Aghriras the Merciful

Commentary: The Pishdadian Dynasty

Arsalan marks the approaching end of the Pishdadian dynasty, reflecting on the significance of the Shahnameh's first lineage of kings and the transition that lies ahead.

King Zaav & the Famine That Ended a War

Arsalan retells King Zaav's brief reign and how a devastating famine unites the warring sides behind a common cause for peace, bringing about the conclusion to the first Turanian invasion of Iran.

The Election of King Zaav

Arsalan retells how Zal and Qaran seek out and elect Zaav, an Iranian elder, as the nation's new king to succeed the fallen King Nowzar, even as Afrasiyab of Turan still occupies the throne.

Afrasiyab Takes the Iranian Throne

Arsalan retells the crisis of leadership facing Iranians after Afrasiyab murders King Nowzar and seizes the Iranian throne.

Aghriras the Merciful

Arsalan retells the tale of Aghriras, the brother of Afrasiyab who defies his own nation to save 1200 Iranian nobles from execution and pays the ultimate price for his mercy.