The Reflection of Keeping a Promise in Shahnameh and in Avestan and Pahlavi Texts

Shahnameh is a full-scale reflection of culture, philosophy and thoughts of Iranians and the manifestation of their beliefs, rituals, and social customs that can be analyzed with different approaches. This masterpiece is the most important source of versed culture of past Iranians.
The source and basis of Shahnameh’s poetical sense is Khwaday-Namags (Samanid era history texts), memoirs, religious narrations, Avesta, Pahlavi texts and even paintings. Because of this, this famous Iranian book of poetry was influenced by beliefs and customs of these sources and these traditions are mentioned in the masterpiece of Ferdowsi either by telling the whole story or by mentioning it.
This research studies one of ancient Iranians’ customs, promising and keeping one’s promise, which is commonly included in Shahnameh, Avesta and Pahlavi texts. There has also been an emphasis on the fact that Shahnameh is the strongest document of the cultural identity of ancient Iranians and the anthology of Iranians’ past culture. Proof of this claim can be seen in the texts before Ferdowsi and contemporaneous works.