Ferdowsi’s International Message of Peace and a World without Violence

In Ferdowsi’s Shahnama narratives, in stylistic, literary illustration and imagination, the description of battle scenes are predominant, but in terms of theme, the main and prevalent message is avoiding violence and warning against extremism and massacre.Based on profound intuitive, mythical and Islamic philosophy, Ferdowsi in the narrative of Iraj prefers sustainable dialogue, understanding, peace, and non-violence and in continuation with that he highlights the need for justice and avoiding extremism in the reign of Jamshid, while citing the damages that may ensue as a result of ignoring moderation and humbleness in the second part of his life. As in the story of Fereidun, when the foundations for nationwide government of the great land of Iran is laid, he explains non-violence and avoidance of extremism both through Faranak, Fereidun’s mother, as well as in the course of the charter of governance of Fereidun. Still in a more concerted effort, non-violence and extremism are expressed by Sindokht in the story of the marriage of Zaal and Rudabeh. Finally Rostam, the symbol of Iranian heroism, is the result of non-violence and avoiding war between Iran and Kabul and the fruit of marriage of Zaal, reared by Simorgh legendary bird, with Rudabeh survivor of Zahhak generation. Ferdowsi displays this approach magnificently in the warp and woof of the story of Siavash and Kaykhosrow. Such an approach is even observable in the dialogue between Rostam and Esfandiar to highlight the need for non-violence and war. Finally, it can be said that Ferdowsi’s Shahnama is based on fundamental anthropological pillars due to its Iranian mystical foundations and hence the main themes of this magnum opus are man and his anxieties and concerns. These themes are not only observable throughout the mystical section, but also in the major epic sections.