Persian Myths

Sarkhosh Curtis, Vesta. Persian Myths. 1998. 80p. ISBN 0-292-71158-1. Available at 299 CUR on the library shelves.

Occupying a strategic between India and China to the East and the Mediterranean world to the West, Iran has always been a land of conflict and contrast. Like other great civilizations before, the Iranians have foundational myths that explain the rise of the nation and the battles it had to fight to secure its existence. Traditional tales feature confrontation between holy kings and mighty heroes against armies led by evil men, demons and dragons. Supernatural creatures such as Simergh, a magical bird from the tallest mountain, or Rakhsh, the mightest horse of the hero Rustam, populate these tales and attempt to explain the world as it was.

The arrival of Islam in the seventh century saw a shift from Zoroastrianism to Islam, but the myths and legends of ancient Iran were too powerful to disappear and were instead coopted by the new religion. These tales, which include the original Thousands and One Night, were distributed orally through minstrels, storytellers and religious leaders, but were eventually documented in several books such as the Avesta, the holy book of the Zoroastrians, as well as the Shahnameh, the Book of Kings.

These myths and legends fueled Iranian art over more than six centuries and continue to provide inspiration for modern adaptations. Fans of myths will enjoy reading familiar tales of good versus evil in an unfamiliar setting, and will appreciate the rich culture of ancient Iran.

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood

Satrapi Marjane. Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood. 2003. 153p. ISBN 978-0-375-42230-0. Available in the graphic section of the library.

Marjane is an child and lives in an Iranian upper-income bourgeois family. For years the political climate in Iran has been deteriorating and people have been protesting in the streets. Her parents are politically active, and Marjane discovers that many people in her family have been imprisoned or executed by the Shah and his security service. When the government falls, however, it is replaced by an islamic republic where religion dictates every aspect of public life.

Soon, Marjane and her family’s life changes for the worse. Women must wear veils. Men must keep a beard and lose the necktie. War explodes between Iran and Iraq, and bombs and missiles are exchanged. Through it all, Marjane provides a running commentary on her society and the impact policies have on the people.

Presented as black-and-white comic, Persepolis illustrates one of the most important event of the 20th century that continues to affect American foreign policy to this day.