Persian Mythology

Persian Mythology is by John Russell Hinnells, a distinguished scholar of Zoroastrianism and Parsi studies. It first appeared in 1973, then in a revised 1985 edition, in Hamlyn’s “Library of the World’s Myths and Legends” series.

In this illustrated survey, Hinnells recounts the cosmology and creation myths of ancient Iran: the foundational struggle of Ahura Mazda, the Wise Lord, against Ahriman; the life and teachings of Zoroaster; and mythical kings such as Jamshid and Fereydun.

Part of the book turns to the heroes of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, above all Rostam, showing the link between ancient Zoroastrian myth and Iran’s national epic.

Richly illustrated with artworks and artifacts, it is a clear, authoritative guide to the mythic roots of Iranian culture — a fine starting point for readers who want to know the world that preceded the Shahnameh.