Shahnameh Quest

Arsalan retells how Kay Kavus's foolish invasion of Mazandaran forces Zal to send Rostam out to undertake his Seven Trials and rescue the blinded Iranian king. 

Arsalan retells the slaughter of Mazandaran by the Iranian army led by Kay Kavus, and the ruthless retaliation by the White Deev to punish Kay Kavus for his foolish invasion attempt. 

Arsalan retells the tense exchange between Zal of Zabolistan and Kay Kavus over the wisdom of attacking Mazandaran, the land of the divs, as Zal's counsel clashes with the king's pride.

Arsalan retells the mysterious visit of the Musician of Mazandaran, whose song to Kay Kavus compels the Iranian king to invade the land of the deevs.

Arsalan retells Ferdowsi’s prelude to the reign of Kay Kavus, and the ominous early moments of the new king’s reign, when a strange-looking musician from Mazandaran approaches to play a song about his homeland.

Arsalan retells the final days of Kay Qobad’s reign, culminating in a stern warning to his eldest son and successor to the throne, Kay Kavus, about the dangers of allowing desire to corrupt the mind.

Arsalan retells the celebrations led by Kay Qobad and the great rewards he bestows upon Iran’s heroes and warriors following King Pashang of Turan’s total surrender.

Arsalan retells the dramatic appeal Afrasiyab makes to his father, King Pashang of Turan, begging him to make peace with the Iranians and prevent Rostam’s unstoppable wrath.

Arsalan reflects on the human impact of Rostam’s defeat of Afrasiyab and prepares listeners to experience its aftermath from the Turanian perspective.

Arsalan retells the dramatic first clash between Rostam and Afrasiyab, and how the Iranian hero leads Iran to victory, sending the invading army into a crushing, humiliating retreat.