Shahnameh teaches us the universal and timeless fact, the fragility of human life through the story of the prosperous Persian King, Sekandar. He first witnessed the fragility of man’s life in youth. His sibling, Dara – the “rival for the crown of Persia” was attacked and died. “I who never injured anyone, who had such armor and such armies, such splendid horses, such crowns and thrones, who had such sons and relatives, and so many allies whose hearts bore my brand.” Dara was killed only because he had happened to be born into the powerful loyal family. “Earth and time were [Dara’s] slaves,” but “the earth has turned dark for [him].” He had enjoyed the time having control over the earth, but, he was now laying on the earth while his death was approaching. “Greatness too must pass: it is the prey, and its hunter is death.” Any “greatness” remains short, and death always finishes it.

Like Dara and the other great kings in other empires, the greatest King, Sekandar also faced the same fate. He eventually died of illness. And, the people and his wife mourned for him and witnessed “the fragility of human life” again. “Where are your intelligence, knowledge, and foresight, now that a narrow coffin is your resting place?” One’s great abilities also disappear upon death. “All those other lords who put their trust in battle and were dragged down to the dust?” The ambitions of other kings only brought them death eventually. “One comes like the wind and departs as a breath.” A man is born with powerfully and dies with weakness. “He founded ten prosperous cities, and those cities are now reed beds.” Any prosperous city will be in ruins. “But one must act well, with valor and chivalry, and one must eat well and rejoice.” We have to live our short life with diligence and joy.

شاهنامه‎ “Shahnameh”

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