An Examination and Explanation of Two Difficult Verses from the Story of Zal and Rudabeh in Shahnameh

Document Type : Research article

Author

Professor of Department of Persian language and literature, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

In the story of Zal and Rudabeh, Ferdowsi used a vehicle for the “nose”of Rudabeh, which appeared in three editions of the Shahnameh: “Simin Qalam”, “Tigh-e Dožam” and “Tighe Deram”, which has sparked debate among scholars. This article shows, with evidence, that the record of “Tigh-e Dožam” meaning “sharp and cutting blade”, in several manuscripts, is the more difficult and original record, and Ferdowsi presented her simile in the form of metaphor of identification (personification) and considered the “blade” as a person who is angry. In another verse from the same story, “from that silver dome, stretched on the ground/ prostrate on the mud the ambush lasso”, which is again a description of Rudabeh and its reading and reporting have been the subject of debate and disagreement, “gonbade-e sim is a metaphor for “sorin”(buttocks), and “Kamand-e Kamin” is a metaphor for Gisuye Boland(long hair) and “گل” should also be read “gel” so that the order and semantic sequence of the verse is correct. Rudabeh has spread her long hair, which is like a lasso that ambushes men, from her buttocks towards the ground.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Persian Language and Literature
Volume 79, Issue 253 - Serial Number 253
Spring–Summer 2026
July 2026
Pages 30-55

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 October 2025
  • Revise Date: 10 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 20 January 2026
  • Publish Date: 22 June 2026

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