Magical Medicine in Shahnameh Ferdowsi

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Abstract

Magical medicine in Shahnameh Ferdowsi is briefly examined in the present paper. Initially, the magical treatment in general will be explained following which the magical treatments mentioned in particular in the Shahnameh will be dealt with. The phoenix is responsible for most of the incredible magical treatments prescribed in the Shahnameh. The first part of the paper concerns with topics including Rostam's birth, magical herbs, panacea (nushdaru), Zorastrian priests role in the practice of magics, magical treatment of the phoenix, the recovery of Rostam injured in his battle with Esfandiar and his horse (Rakhsh). Part two deals with treatment of Gostham by Keykhosrow, using magical marbles and beads, making comments on their healing power. The concluding part gives a description of the process in which Kavous' s eyes were healed by Rostam making use of the magical white demon's (Div-e Sepid) liver blood.