Darab Nama
Encyclopedia
The Darab Nama is a Persian
prose romance, written by the 12th-century writer Abu Taher Muhammad, in which the adventures of the Kayanid
Iranian King Darab are recounted.
. Homay, gives birth to Darab, but he sets him afloat in a box on the Euphrates
. By the age of 13, Darab has already proven his power and youth. He is told by the launderer that he was found and sets out to find his true parents. Finally, he meets his mother and they are reconciled. However, it was not yet time for Darab to assume the throne, so he sets off on series of adventures in the land and sea.
In Oman
, he falls in love with a queen Tamrusia who was widowed and was of Greek
origin. They flee Oman together by ships for the islands of Greece
. The lovers encounter many obstacles including the storms of the sea, talismans, cannibals and sea monsters. But through prophetic dreams, magical cures, divine intervention and the heroic acts of Darab, they are saved. However, circumstances separate the two, and Darab who is now thirty years old, reaches an island. In the island, he marries the former king's daughter and is crowned king. Meanwhile, Tamrusiya meets her brother Mehrasb, and they undergo adventures in the Greek islands. Circumstances lead to their separation and Mehrasb marries a mermaid (Dokhtar-e-Abi). Four year later, Tamrusiya returns to the sea. Mehrasb also sets sail, reaching an island of one-eyed people. Mehabs becomes their king and marries Gowharasa, the former king’s widow, whose sister Zankalisa has married Darab. Gowharasa dies, and Mehrasb kills all her family.
When Darab learns of the massacre of the family of Gowharasa, he conquers the island and takes Mehrasb as prisoner. Tamrusia reaches Darab's island, and they get married. Darab's other wife, Zankalisa, also arrives and kills her rival, but a new born son of Tamrusia survives. Darab names this son by his own name "Darab". Zankalisa later is poisoned by a snake bite and dies. Darab ad his son set out to return to Persia.
While passing through Oman, Darab leans that his mother Homay was defeated in the battle against the Caesar
of Rome, who is descendant from Shahnameh mythical hero Salm, the son of Fereydun
(a hero from the Shahnameh
). Thus the Caesar of Rome is also distantly related to Darab. Darab prepares to aid Homay, but before he can reach her, Homay is captured in Ray (ancient name for a part of modern Tehran
). Darab rescues her, and she turns the throne to him. Caesar of Rome is eventually captured and is held in Estakhr (a place in modern Fars province). Further fighting results in the defeat of Filqus, the brother of the Caesar. He is captured by Darab, and Darab demands his daughter Nahid (Old Persian Anahita
, which also meant Venus
) as a tribute.
Nahid and Darab are married, however Darab sends her back to her, because of her bad breath. However, Nahid is impregnated by Darab before being sent back. In secret, she gives birth to Alexander (Alexander the Great). In order to avoid a scandal, she lives him on a mountain where Aristotle
has his retreats. Alexander the Great is found by an old woman, who takes care of him, nourishes him and rears him under the supervision of Aristotle
. At the same time, Darab passes away and his son, also named Darab becomes king of Persia.
Alexander the Great at this time stars his conquest of Persia, and he and Darab (the son), who are half-brothers, finally meet on the battle field. Darab is killed during this battle, and while dying, Alexander comes to see him. One of the last requests of Darab before dying was that Alexander marry his daughter, Rowshanak (also named Buran-Dokht). However, Rowshanak (compare to Roxanna in Greek sources for an Iranian princess married by Alexander) is not happy about this marriage. Rowshanak, being a warrior and warlike woman herself, raises an army to do battle against Alexander. Battle rages in several places from Aleppo
to Estakhr in Fars. Alexander finally captures Rowshanak. She again refuses to marry him and escapes from Alexander. Subsequently, after more fighting around Estakhar, Alexander surprises Rowshanak while she is bathing. Finally, she agrees to marry Alexander.
After they are married, Alexander installs Rowshanak as the queen of Persia and sets off for other lands. His primary aim now is conversing with sages and seeking the Water of Life (foundation of youth where whoever drinks from it lives forever). He first sets off to India
where he encounters the Indian King Kaydavar.with, or aided by, water. This king resists Alexander so strongly that he is forced to send Rowshanak fore reinforcement. Rowshanak leaders a Persian army into India and captures Kaydavar. Rowshanak continues to aid Alexander in other missions, particularly against wizardry and magic. This is due to the fact that she is divinely protected against natural hazards. In India
Rowshanak and Alexandar have several adventures where she is aided by the water. After the campaign in India, Alexander sets sail for the Arabian peninsula]]. He passess through Mecca
and pasuses in Egypt
. In Egypt
, Rowshanak and her part way and they do not meet again. Rowshanak returns to Persia and Alexander heads west in search of the Water of Life. The story ends when Alexandar dies in Jerusalem and Rowshanak dies shortly after in Persia.
Persian language
Persian is an Iranian language within the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages. It is primarily spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and countries which historically came under Persian influence...
prose romance, written by the 12th-century writer Abu Taher Muhammad, in which the adventures of the Kayanid
Kayanian dynasty
The Kayanian, also Kays or Kayanids or Kaianids, are a dynasty of Greater Iranian tradition and folklore. Considered collectively, the Kayanian kings are the heroes of the Avesta, the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, and of the Shahnameh, Iran's national epic.As an epithet of kings and the reason...
Iranian King Darab are recounted.
Author
Not much is known about the author. His full name is given as Abu Taher Mohammad ben Hasan ben 'Ali ben Musa Tarsusi (or Tartusi).Story
The story, written in prose, is about the adventures of the legendary king Darab, the son of Bahman, and Homay. Homay is the daughter of king Sam Čarash of EgyptEgypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
. Homay, gives birth to Darab, but he sets him afloat in a box on the Euphrates
Euphrates
The Euphrates is the longest and one of the most historically important rivers of Western Asia. Together with the Tigris, it is one of the two defining rivers of Mesopotamia...
. By the age of 13, Darab has already proven his power and youth. He is told by the launderer that he was found and sets out to find his true parents. Finally, he meets his mother and they are reconciled. However, it was not yet time for Darab to assume the throne, so he sets off on series of adventures in the land and sea.
In Oman
Oman
Oman , officially called the Sultanate of Oman , is an Arab state in southwest Asia on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and Yemen to the southwest. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea on the...
, he falls in love with a queen Tamrusia who was widowed and was of Greek
Greeks
The Greeks, also known as the Hellenes , are a nation and ethnic group native to Greece, Cyprus and neighboring regions. They also form a significant diaspora, with Greek communities established around the world....
origin. They flee Oman together by ships for the islands of Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
. The lovers encounter many obstacles including the storms of the sea, talismans, cannibals and sea monsters. But through prophetic dreams, magical cures, divine intervention and the heroic acts of Darab, they are saved. However, circumstances separate the two, and Darab who is now thirty years old, reaches an island. In the island, he marries the former king's daughter and is crowned king. Meanwhile, Tamrusiya meets her brother Mehrasb, and they undergo adventures in the Greek islands. Circumstances lead to their separation and Mehrasb marries a mermaid (Dokhtar-e-Abi). Four year later, Tamrusiya returns to the sea. Mehrasb also sets sail, reaching an island of one-eyed people. Mehabs becomes their king and marries Gowharasa, the former king’s widow, whose sister Zankalisa has married Darab. Gowharasa dies, and Mehrasb kills all her family.
When Darab learns of the massacre of the family of Gowharasa, he conquers the island and takes Mehrasb as prisoner. Tamrusia reaches Darab's island, and they get married. Darab's other wife, Zankalisa, also arrives and kills her rival, but a new born son of Tamrusia survives. Darab names this son by his own name "Darab". Zankalisa later is poisoned by a snake bite and dies. Darab ad his son set out to return to Persia.
While passing through Oman, Darab leans that his mother Homay was defeated in the battle against the Caesar
Caesar (title)
Caesar is a title of imperial character. It derives from the cognomen of Julius Caesar, the Roman dictator...
of Rome, who is descendant from Shahnameh mythical hero Salm, the son of Fereydun
Fereydun
Fereydūn also pronounced Farīdūn or Afrīdūn , also called Apam Napat, "Son of the Waters", is the name of an Iranian mythical king and hero who is an emblem of victory, justice and generosity in the Persian literature.-Etymology:All of the forms of...
(a hero from the Shahnameh
Shahnameh
The Shahnameh or Shah-nama is a long epic poem written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi between c.977 and 1010 AD and is the national epic of Iran and related societies...
). Thus the Caesar of Rome is also distantly related to Darab. Darab prepares to aid Homay, but before he can reach her, Homay is captured in Ray (ancient name for a part of modern Tehran
Tehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
). Darab rescues her, and she turns the throne to him. Caesar of Rome is eventually captured and is held in Estakhr (a place in modern Fars province). Further fighting results in the defeat of Filqus, the brother of the Caesar. He is captured by Darab, and Darab demands his daughter Nahid (Old Persian Anahita
Anahita
Anahita is the Old Persian form of the name of an Iranian goddess and appears in complete and earlier form as ' ; the Avestan language name of an Indo-Iranian cosmological figure venerated as the divinity of 'the Waters' and hence associated with fertility, healing and wisdom...
, which also meant Venus
Venus
Venus is the second planet from the Sun, orbiting it every 224.7 Earth days. The planet is named after Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. After the Moon, it is the brightest natural object in the night sky, reaching an apparent magnitude of −4.6, bright enough to cast shadows...
) as a tribute.
Nahid and Darab are married, however Darab sends her back to her, because of her bad breath. However, Nahid is impregnated by Darab before being sent back. In secret, she gives birth to Alexander (Alexander the Great). In order to avoid a scandal, she lives him on a mountain where Aristotle
Aristotle
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. His writings cover many subjects, including physics, metaphysics, poetry, theater, music, logic, rhetoric, linguistics, politics, government, ethics, biology, and zoology...
has his retreats. Alexander the Great is found by an old woman, who takes care of him, nourishes him and rears him under the supervision of Aristotle
Aristotle
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. His writings cover many subjects, including physics, metaphysics, poetry, theater, music, logic, rhetoric, linguistics, politics, government, ethics, biology, and zoology...
. At the same time, Darab passes away and his son, also named Darab becomes king of Persia.
Alexander the Great at this time stars his conquest of Persia, and he and Darab (the son), who are half-brothers, finally meet on the battle field. Darab is killed during this battle, and while dying, Alexander comes to see him. One of the last requests of Darab before dying was that Alexander marry his daughter, Rowshanak (also named Buran-Dokht). However, Rowshanak (compare to Roxanna in Greek sources for an Iranian princess married by Alexander) is not happy about this marriage. Rowshanak, being a warrior and warlike woman herself, raises an army to do battle against Alexander. Battle rages in several places from Aleppo
Aleppo
Aleppo is the largest city in Syria and the capital of Aleppo Governorate, the most populous Syrian governorate. With an official population of 2,301,570 , expanding to over 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, it is also one of the largest cities in the Levant...
to Estakhr in Fars. Alexander finally captures Rowshanak. She again refuses to marry him and escapes from Alexander. Subsequently, after more fighting around Estakhar, Alexander surprises Rowshanak while she is bathing. Finally, she agrees to marry Alexander.
After they are married, Alexander installs Rowshanak as the queen of Persia and sets off for other lands. His primary aim now is conversing with sages and seeking the Water of Life (foundation of youth where whoever drinks from it lives forever). He first sets off to India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
where he encounters the Indian King Kaydavar.with, or aided by, water. This king resists Alexander so strongly that he is forced to send Rowshanak fore reinforcement. Rowshanak leaders a Persian army into India and captures Kaydavar. Rowshanak continues to aid Alexander in other missions, particularly against wizardry and magic. This is due to the fact that she is divinely protected against natural hazards. In India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
Rowshanak and Alexandar have several adventures where she is aided by the water. After the campaign in India, Alexander sets sail for the Arabian peninsula]]. He passess through Mecca
Mecca
Mecca is a city in the Hijaz and the capital of Makkah province in Saudi Arabia. The city is located inland from Jeddah in a narrow valley at a height of above sea level...
and pasuses in Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
. In Egypt
Egypt
Egypt , officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, Arabic: , is a country mainly in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge in Southwest Asia. Egypt is thus a transcontinental country, and a major power in Africa, the Mediterranean Basin, the Middle East and the Muslim world...
, Rowshanak and her part way and they do not meet again. Rowshanak returns to Persia and Alexander heads west in search of the Water of Life. The story ends when Alexandar dies in Jerusalem and Rowshanak dies shortly after in Persia.
See also
- List of Persian poets and authors
- Persian literaturePersian literaturePersian literature spans two-and-a-half millennia, though much of the pre-Islamic material has been lost. Its sources have been within historical Persia including present-day Iran as well as regions of Central Asia where the Persian language has historically been the national language...
- Alexander the Great