For centuries Iran hosted numerous travellers and visitors of diverse nationalities and backgrounds. Many of these travellers left behind documents in which they recorded their observations during their residence in Iran, and these embody a vast range of firsthand information about the land and its people at different periods of time. This book, first published in 1990, takes as its subjects the nature and history of Iranian folk narrative scholarship. The contributions of travellers are given their due recognition as important source documents.

A collection of fifty-eight traditional Persian folktales and legends translated from Kermānī and Bakhtīarī, including a guide to the pronunciation of Persian words and a glossary.

Unveil the Mystical and Timeless Tales of Ancient Persia Step into a realm where legendary heroes clash in epic battles, where the longest night of the year unveils ancient secrets, and where the wisdom of a serpent queen can alter the fate of an entire kingdom. Folk Tales from Iran: Timeless Iranian Stories of Wisdom, Magic, Tragic Heroes, and Legendary Folk Tales of Persia invites you on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Persian culture, with stories that have been cherished for generations. In this captivating first volume, discover the profound and enchanting tales that have shaped the cultural landscape of Iran. From the tragic conflict between Rostam and Sohrab, a father and son bound by destiny, to the mystical Tale of Yalda Night, where light and darkness dance in the shadows of the longest night, each story in this collection offers a unique glimpse into the values, beliefs, and imagination of the Persian people. A Treasure Trove of Timeless Wisdom These stories are more than just entertainment—they are the distilled essence of human experience, brimming with profound knowledge and timeless teachings. Folk Tales from Iran is a pleasure to read, filled with universal themes of bravery, cleverness, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Perfect for readers of all ages, these tales serve as a bridge to understanding the rich cultural heritage of Iran, offering valuable lessons that resonate across generations. Folk tales are the foundation of human storytelling. Understanding a culture is best done through the stories it tells, and in this volume, you will find a rich tapestry of Persian tradition, ready to be passed down and cherished. Our mission is to preserve this invaluable cultural inheritance, ensuring that these stories continue to inspire and teach for generations to come. A Must-Have for Any Library or Bookshelf We envision this collection as a treasure that any library or bookshelf can hold and pass on to future generations—so they too can be inspired by the timeless wisdom of our ancestors' stories. Whether you are a lover of mythology, a seeker of ancient wisdom, or a parent wanting to introduce your children to the wonders of Persian folklore, this book is an essential addition to your collection. Key Features: Epic Persian Legends: Immerse yourself in the rich folklore of Iran, with stories that capture the essence of the country’s cultural and mythological heritage. Perfect for All Ages: With stories that are as entertaining as they are educational, this collection is suitable for readers young and old, offering something for everyone. Cultural Insight: Gain a deeper understanding of Iranian culture and values through interpretations and analyses of the folk tales that have shaped the nation’s identity. Beautifully Crafted: Designed to be a timeless keepsake, this book is a treasure that will enhance any personal library or bookshelf. Folk Tales from Iran is more than just a book; it’s a journey into the heart of a culture, a celebration of the art of storytelling, and a preservation of a priceless cultural heritage. Add this volume to your collection today and become a part of the timeless tradition of folk tales that continue to inspire and teach us about the world and ourselves.

Retells a tale from an ancient Persian epic of the way a young boy avenged his father's death and won a major battle almost single-handedly.

The Shah Nameh (The Book of Kings), The Rubaiyat, The Divan, and The Gulistan (The Flower Garden) are amongst the greatest works of Persia, containing some of the most beautiful, rich and diverse language in the literary world. They rival Dante's Divine Comedy, India's Mahabharata, Sumeria's Epic of Gilgamesh and China's Dream of Red Mansions in their cultural impact, bringing to life the tales, myths and philosophy of ancient and high-medieval Persia. A fabulous concoction of verse and prose, these classical Persian texts offer stories of creation, love, conquest and the simple joy of life. The Flame Tree Gothic Fantasy, Classic Stories and Epic Tales collections bring together the entire range of myth, folklore and modern short fiction. Highlighting the roots of suspense, supernatural, science fiction and mystery stories, the books in Flame Tree Collections series are beautifully presented, perfect as a gift and offer a lifetime of reading pleasure.

Iran has mountains striped with snow, dense forests where bears and lynxes still roam, deserts, bazaars...but above all it has stories - of fairies and demons, of a monstrous metal eagle called the okab, of romantic cockroaches and foolish weavers. During her travels, Elizabeth Laird has gathered a wealth of stories, and here she retells, in her own inimitable style, some of Iran's best, with delightfully offbeat illustrations from Shirin Adl. Praise for A Fistful of Pearls and Other Tales from Iraq: 'Its baddies are wolves and thieves; its stories are fabulous.' The Daily Telegraph

The traditional tales and stories of ancient Iran, which occupied a vast area of Central Asia, describe confrontations between good and evil, the victories of the gods, and the exploits of heroes and fabulous supernatural creatures such as the magical bird Simergh and the dev or black demons. Much of our information about Iran's pre-Islamic past comes from the holy book of the Zoroastrian religion, the Avesta, which was not written down in its present form until the thirteenth or fourteenth century A.D. but dates back originally to between 1400 and 1200 B.C. As well as the words of the prophet Zoroaster and stories about the wise lord Ahura Mazda, it also incorporates earlier pagan myths which reappear in the Shahnameh (Book of Kings), a magnificent epic in rhyme complete in A.D. 1010 by the poet Firdausi and featuring his most famous hero, Rustam. Dr. Curtis draws upon all of these sources to retell for modern readers the stirring legends of ancient Iran, which have inspired centuries of manuscript illustrations.

Tomie dePaola matches his storytelling talent with the richly patterned artwork of Claire Ewart to provide a tale that brings magnificent detail and feeling to this Middle Eastern fable of loss overcome by art. Full color.