4- rJJ+3 + " > r>* Ab

Who should I be afraid ot? &A j AP

In Iran your life will be in danger. . J 1 J : AV

G
. m~ $ ' J > I & IJ rJ*>> GLG I $ & ~ *
No one has the strength to confront my father and me, not even an m y .
I&/-.'& jl ~4

r m going to Iran and r m going ro find my father. .+ p I%

0 ,

IJ r > * 3 r32+
, ,
h J 2 Ie
,
4.

Then take an a m ~ ywith you. <I.*-I+ LCS-2aw)~:++ 4\

we know that Sohrtb is Rostm's son ~ J ~ u I W \ Y~ ~ I

and now he is en mule lo Iran to fmd his father -1 ~12&I
1 J J**& V L 3 \T

and is raising an m y . .- J
;$ ,y+JL JJ 4b

Rostam's son Sohrjb musm't reacll Rostam. .L>

,, + u > e +&
.eJ -11 :Us-I>l fF
,,
If these two join together, we're finished. .-I r k L JK #&&pL
> J J ~3
I1 fv

But, but if Sohrjb attacks Iral,

R o s t m will surely rise to confront him. MI+ + d e ' ~ e J 44

Sohrab must not recognize his father .dh+

,, 1 J & J* &d ?I- \..

.& .MI& Ij G&J GL: &3 L 3J Gg1 3

1 \.\

If those rwo fight each other, one of them will kill the other.
Take an army and join Sohrgb. . L G ~ J + ~ ~ & ~ & 1.y

Encourage him to make war on Kavrri.. .$

&- ~ s . b.~IJ 3 ~
3LL \.r
, ,
The Iranian king Kjvus fears Rostam. ' b y p eJ
;I "121, k p3315 \.T

-
b

and he is planning his (Roslm's) death I I . J J I J ~JJ lJgl x s&g \.b

inlwith the desire for emwn and throne

.- 3 p@JJJ
,,
\.F

But that's not truelit's not like that. ."LA.+ &L+& n : ~ h + a \.v
 J$ Jhl+ ,,gL -1- &ilulj L l >JL' ~ ! d L n :?bl>l !.A

Quiet! This is ahhe story which Sohr.3b will believe.

Encowage him to make war with Kkus. .$ &- irggK 4 6 + lJgl 1.q

If Sohrab kills Sohraib,

Iran without Rostam will be ezuy to overcome. .La1 J

h1 + ( j L 1F,,
g ilu~ hs.f: 111

If Rostam kills Sohrlb. 'A

I, SI \\Y
,,
the sufferingl~ain(of his son's death by his hand) will remain with him forever. <I ;Jg!Jh 1
. ~i1 I 4; g I L & @ 11T

LY
You've come to fight me all by y o m e l f l / h a d e ' i / = / h a d i / FLShLoj + iD jJh+ +I) :?I- ll?
, ,, ,,
I've come to separate your head from your body, lImad6'amJ = I+ 4j I ay I
; rLa7 & a :&110
lImad6d
and (feed) your body to the hurrardr. h,,+&Y A\,,+ I, 4g \IF

I don't want your blood to be spilled for no reason. *;A & d&GI-
SJ
. . & :?I- \\V

Surrender! !+A&
II \\A

Never! ...J$II :+~TJ> 119

Assemble the hoops wlthin the square. !+,gi

JJ ;,I+ $ 1 ~ JJ I ;I~L& 17.

Sound the bugle/Uumpet d e n . n !&'> >L b J L i je 0 ,

\Y1

, ,
Take (and deliver) this message as quickly as possible. , 2 4 2 >Jgj kb> I J r& & I D :+>TJ$ 111

0 Iranians, once agair Ahriman has made a foray into o w land

I know that their number is very large. .-I -14; &kJ&

4 +IJ & !YY

Their (chic0 paladin is very smng. /qavi asV = /qavistl .-I 15A& ;L i)~&4+I+ 1Yb

But I know that you the people o f l m 3 1 ~ 1 a4+I+ dgrJp lTf

, - 0

to the last dmp of blard h

&&. ' a s I
; \YV

.J+ & G,,IJ

you'll protect your people, yow aimslphiloraphy, and your culture.
&i ;&> >I g ;I;rlp ,I 'hL ~ Lj l J
~ Y A ~

Should Iran not exist, may my body not exist. !Jk &i &c i)l&l 179

Ll * , , ,
When/ifIrh should not exist, may my body not exist! N!J& && && i)121 e:.u
:,jbL
.I \T.
 r 9
~ e w has i d the White or tress
s come from ~ o r d ~ a rfrom lik,JJ j l +pi~J
j l LLI \r\

3 ;GI J& j I A J>

9,

.b~ $
&i+;G
L \rr

(that) a great m y from theTurhians and Samangsn has attached them,

(that) Hazhir (=Hojir) has k e n taken captive dJ
J& 9. i ) ' I ~S ~ Y3 hL-@ jrr

that Hojir has been taken captive bJ$ d d L& JJ IJ As \rY

Gorafarid fought wiU1 him. 4 JG+P~J

f \rb b& >I
a ~ fe >
She wrote that that there has never been a warrior with such shength and arms.
> j L 3 J g j & + >I& 4 e+
,,
\ ~ t

You'd say he i s Rastam, Iran is in danger. II.LJY~ s JJ ;lAl I-. +J J 1 4 \rv

Gather troops from everywhere (lit: every direction). . J > ~ f + >ji I-) ;GLX
-,
:wJJv \rh
0 ,

archers, swordsmen, and spear-throwen I; J I o+

~ .9 &
;it; ..5.;~-)l~k.k \rs

far confronting their champion. Rostam '+-) bi ;I& 7 L LL& . . 6~G \Y.

Send a messenger with my message to Rostam. -A, *,

J I * & IJ -v \?\

Write that he should lead an army there as soon as possible. .isG

T
bi + iS-&d
>Jgj 49 y~?qL!
,,
\YY
- 0 , 0 , ,
We'll link up togethcr at Payvsk Pass.

We have to occupyltake over the f o r k s s right now.

Come on ...fight...kill...s~c. hiy8yN =hiybyin/ = biyayidl

Open the gate. Close the gate. .+A+ I b j l g - ) J '&&

J jL I-) b jIS-)Js : . U > T J ~ \YV
.......................................
11 F+ -)... !+-) yUiQ !a
,eJ ! ur.99K ip s :-I- \?A

Ksvus, I'm going to kill you! Rostam, where are you? Rostam!...Rostam?

You are attacking our home? ?&ip& L%iL+,,:tZyJ

\Yq
I r

You pulVdrag the people into the dirt and blood? ?&& 6s; 3 &K L I-) ;LJ,. \a.

~ n now
d you dare to call for ~ o s t a m ? FA LP I-) ;J$
+-) ai& YL
l ,h , .9 \b\

.J? AL 15.9J ; ~ @
j 4 CJ? JI eJ \OT

If I were Rostam, your face would now be in the dirt.

r I
( , . + - ) ~ L , + ~ > Y ~ ~ & L ~ ~ - ) & ~ I ~ A + ~ ~ C D ~ ~ + \or

I've come to tell you that a Rostam is not needed in combat with you. We are all Rostam(s), / h a d t a d = i&n.adAml

It's now g~ouru'gollendark. /shod6 asV = IshodlrV 1-‘ b& 2I4;1

&-) \Of

we'll continue the battle tomorrow. c.JIJ+~& LIJI

,
.j-)& I
,
+ J ~100
 .......................................

Up to now I haven't wcr battled such a man. .e~2 OJ& J> cs~> ;* +I J ~ L:tid
B \bf
wilh a stature like mine & a ~ & j g t d L L \bv
, , , ,
but perhaps wilh greater power and courage 92 J+kC L C j ~0 ~ 2 . i &j \bA

I hid my name from him. eJ$ ;& 3' 'J y-"! \Oq
,, , I'

I don'l want him to know that I am Rostam .,&A"J &a d d l + el& 4 \f.
, ,
1 do not know what will happened to the pure Iranian people. d A I& $121 A K & -2 + 91 J 4 \f \

if he should knock me lo rhe ground. &I A k JJ I> j l s l \fY

IloldhimtharRosramwasmuchslmngerthanI. j 9
iuo~>~>i(J J&+ &a j I e J d 4 \fT

If he should emerge victorious over me, 'dl jje &a + jI $1 d p l * \PI

he'll still think d 9 j* \fb

that Rostam is in our midst/among us. .cY-m;&I2\ 3 jk JJ -J d \ff

Perhaps this thought will keep him from continuing the war, o . JJ IJ j L L?& 'LIJI j 1 1 J 31 9 &I &k \fV

Don't you worry, Rostam, <+J ,$G ;I&,, :UYJJt&S

, ,
\PA

Providenodthe provident god is always with the pure. .wI;KL - L. " J ~ ~ \J

fq ~ X
We will win. ~ . d e l &jje L. \V.

LF .......................................
<
This warrior of theirs has a lot of years 6JJlJirJkj @f &I a :?IHY \V\

bur he fights like a young tiger. .J& & j13&,G \VT

His physique and face also fit what my father's might be. .JJ& "j &a SJ*"! p aJ.F= 3 &+ lvT

God forbid that he's Rostam. . d l 4 eJ

j \V1

H u m b . you've seen Rosram, tell me. &a + lCSI bJ+J IJ +J + jLjA \Vb

Yes. I've fought with Rostam,

k& I;YY 4 &a ccsJf )) :GL+ \VP

and, yes. 1 walched yw gmw up. ~ ~ J + J ~ ~ J ~ ~ d ~ \VV

J ~ & a ~
like a bmlher. .JJ12 k A* IVA

Believe my words; he is not Roslam. FJ j 1 '$

K .iu& jL J 1 &a d p
J \V?

2~ J J +
,
. c s ~ +j l
6 ,

1~31~-?4
e : S l \A.

If you want to find (lit: reach1 arrivdger to) your father, you have lodestroy him ( Sohrsb's opponent)
,,
before it's too late/ iuol b& 2Jti \A\

16
 . d I ,LS I, ;+h# ,;&
ir?I;3~
I
; la & :-I- \AT

Hey Warrior. come, the two of us, let's put our swords aside, let's talk.
, ,
I think that you are Rostam. .&,LJ+&kd*& \AT

If you are, tell me. .& 1 \AT

Talk with you?!? ! ?& L &-,ti& r :+-, \ ~ b

I've come to fight, and fighting will take place. limadtaml= IimadAml Jgi &I$ 3 c b s 615 1
h & \A?

for ar long as you and your army are in this land &+jy $1 d
I &La+
, ,
+b \AY

You will pay for the blood ofour innacent people. <.JIJ&I$ 9;I J h ;LJ~
;$ 2% \*A

.....,......,,.,,,,.,.,.,.,.,..........
/to'i/ = you are !&>L~J&I '@ ' & + i Y 1 3 JI :+-, \ ~ 3

You are the beginning and ending of being and nothingness.

+
! 3
, ,
+3 e3_;L: >+ \3.

Only facing you am I on my h e s . .- + + ,&d

, ,;G &Ij \3\

Ifmy time in this world has come to an end. ab&s y + 6;;&I JJ & j h j 3 1 \ql

calVsummon me on the right path to yourself. J$ + 1,- bl + I-, & j \3T

because there is no fear of death. @&"I> sp jl 4 j3Y

.-I &gI UJ + ;Kg Aim+ jl;

&~giL ,_
,,; \ v

My fear is of the d e s m t i o n of the culture of the pure at the ends of Ahriman.

If my time has comcknded. CD+J (jLj s l \qP

my life belongs to you. .C~LYI& AS j l & ;4 4 \3Y

, ,
But be the protector of the pure people &L. L
; . '& J$ + lJ A + ;LJ~
&3 \3A

because you are the only ~efuge. . b L & 2s;4 \33

I surrenderlsubmit to your command.

, ,
"Where are you coming? Come back!"

,
I am Sohrfib, son of Rmtam. <i .+,
< , ,
,q u1- I ,& ,,
JI :-I- 1.1

Sohrfib, son of Rostaln? The son of Rostam? ?+"J eC

UJ- :+J l.r +
, ,
What a paladin! What a noble person! What a brave person! ! & J 4 d ~% ! & J $ ( ~ + !>I& 1.Y

+ 1 L
ij
,,
I told myself I wish my son were like you J& + & $&i & ~J$L l.b
, ,
How quickly my wishldesire came to pass JA b ~ & 4 I J %~
~ 153jJi
~ j ~
1.t

17
because 1 am Rostam, your father.
,,
o .OJ&
'. ' J
~F & 1.V
Z
Father ..my father. I have you so many signals. .@J >& gi + & LA &I ,rJ* . . . Je :-I+ T.A

I asked your name so many limes. .rLy.; jl Ld &I 1.4

Why? 0 god! i J IL! 7 I* T \ .

0 God. what a fate! Iche sameveshli arV = Iche sarvev6shtisV !-I -&&
,,
+ &I l \ \

I spent years without you

,,
in hopes of seeing you, I came to Iran in search of you. ~ ie gi J+J
' r i)121 + '&+J + T\Y

so that your blood w o u ~ d k o my

~ l hands and by my hand, &C ~ e g & c;&~
J c ; 3 ~-ei gi 'j4; Li T\Y

0, ~ o d ! ! & I J A ~ I ~
T\O

Was this my fate? Was this your fate? c< L;* &*&
,,
J2 &I L;&
d&
, ,,
&J~ & I T\F

Calm (down), be calm! !rlJT '$L ?IJT :+> l\V

All of us join eternity l\A

some in life and the rest in death. 1\4

Open your eyes. I.&=' /...ml. 11.

Life is a dream. l l \

Wake up and see the beauty of m t h . TTT

Death is not the end of the mad. TTY

death is only anolher beginning. 11F

Today you did norihave not killed Rostam. l l b

What you will kill today llf

is the Ahriman within yourself. /tosU . u s ;5gJJ JJ ++I 11Y

r 9
Henceforth you are Rostam. .-J J+*&l jgi 11A

~ o s l a mwill rcmain alive in your k i n g . .&h b & j @ J ~ JJJ +J 114

Put on, wear Rostam's clothes for the sake of the people.
Lrj . -
J
, ,
J
r 9
lr.
9
Be the people's friendIsupporter in goodness and purity. .$L J& &k 3 & J~ IJ ' j h ~
1 ~ ~
1

The provident God is your support and rcfuge u@

bL;+ 3 4J K ~ ~ 3 < TrT

became he is the only complete/perfect truth,

because he is the only huth of existence. J3>ijY~~Gugl& TYF

I won't die hereaftel

because I am alive.
$9.Review the foregoing list, grouping together words, phrases, and sentences with similar patterns. In a classroom
setting, the instructor can direct students to phrases and sentences with identical or similar patterns by calling out
item numbers for reading aloud. In self-study, readers can read groups of phrases and sentences as follows. This
exercises aims to encourage students to reach inductive conclusions about the uses of cited fonns and features.
1. Plural noun forms: Items #3,5,7,
12,15,16,20,29,44,49,54,55,57,58,61,
150,161,166,169,171,
188,195,198
2. Personal pronoun forms: Items #24-7,34,43,49,54,55,68-9, 126,187,190,191,192-3,196-7,
199-200,202,207,216
3. Pronominal suffixes: Items #26,46,50,55,68,69,70,71,80, 83,124,125,127,128,148,182,187,213
4. Reflexive and intensive pronouns. Items #17,45,58,62, 135,157,193,205,228
5. Comparative and superlative adjective forms. Items #4, 12,71,189
6. Noun phrases exhibiting kasrk-ye ezdfkpprnounced let: Items #1,8,18,28,32,33,95,166,190,213
7. Noun phrases exhibiting kasrk-ye ezdfkpprnounced lye/: Items #3,9,14,15,17,19,39,45,53,59, 94,
114
8. Indefinite nouns and noun phrases exhibiting an l...il suffix: Items #49,51,52,54,65,88, 89,91,156,
171,182,185,204,210,216,224
9. Simple past tense verb forms: Items #11,20,39,51,53, 54,58,59,60,61,62, 159,177,206,208,209,
211,213,225
9. Future tense verb forms: Items #99,101,108,11 1,113,155,161,170,186,188,226
10. Perfect tenseverbforms: Items#25,28,31,74, 84,114,115,123,131,132,134,135,136,153,154,
175,176,181,186,192,196,
11. Postposition specificldefinite direct object marker l...rW Items #lo,13,20,21, 34,36,54,58,70,79,82,
88,90,100-1,105,109,110-1, 112-3,121-2, 134,47,150-1,159,175,177,179,180,193,230
12. Postposition marker I...rU used to signal indirect objects: ltems #65,198,231
13. Subordinating conjunction k e l in relative clauses (wholwhichlthat): Items #8,16,18-9,57,59,108
14. Subordinating conjunction k e l in noun clauses (that): Items #31,47,68,70, 124,125,126,136,137,
153,160,163,166
15. Temporal clauses: Items #5-6
16. Imperative verb forms: Items #45,47,109,118,120,121,122,138,141,142,146,147,168,175,179,
182,184,193,201,217,220,222,230,231
17. First and third person commands verb forms: Items #84,85,86,143,174
18. Passive voice verb forms: Items #60,117,118,206
19. Subjunctive present tense verbs: Items #lo,36,42,43,63,69,70,79,84-6.96, 100,117,129, 153,160,
162,165,167,174,180,183,205
20. Conditional sentences: Items #72,97,98-9, 101,110-1, 112-3, 152,161-2,164-6,180,184,196-7
21. Purpose clauses: Items #-lo, 11-12,22,31,75-6, 153
22. Sequencing of verb tenses: Items #43,47,63,70,79,93,96, 100,103,145,153,167
23. Mi-past verb fonns: Items #7,17,70,205
24. Past perfect verb forms: Items # 5-6,7, 13,75,156

Foregoing grammatical terms, along with definitions, explanations, and illustrations of the language phenomena in
question receive detailed treatment in Persian Grammar and Verbs (Hyattsville, MD: Dunwoody Press, 2009).

19
$10. After reviewing all foregoing vocabulary lists, watch Ttte Rebirth of Rostarn in its entirety without concern at
not understanding everything.

$1 1. At the end of the movie appear its credits, along with a song called "lran" by Ziba Shirazi, the first track on her
readily available CD called Haft Setdreh [seven stars]. "Iran" is also available On-line: Google "Ziba Shirazi' and
click the site called Ziba Shirazi Music I Iranian Music I Bia2.comMor bia2.comlmusidplayer.php?id=139. When
Shir2zi's music is uploaded, choose Haft Setareh and then play " I Iran" in it.

$1 1. I . Listen to the song "Iran" to verify that it has a first-person speaker. Check any of the following words and
phrases (X) that you hear in the song's lyrics.

A r y a n n n d ~ E w p e a npeople 4 ~ 50 ( my homeland~falherland/rnotherland o
J&L=. o my heart jJ0
- 9

FJ
0 my d i r ~ e a r t ~ a n d &A A L 0

P"
4. 0 I'm crmylmad GI?J 0

J~~~ o I ' ~ ~ ~ ~ ,i & o

, ,
4;
Jj 0 I used to becomdwu becoming/would become p p0

$1 1.2. Read the lyrics here to the song "Iran." Use your Persian-English dictionary (preferably Kirnia Persian-English
Dictionary) to resolve questions about meaning of Persian words and phrases. Then, listen to the song without
looking at the printed lyrics.
cr?rar&c;rro
Do not read this Lexl unlil direcled to do so.
.u.. .u - .
Tonight, o heart, I've lost my mind. 61giJY J -1

I'm out of my mind (in thoughts of longing) for my nest. .rl Gus GI?J
I'm wearyltircd withlof this insensitiviy to the people.

I'm a seangedforeign(er), alien to good and bad.

, > ,
0 lord, give me patiencdthe strength to endure. "9b J J I S J F ' U J 4
, ,
My heart feels eonshcted from homesicknesdfeeling alienated. .$J iu* jl J& p
May i l k lhallhe morning prayer willgivea baldsalve to my hem.. .,L J 4 6. . Gs bG LL
JISL;
0 pah, il war the state of being a s m g e r l f a r from home, period. .Le 4 Jgi e>IJJ;
711e only balmlsalve a soulmate.

711e only balmlsalve is my land/soiVearth. -I &A A L khb pp

My land was Imn. period. .Le 4 JgiG l % l > A L
 homeland, fatherland, motherland - legend, fable

with demons and wild beasts.

R a t lovelyllovablddarling land

was unique like a jewel..

Would thatll wish I could be annillilatedc

(that) I couldwould become one with didealth.

Would that I inion the soil of the homeland

couldwould become lifeless.

R e house is no longer populated, flourishing

It's stoppedtiedeaught and uot h e ,

its atmosphere war and blood.

Ira, is not Ira, any mordbnger.

So ,where is Alyadlranian ethnicity?

Where me R o s m and Esfandiyh? (c--)e

=

0 lord, our nobleichivalric people

what person gave them to the wind?

$1 1.3. Listen to the song again while reading its lyrics

$1 1.4. Think about the song as voicing the feelings of Iranians with the views of the poet Mehdi Akhavin-e Siles (d.
1990) at any time in Iranian history after the invasion of the Iranian plateau by Arab Muslims in the middle of the
7th century C.E. Think about the song as voicing views of Iranian expatriates in America who are opposed to the
Islamic Republic of Iran.

$1 1.5. Watch The Rebirth of Rostmn again and listen to the song "Iran" played during the credits after the end of the
film. Think about the appropriateness of the song's lyrics to the film's action and theme(s).

$12. Watch The Rebirth of Rostam again, scene-by-scene. Refer to the list of words, phrases and sentences in
Section 59 in places where you do not understand something said in the movie. The groups of words, phrases, and
sentences in Section $9 are numbered according to scene number.
513. After thinking about the following questions and bearing in mind your earlier reading of a translation of
Ferdowsi's story of Rostam and Sohrab, watch the film again in its entirety.

1. In Ferdowsi's story, Rostam visits Samangin because he has lost his horse Rakhsh outside of the city while
sleeping after hunting and eating what he hunted. Does it matter that in the movie Rostam goes to
Samang2n on assignment from King Kayksvus?

2. In Ferdowsi's story, Tahmineh's interest in Rostam is romantic or hero-worship. Does it matter that in the
movie she says that she needs Rostam because her father is planning to entrust Samangin to her?

3. In Ferdowsi's story, no formal marriage between Rostam and Tahmineh takes place. Does it matter that in
the movie there is a scene in which an official or cleric is preparing or reading a marriage contract?

4. In Ferdowsi's story Sohrib embarks on a military career to defeat the Turinian king Afrhiyab and to
replace the Iranian king Kayksvus with Rostam and himself as partners, thus bringing an end to strife in the
world. Does it matter that no such political ambition figures in the motivation of Sohrib in the movie?

5. In Ferdowsi's story Sohrsb is smitten romantically by Gordifarid when her helmet comes off. Consequently,
she is able to trick him and retreat to the White Fortress and escape from there with her army later that
evening. Does it matter that the movie does not develop that story line?

6. In Ferdowsi's story Rostam tricks Sohrfib into letting him live after Sohrib has knocked him to the ground
and has drawn his dagger to kill Rostam. Then in a later battle, Rostam does not let Sohrtb up in similar
circumstances, but quickly delivers a fatal dagger blow. Does it matter that the movie does not remain
faithful to t h e S h d h n h e h story in these regards?

7. In the movie, we see Ferdowsi writing a version of the story in which Sohrib defeats his father and then
changing his mind and discarding that draft of the tale's conclusion. We then see a version which ends with
Sohrib on the ground and the screen goes black just as Rostam is about to stab his son to death. What
reasons can have prompted Director Saied Ghahari to depict the poet Ferdowsi and the two versions of the
end of the story when none of this material appears in Ferdowsi's Shdhnbmeh?

8. Do the many differences between Ferdowsi's story and the movie suggest any particular insight into the
Iranian orientation or world view of the movie's director? In other words, does Saied Ghahari create
his specific modem story of Sohrsb and Rostam because he is a particular son of 2lst-century heir to Iranian
history and culture not living in Iran?

9. If you were making a movie out of the story of Rostam and Sohrfib and one of those two characters had to
die at the hands of the other, would your movie end in patricide or filicide? How would your culture or your
age or both figure in your choice?

10. In light of the movie's plot and outcome, how do you interpret Ghahari's title The Rebirth of Rostanr?

814. For intermediate reading and listening practice, Dunwoody Press offers the following Persian readers and
textbooks by Michael Craig Hillmann, all presenting authentic Persian texts, language notes or lessons, English
translations, and accompanying audio CDs: Persian Fiction Reader: Second Edition (2003), Persian Newspaper
Reader: Second Edition (2003). Reading Iran Reading Iranians: Second Edition Revised (2002). Persian Vocabulav
Acquisition-An Iirtermediate Reader and Guide to Word Form. and the Arabic Element in Persian: Second Edition
(2003), Persian Reading and Writing (2009), Persian Listenir~g(2009). and Persian Grammar a i ~ dVerbs (2009).