Story Summary
Explore the Persian epic of Bizhan and Manizheh, a forbidden romance between an Iranian hero and a Turanian princess rescued by the legendary hero Rostam.
When the people of Irman sought help against a plague of wild boars, the young Iranian hero Bizhan volunteered. After successfully hunting the beasts, his companion Gurgin, driven by envy, tempted him to visit the beautiful gardens of Turan. There, Bizhan met Manizheh, the daughter of the Turanian King Afrasiyab. The two fell instantly in love, and Manizheh took Bizhan back to her palace in secret. However, Afrasiyab soon discovered the intruder. Infuriated by this forbidden romance, he cast Bizhan into a deep pit, covered by a massive stone from the demon Akwan Div, and exiled Manizheh to live as a beggar beside the pit. For years, Manizheh faithfully fed Bizhan through a small gap. Eventually, the great hero Rostam traveled to Turan disguised as a merchant. He located the pit, tossed the stone aside with his legendary strength, and rescued Bizhan. The lovers were reunited and fled to Iran, proving that even the strongest walls and deepest pits cannot extinguish the flame of true devotion.
The Moral
True love and loyalty can survive even the darkest trials, and the bond of devotion is stronger than the enmity of nations.
“Love is the light that pierces even the deepest pit of despair.”
Fun Fact
The story of Bizhan and Manizheh is unique in the Shahnameh for its romantic focus and for Manizheh's active role as a heroine who saves her lover's life through her persistence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Bizhan and Manizheh?
The moral is that love and loyalty are powerful enough to transcend political boundaries and survive extreme hardship. It emphasizes that devotion can sustain the spirit even in the deepest despair.
Who rescued Bizhan from the pit?
Bizhan was rescued by Rostam, the greatest hero of the Shahnameh. Rostam entered Turan in the guise of a wealthy merchant to find the location of the hidden pit and used his superhuman strength to remove the stone.
In which famous book is the story of Bizhan and Manizheh found?
The story is a prominent episode in the Shahnameh, or 'Book of Kings,' which is the national epic of Greater Iran written by the poet Ferdowsi.
Why was Bizhan imprisoned by King Afrasiyab?
King Afrasiyab imprisoned Bizhan because he was an Iranian hero who had entered Turan—a rival kingdom—and engaged in a secret, forbidden romance with the King's daughter, Manizheh.
How did Manizheh help Bizhan while he was in the pit?
After being exiled from the palace, Manizheh stayed by the pit and begged for food during the day, which she then passed down to Bizhan through a small opening to keep him alive.
Who is the antagonist in the story of Bizhan and Manizheh?
The primary antagonist is King Afrasiyab of Turan, though the story also features Gurgin, the jealous Iranian companion who initially led Bizhan into the trap.
