Shahnameh

The Epic of the Persian kings, Part 1

By: Ferdowsi

Narrated by: Marc Thompson, Francis Ford Coppola - introduction

Part I: Epic & Mythological Traditions

Introduction by Francis Ford Coppola

Put on your headphones, fasten your seatbelt, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the ancient soundscape of Persian heroes, lovers, and legends. Step into Shahnameh (Chapters 1-15 in Shahnameh: The Epic of the Persian Kings) — the millennium-old epic of the Iranian plateau.

This masterful translation brings legendary heroes, tragic destinies, sweeping romances, colossal monsters, and fearless warriors vividly to life, unfolding a mythic saga that spans thousands of years. Originally composed as an 11th-century epic poem, Shahnameh endures as one of the world’s greatest masterpieces of mythology and storytelling. Performed by award-winning voice actor Marc Thompson and enriched with evocative sound design by Hamid Rahmanian, creator of the Shahnameh Project, this theatrical audiobook is truly cinema for the ear. It features four grand tragedies and four unforgettable love stories, immersing listeners in a world of fate, valor, and passion.

Listen to Part II: Historical Traditions (Chapters 16-27) in Shahnameh: The Epic of the Persian Kings) on Audible. About: Abu al-Qasem Ferdowsi (940–1020 CE), composed the ancient legends of Shahnameh in verse. It is the longest poem written by a single poet. A combination of myth and history told over 50,000 couplets, Ferdowsi dedicated 33 years of his life to writing the Shahnameh and intended it to protect Persian collective memory and its language amid a turbulent sea of cultural storms. This celebrated work traces the storied history of the Iranian people, beginning with the origin myths of civilization and ending with the Arab Conquest of Iran in the seventh century.

Shahnameh: The Epic of the Persian Kings. Translation and adaptation by Ahmad Sadri. Published by Liveright, Distributed by W. W. Norton & Company. ISBN: 978-1-63149-446-8

©2013 Hamid Rahmanian (P)2017 Hamid Rahmanian

Critic reviews

"Creating this audiobook breathes new life into the Shahnameh stories. It is an immersive experience, making these ancient tales tangible for those who are new to these incredible heroic stories and a delight for those already familiar with the poem" (Francis Ford Coppola)

Incredible

I first encountered the Shahnameh through an art history class in which we studied images from the Shah Tahmasp Shahnameh, and I was blown away by the art. A few years later I came across a video of the pop-up book Zahhak the Legend of the Serpent King, which was again one of the most beautiful books I've ever seen. I wanted to experience the full story, and was thrilled when I learned of this audiobook. Where the former two books are feasts for the eyes, this is a banquet for the ears. I highly recommend giving it a listen.

Shahnameh

fantastic in all aspects - the story was put together in a fluid and engaging manner.

The most epic epic!

An amazing story, some facts with a ton of folklore! But the highlight of this audiobook is the narrator. His way of storytelling pulls you in, the way the Persian version does. I just wish I had a cheat sheet of the various family trees. At one point, there were so many people discussed that I lost track of who was Iranian and who was Turanian. I can't wait to share this version with my kids when they're old enough for some of the adult content.

Absolutely awesome

The stories in this epic are no less interesting and entertaining than those of the ancient greeks or the medieval epics of Europe. Its filled with heros, monsters, wars, treachery, politics and battles.Absolutely worth a listen if you want to hear the important works of history.

But the highest praise has to go to the narrator. Wow! I've never heard anyone put so much effort and theatrical talent into an audiobook. When characters are enraged, the narrator is enraged too. When the characters are distraught with sadness, he is too. Every character has a distinct voice. I really can't praise him enough. I also liked the sound effects. Not too much, just enough to aid your imagination. The music at the end of chapters was beautiful too.

Just perfect!

Everything from the translation, the narrator, to the background music and sounds are just done in perfection. It’s captivating and just draws you in. Simply loved it! Thank you …