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The Love Story of Zal and Rudabeh
The Love Story of Zal and Rudabeh retells a gentle chapter of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh in English and Persian. Zal, the white-haired young warrior, and Rudabeh, daughter of Mehrab of Kabul, want to marry, but their families and King Manuchehr stand in the way. Letters, an army at Kabul’s gates and a test of Zal’s wisdom follow before Rudabeh’s mother Sindokht helps bring peace. 90-page PDF.
A Shahnameh story where words, patience and a brave mother win the day
Not every Shahnameh tale is about battles. The Love Story of Zal and Rudabeh begins in a moonlit garden, where Mehrab tells his wife Sindokht and their daughter Rudabeh about Zal: brave, strong, and white-haired even though he is young. Rudabeh soon meets him, and both know at once that their fathers and the king may not approve.
What follows is a story of solving problems with letters and courage. Zal writes to his father Sam; Sam’s army marches toward Kabul and Rudabeh asks why innocent people should suffer for their love; Sam writes to King Manuchehr, who tests Zal before deciding. Sindokht rides out with gifts to plead for her family. Short passages in English and Persian sit beside full-page pictures.
At a glance
Inside the story
The story
Two young people from families on opposite sides, and the long road to their wedding.
What children learn
Talking instead of fighting, keeping promises, and the courage of speaking up for others, as Sindokht does.
Shahnameh characters
Zal, Rudabeh, Sam, Mehrab, Sindokht and King Manuchehr, with a mention of the Simurgh who raised Zal.
Good for
Families who want a Shahnameh story without heavy violence.
Reading it together
- Read a few pages a night, first in English and then in Persian.
- Ask your child to count the letters sent in the story, and who wrote each one.
- Talk about Sindokht: what did she risk, and why did it work?
- Find the meaning of the name Rudabeh and other names from the story on the free Persian names page.
Who this book is for
A good fit if you
- want a calm introduction to the Shahnameh
- like stories where problems are solved with words
- want your child to meet the parents of Rostam before his adventures
Look elsewhere if you
- want Rostam’s battles and monsters; Rostam Seven Trials is the action-packed choice
- are looking for a non-Persian fairy tale; The Little Mermaid is another love story in two languages
Read next
- Nozar’s Kingdom: an older Zal defends Kabul after Sam’s death.
- Farsi Children Books Bundle: the Shahnameh series and other kids books.
Common questions
Is this from the Shahnameh?
Yes. Zal and Rudabeh’s story is one of the most loved chapters of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. This book retells it simply for children.
Is a love story right for children?
Yes. It is about two families learning to accept each other, and it ends in a wedding. There is nothing more than a respectful meeting and kind words.
Does my child need to read Persian already?
No. Each passage is also in English, so a parent can read the Persian aloud while the child follows.
What do I get after I buy?
A 90-page PDF, ready to download right after checkout, for a tablet or computer or for printing at home.
Is there a paperback?
Yes, a printed paperback is on Amazon. This page offers the PDF.
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