Alexander the Great in the Persian Tradition: History, Myth and Legend in Medieval Iran (Library of Medieval Studies Book 8)

"Alexander the Great (356-333 BC) was transformed into a legend by all those he met, leaving an enduring tradition of romances across the world. Aside from its penetration into every language of medieval Europe, the Alexander romance arguably had its greatest impact in the Persian language. Haila Manteghi here offers a complete survey of that deep tradition, ranging from analysis of classical Persian poetry to popular romances and medieval Arabic historiography. She explores how the Greek work first entered the Persian literary tradition and traces the development of its influence, before revealing the remarkable way in which Alexander became as central to the Persian tradition as any other hero or king. And, importantly, by focusing on the often-overlooked early medieval Persian period, she also demonstrates that a positive view of Alexander developed in Arabic and Persian literature before the Islamic era. Drawing on an impressive range of sources in various languages - including Persian, Arabic and Greek - Manteghi provides a profound new contribution to the study of the Alexander romances. Beautifully written and with vibrant literary motifs, this book is important reading for all those with an interest in Alexander, classical and medieval Persian history, the early Islamic world and classical reception studies."--Bloomsbury Publishing Cover About the Author Endorsement Title Copyright Dedication Contents List of Tables List of Plates Foreword Acknowledgements Introduction A Review of Key Secondary Sources on the 1. Greek and Syriac Versions of the Alexander Romance and their Development in the East The Greek Background Syriac Sources Relevant to this Study The Development of the Alexander Romance in the East 2. Alexander the Great and the Legacy of Sasanian Historiography Introduction Arabic Sources and Historical Tradition in Pre-Islamic Iran The Khudāynāmag: Content and Sources Alexander the Great in the Khudāynāmag Conclusion: The Origin and Development of the Alexander Romance in the Arabo-Persian Tradition 3. Alexander the Great in the Shāhnāma of Firdawsī Sources and Content of the Shāhnāma Summary of the Alexander Romance in the Shāhnāma Distinguishing Characteristics and Motifs of Firdawsī’s Alexander Romance Syriac Materials in the Shāhnāma Conclusion: Firdawsī’s Sources and his Portrayal of Alexander 4. Alexander in the Iskandarnāma of Niẓāmī Ganjavī (1141 – 1209) Literary and Historical Contexts of Alexander’s Personality in Niẓāmī’s Sharafnāma Alexander’s Birth and Early Years in Niẓāmī’s Sharafnāma Of Banquets and Battles (bazm u razm): Alexander as a Warrior The Further Adventures of Alexander: Journeys to China, Russia, India and the Land of Darkness Conclusion 5. Alexander in the Iqbālnāma of Niẓāmī Ganjavī Introduction Alexander in Wisdom Literature Alexander in the Dhū’l-Qarnayn Tradition Mirabilia: Alexander and the Marvels of the World Conclusion Conclusion The Genesis of the Persian Alexander Romance The Shāhnāma of Firdawsī The Iskandarnāma of Niẓāmī Ganjavī Appendix Summary of the Syriac Alexander Romance Notes Bibliography Index Alexander the Great (356-333 BC) was transformed into legend by all those he met, leaving an enduring tradition of romances across the world. Aside from its penetration into every language of medieval Europe, the Alexander Romance arguably had its greatest impact in the Persian language. Haila Manteghi here offers a complete survey of that deep tradition, ranging from analysis of classical Persian poetry to popular romances and medieval Arabic historiography. She explores how the Greek work first entered the Persian literary tradition and traces the development of its influence, before revealing the remarkable way in which Alexander become as central to the Persian tradition as any other hero or king. And, importantly, by focusing on the often-overlooked early medieval Persian period, she also demonstrates that a positive view of Alexander developed in Arabic and Persian literature before the Islamic era. Drawing on an impressive range of sources in various languages--including Persian, Arabic and Greek--Manteghi provides a profound new contribution to the study of the Alexander Romances--back cover. Haila Manteghi. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 175-250) And Index.