Introduction

In this exhibit, the medieval monster that will be focused on is the dragon from the Shahnameh (Book of Kings). The Shahnameh was written in 1010 by Ferdowsi, a prominent Persian poet, and describes the historical account of 50 Persian kings and their encounters with mythical figures (Franklin 1). An important figure in this epic poem is the dragon, which is an embodiment of the demon in Persian methodology and symbolizes a powerful and undefeatable creature. This exhibit seeks to show how medieval artifacts are connected to the relevance of the dragon figures in establishing heroic credentials as well as portraying the theme of light versus dark concepts in the Shahnameh.

        “A path exists around this mountainside
         But first you’ll have to find a willing guide;
         Beyond the crest there lies a dragon’s lair.
         His poison sickens birds that venture there.
         The noxious vapors reach the moon, there’s no 
         Safe route by which your warriors could go.
         His massive maw breathes fire, and he could snare
         An elephant with his two locks of hair;
         Our city doesn't have the strength to fight.
         We have to take up five cows, every night,
         For him to feed on; and how fearfully
         We place them on the rocks for him to see,
         Afraid that if he finds us he’ll come down
         And, piece by piece, destroy us and our town.”

The passage that will be examined in the Shahnameh portrays the idea of the dragon being vile and indestructible through the description of Sekandar “reaching land where men have soft feet and killing a dragon” (Firdawsi 1). Sekandar is the king of Persia and is depicted as a bold warrior and wise leader to his army. In this specific passage of the poem, Sekandar uses poison and slaughtered cows to defeat the dragon in order for his troupe to pass through the mountains. It introduces the concept of the dragon through inhabitants of the city fearing a beast in which the city lacked the ability to overpower (Firdawsi 1). The main artifact that encompasses the themes and ideas associated with the dragon in the Shahnameh is the Hero and Dragon alongside others, such as the Folio of Isfandiyar Slaying a Dragon, and the Death of Zahhak. The purpose of the medieval artifacts in this exhibit is to reveal the heroic figures combat with evil mythical figures becomes a key instrument of royal and heroic ideology to legitimate the hero’s credentials seen through visual and literary implications.