about the translation
Shahnameh
By Josiane Cohanim
on translating an epic
This translation aims to bring the beauty and power of the Persian epic Shahnameh to modern English readers while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original Persian text. The goal has been to preserve the narrative strength, poetic tone, and cultural richness of Ferdowsi’s masterpiece while presenting it in clear and accessible English.Rather than translating word-for-word, the approach seeks to convey the meaning, rhythm, and imagery of the original verses so that the stories remain vivid and engaging for contemporary readers. Particular care has been taken to retain the epic atmosphere, the moral themes, and the historical and mythological depth that make the Shahnameh one of the great works of world literature.Notes and commentary are included where helpful to clarify historical references, cultural context, and names that may be unfamiliar to readers encountering Persian literature for the first time. This translation is part of an ongoing effort to share the literary heritage of Iran with a wider audience and to invite readers everywhere to experience the enduring power of Ferdowsi’s epic.
On translating persian concepts
Translating the Shahnameh also involves navigating concepts and linguistic structures that have no direct equivalents in English. Certain Persian terms—such as farr, kherrad, and ayeen—carry layers of cultural, philosophical, and historical meaning that cannot be captured by a single English word. Approximate translations are provided in footnotes and the glossary, but readers should remain aware that these terms retain meanings that extend beyond their English counterparts.
Structural differences between Persian and English present additional challenges. Classical Persian often omits explicit pronouns, which can lead to ambiguity when rendered literally in English. In this translation, particular care has been taken in such cases. Pronouns referring to Yazdan, the divine Creator, and to Sooroosh, the archangel, are intentionally withheld in order to preserve a tone of reverence. In the case of the Simorgh, the mystical bird, feminine pronouns are used to emphasize her nurturing and maternal qualities.
on the second edition
The second edition of Volume 1 also includes a comprehensive index designed to help readers locate characters, places, and themes throughout the text. Similar indexes will be included in subsequent volumes as they are completed.