Detection and Detective in Firdausi's Shahnameh

There are many different examples of characters and positions in Shahnameh. Among active characters in Shahnameh, one can mention detectives that were involved in detective missions, including spying, acquiring news, and informing. In the current study, personal traits, responsibilities, motivations, and detective techniques of these characters were investigated. The findings indicated that detectives played an important role in technical features and narrative components included in Shahnameh. Furthermore, they were praised by Firdausi due to their personal traits when they were commemorated with qualities such as wise, competent, and insightful. Their most important responsibilities were awareness of enemies’ army and their number and watching people wanted by the king. They reported these issues to lieutenant generals in the absence of kings. In order to be successful in their missions, the detectives made use of different tricks such as changing the face, hiding their name and identity, wearing the enemy's formal uniform, etc. Attaining popularity and honor, receiving rewards, and showing power and efficiency are among the most important motivations of the detectives in Shahnameh.