Analysis

      The literary passage and object demonstrate that the corpse of the boar headed monster may be used as a parallel character for Sekandar and an omen for foreshadowing death in the Shahnameh. For one, the passage itself indicates that Sekandar and the monster may share a similar status, evident in the monster’s respectful burial. Not only was the monster laid to rest on his throne with camphor, but brocade was also used to cover the monster’s dead body. The analysis of the brocade cover from the MET indicates that the use of brocade, at a time contemporary with the Shahnameh, was an important way of representing high class and wealth, mainly because brocades were made of expensive materials like silk with gold and silver thread.[1] This suggests that brocades were fabrics used and worn by a king or powerful figure. As such, the primary object illuminates this passage and the monster because it gives the monster, who is completely anonymous in the story, an identity and a status. It does this specifically by creating a mirroring character with Sekandar. The extensive imagery of the burial rites in the passage and the brocaded cover from the MET may indicate that like Sekandar, the monster was a king.

     However, status is not the only connection we see between these two characters, also evident is the downfall of two kings. Specifically, this passage, monster, and object foreshadow the death of Sekandar. This is illuminated through the two supporting objects, as in both instances we see brocade being used. For one, the image of “Iskandar’s mother weeping over his bier” depicts a brocade cover laying directly on the casket.[2] This parallels the brocade cover described in the passage, which was completely covering the monster’s dead body. Furthermore, the image of Yazdigird’s burial displays a brocade carpet in a mausoleum with the king’s coffin laying directly on top. These observations may indicate that brocade is not only an indication of status and kingship, but also as a representation of death and likely a fabric used in funerals of prestigious figures in a time contemporary with the Shahnameh. Sekandar discovering this dead monster on his journey and finding him covered in brocade and laid to rest in a kingly manner may be an omen that foreshadows his eventual downfall. Therefore, the passage, monster, and artifact work together to illuminate kingship and death in the Shahnameh. The extensive use of literary devices in the passage and the analysis of brocade fabrics may reveal that the monster is actually a mirror of Sekandar as a king and thus foreshadows his death.

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