The Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults has released an English edition of the story of Zal and Simorgh, from Shahnameh (Book of Kings), epic poem of Persian poet Ferdowsi (940-1020).
The translation is of a book written in Persian by children’s writer and poet Mostafa Rahmandoust in prose recounting Shahnameh’s story for children.
The book has been rendered into English by Siamak Mazloumi. The colored illustrations are works of Maneli Manouchehri, ISNA reported on its Persian website.
Zal, father of the main hero of Shahnameh, Rostam, is born an albino with hair similar to an old and ageing man. His snow-white hair is considered an ill omen where he is born. Zal’s father, Sam, feeling ashamed of the newborn’s strange appearance, abandons Zal in the mountains where the mythical bird Simorgh finds him and takes care of him until he grows into a strong and handsome young man.
One day, a passing caravan catches sight of the noble youth, “whose body was like a cypress tree, whose chest like a mountain of silver, and whose waist was as slim as a reed.” Reports of the event reach Sam, who deeply regrets abandoning his son.
Sam and his retinue arrive to find the young Zal perched on a mountain peak. At first Zal is reluctant to leave the only home he has ever known, but the magical bird convinces him to go with his father. When Zal is finally ready to go, Simorgh gives him two of her feathers and tells him to burn them whenever he needs her help.
