This week we have Sudābeh—arguably the most notorious woman of the Shāhnāmeh! Sudābeh’s story has two parts. In the first she is cast in a very positive light, but in the second she is definitely the villain. So, buckle up & let’s go!
Sudābeh (Sudāveh) is the princess of Hāmāvarān. After winning 2 wars against the King of Hāmāvarān, the Iranian king Keykāvus hears of his nemesis’ beautiful daughter & asks for her hand. Her father is reluctant, but Sudābeh is down af so he agrees, & she & Kāvus get hitched. 💍
The couple return to Iran in pomp & glory, but soon after the King of Hāmāvarān invites his now son-in-law back to Hāmāvarān for a partay. Sudābeh warns Kāvus that it’s a trap, but he’s an idiot & says that a man should never take advice from a woman. LOLZ #famouslastwords
Kāvus returns to Hāmāvarān and sure enough 3 days later his a** is in jail. The King of Hāmāvarān then sends his womenfolk to bring Sudābeh back home. She, however, will not have ANY of it & says she’d rather be imprisoned w/ the man she loves than to return home.
The King becomes angry & throws Sudābeh in prison too. There, she tends to Kāvus day & night. Soon Rostam (who else) comes to the rescue, defeats the King of Hāmāvarān, & triumphantly returns Kāvus & Sudābeh to Iran. Kāvus exalts Sudābeh’s station & vows his undying love to her.
Such a beautiful story of love and sacrifice, right? What could POSSIBLY go wrong???
Come back on Thursday to find out! 😉
Images:
1, 3, and 4: Hamid Rahmanian, Shahnameh: The Epic of the Persian Kings (this is a really beautiful work available for purchase online, if you’re interested)
2: Shahnama of Shah Tahmasp, Folio 130r, Metropolitan Museum
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