The impact of Shahnameh Ferdowsi over structure and narrative in Robert Southey’s epic poem “Thalaba the Destroyer”

Robert Southey 19th century English poet, historian, and orientalist had been under the influence of Persian and Islamic Literature in his works.  This influence is more evident in his epic poem Thalaba the Destroyer which is regarded as an amalgam of Islamic and Zoroastrian instructions. Following the translation of this English epic, and using content analysis and comparison method it became clear that this work had many similarities with the Shahnameh, hence in terms of structure and narrative, plot and the main theme, the story was analyzed. The first part of the article deals with issues such as respecting the binary system derived from Zurvanism and Zoroastrianism.  Twin brother doctrine is demonstrated as Ahuraei or divine like Simorgh and evil or Ahrimani like Zahhak, attention paid to issues such as time and space, battle, spell, magic, power devices, and aversion towards women.  Similarities were then found with the Shahnameh counterparts. The conclusion drawn from the second part of the article indicates that the main theme and plot of the Thalaba tale was taken from the tale of Feraydun, his upbringings, and his revolt against Zahhak in Shahnameh Ferdowsi.