The Reflection of an Indo-Iranian Imagination on the Special Weapon of Warrior in Ferdowsi&#039;s Shahnameh

Mowlaee, Changiz

doi:10.22034/nf.2026.473189.1334

The Reflection of an Indo-Iranian Imagination on the Special Weapon of Warrior in Ferdowsi's Shahnameh

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Changiz Mowlaee

Department of Ancient Iranian Languages and Culture, Faculty of Persian Literature and foreign Languages, University of Tabriz, Tabriz.

10.22034/nf.2026.473189.1334

Abstract

This article offers an explanation on a verse from Ferdowsi's Shāhnāmeh that has yet to receive a persuasive interpretation. The verse in question is as follows:

پس پشتشان زال بــا کـــیقباد به یک دست آتش به یک دست باد

Some researchers have interpreted "fire" and "wind" as allusions to "swiftness and speed" imagining the second hemistich to describe the flanks of the Iranian army. Others have considered "fire" a metaphor for "sword" and "wind" a metaphor for Zāl's horse. However, these interpretations are not convincing. There is ample evidence showing that fire has long been considered a weapon used by worrier gods and heroes to combat darkness and evil forces. In our view, the theme and content of the verse reflect the same ancient belief that Zāl is armed with fire and wind to fight and destroy the Turanians, who represent the forces of evil in the Iranian national epic.

Keywords

Zāl

fire

thunderbolt

wind

mace

weapon

Subjects