Zal: Prince of the Peaks

In the mountains of ancient Iran, a child with snow white hair is cast away by his father, then saved and raised by the mythical Simorgh, the legendary bird of wisdom. From fear and grace begins one of the most beloved tales in Persian literature, the story of Zal and Simorgh from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, presented for modern readers in a clear and inviting form.

What Makes This Edition Special

• •Bilingual layout with Persian text next to clear modern translations
• •Latin transliteration and IPA transcription for authentic pronunciation
• •Concise overviews before each poem that illuminate context and themes
• •A practical pronunciation guide that maps Persian letters to IPA
• •A father and son collaboration that honors tradition with accessibility
• •Egbatan Studio sustainability pledge: one tree funded for every copy sold

Perfect For

• •Readers of world literature and epic poetry
• •Students of Persian language and culture
• •Linguists and pronunciation-focused learners
• •Bilingual families and heritage learners
• •Fans of the Shahnameh, myth and folklore, and classical poetry

Excerpt

High in the Alborz Mountains, where eagles dare not nest, the Simorgh spread her wings over an abandoned child. His hair was white as mountain snow, his fate written in starlight. What begins as a father's shame becomes a legend of wisdom, courage, and the bond between mortal and myth—a story that has echoed through Persian hearts for a thousand years.