Kianian Prince's Functions and Behaviors: Shahnameh Narration

In his famous, great epic “SHAHNAMEH”, Ferdowsi of sage introduces three political patterns: Pishdadian, Kianian and Sasanids. He sees kianian as an ideal type of government, which includes both mythic and humanist elements. In the other words, as if kianian pattern has occurred in a human level. In fact, Ferdowsi reads iran’s ancient history and mythology in framework of his contemporary time and space needs: need to remove Iranian identity through of reflection on their civil, cultural, social and political collapse and in this orientation, it refers to Iran’s fail experiences, draws a political government based on three key stone: the Prince in the center, Pahlavan in the second circle and finally, People in the third circle. According to his main aim, he introduces barren and productive politics in respect to Iran’s condition, explains good and bad Kianian princes such as Zo Tahmasb, Kaykavoos and Kaykhosrow, and furthermore Pahlavan’s critical role in maintaining social balance in dangerous circumstances.