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PODCAST

Shahnameh Quest

Rug Entertainment

Hosted by Arsalan Akhavan, Shahnameh Quest is a journey through the Persian Book of Kings, one story at a time. Featuring accessible retellings in English, with occasional commentary and bonus episodes.

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All Episodes

5:16

Season 1 Finale: The Turanian Menace

Shahnameh Quest ·

2026/02/08

Arsalan concludes Season 1, marking the transition from the Shahnameh’s Mythical Age to the Heroic Age and foreshadowing the rise of Iran’s arch nemesis, Afrasiyab of Turan.

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4:37

King Manuchehr's Parting Wisdom

Shahnameh Quest ·

2026/02/01

Arsalan retells the final moments of King Manuchehr's life and reign, and how he passes the throne to his son, Prince Nowzar.

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6:47

Rostam Takes Mount Sepand

Shahnameh Quest ·

2026/01/25

Arsalan retells how young Rostam conquers Mount Sepand, avenging the death of his great-grandfather General Nariman.

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3:59

Rostam vs. the White Elephant

Shahnameh Quest ·

2026/01/18

Arsalan retells the story of Rostam's first fight, in which the young hero faces off against a rogue white elephant threatening the city.

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4:45

Rostam Meets His Grandfathers

Shahnameh Quest ·

2026/01/11

Arsalan retells how Baby Rostam grows into a mighty young warrior and meets his grandfathers, Sam and King Mehrab, for the first time.

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7:31

Rostam's Birth

Shahnameh Quest ·

2026/01/04

Arsalan retells the glorious birth of Rostam, Iran’s greatest future hero, after his mother Rudabeh is saved from life-threatening labor by Zal and the magical Simorgh.

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2:52

Commentary: We're 10% Through the Shahnameh

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/12/28

Arsalan marks the 10% milestone through the Shahnameh, inviting listeners to reflect on favourite stories, surprising insights, and questions the podcast has sparked along the way.

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37:27

The Love Story of Zal & Rudabeh

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/12/21

In this special episode, Arsalan retells the legendary love of Zal and Rudabeh, who bravely navigate family tensions and the threat of all-out war to triumph over prejudice and unite in a glorious marriage.

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6:13

Princess Rudabeh of Kabul

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/12/14

Arsalan retells the introduction of Princess Rudabeh of Kabul and how she first falls in love with Zal of Iran, sight unseen.

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4:52

From Zabol to Kabul: Zal the Diplomat

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/12/07

Arsalan retells Zal’s diplomatic visit to Kabul and his meeting with King Mehrab, where he first hears of Mehrab’s daughter, the enchanting Princess Rudabeh.

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7:46

Zal Becomes Ruler of Zabolistan

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/11/30

Arsalan retells Zal’s return to his home province of Zabolistan, his audience with King Manuchehr, and his destined rise to becoming a legendary hero.

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3:19

Commentary: Simorgh's Feather

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/11/23

Arsalan explores the narrative and symbolic significance of the Simorgh’s feather in the Shahnameh and its enduring place in Iranian culture.

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11:27

Zal, Sam, and the Simorgh

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/11/16

Arsalan retells how the majestic Simorgh raises Zal in her nest and guides him to a reunion with his father Sam after gifting him one of her magical feathers.

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4:40

Baby Zal's Abandonment & Rescue

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/11/09

Arsalan retells the bittersweet story of how Baby Zal is cast away by Sam and saved by the magnificent Simorgh on the summit of Mount Alborz.

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3:44

King Manuchehr's First Speech

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/11/02

Arsalan retells Manuchehr’s first speech, emphasising his devotion to God and his mission to uphold Fereydoun’s fight against evil.

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4:30

Commentary: Fereydoun as a Symbol of Virtue

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/10/26

Arsalan recaps the full arc of Fereydoun's story and examines his impact as a symbolic character representing many of the Shahnameh's core themes

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4:00

King Fereydoun's Eternal Rest

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/10/19

Arsalan retells King Fereydoun’s final days, Manuchehr’s coronation, and the blessed legacy of one of the Shahnameh's most beloved kings.

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18:05

Bonus: How We're Reuniting the Shahnameh of Shah...

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/10/12

In this special bonus episode, Arsalan summarises the riveting art history saga of the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasb from it's creation through the present day, where he and his mother Dr. Zahra Faridany-Akhavan are leading a major cultural initiative to digitally reassemble the masterpiece.

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6:33

Battle: Manuchehr vs. Salm & Tur, Part 3 of 3

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/10/05

Arsalan retells the thrilling final chapter of this battle trilogy, where Prince Manuchehr defeats Zahhak’s great-grandson Kakhuy and finally delivers justice to the evil Salm.

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8:06

Battle: Manuchehr vs. Salm & Tur, Part 2 of 3

Shahnameh Quest ·

2025/09/28

Arsalan retells the story of how Prince Manuchehr's generals Qaran and Shiruy outwit Salm's guards to successfully ambush and destroy his seaside fortress, setting the stage for Salm's inevitable fall.

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