Sīyāvash: Qesseh-hā-ye Shāhnāmeh 6 Persian 2025

The story of Siavash is one of the most poignant and profound narratives in the Shahnameh—the tragic fate of a pure-hearted prince who becomes a victim of deceit and injustice.

Siavash, the son of Kay Kavus, is marked from childhood by signs of hardship and a difficult destiny. He is sent to be raised by Rostam, who trains him with fatherly devotion—teaching him archery, horsemanship, ethics, and wisdom. When Siavash returns to the royal court as a young man, he is confronted with a painful conspiracy: Sudabeh, the king’s wife, becomes infatuated with him, and when Siavash rejects her immoral advances, she falsely accuses him.

To reveal the truth, a trial by fire is arranged. With a clear conscience, Siavash rides his horse through the flames and emerges unharmed, proving his innocence and astonishing all who witness it. Yet this marks only the beginning of his long suffering—a path that ultimately leads him away from his homeland and toward his tragic death.

This new edition of The tale of Siyavash, illustrated by Mohammad-Ali Keshavarz and rewritten by Maziar Baghlani and Eilnaz Ebrahimi, is published by Barf Publishing for young readers.