NAMES OF PERSONS IN THE «SHAHNAMEH» ABULKASIM FIRDAWSI

Abstract

The article «Names of Persons in the «Shahnameh» by Abulqasim Firdawsi» explores the linguistic, historical, and cultural aspects of personal names used in the great Persian-Tajik epic Shahnameh. Abulqasim Firdawsi, one of the most prominent figures of Persian literature, employed a wide variety of anthroponyms-royal, heroic, religious, and scholarly-reflecting diverse linguistic origins such as Persian-Tajik, Arabic, Pahlavi, and Greek. The study classifies these names into semantic and etymological groups, analyzing their meanings, linguistic roots, and symbolic functions within the text. Through the examination of examples like Kayumars, Siyavush, Rustam, Sudoba, and Alexander, the article demonstrates how Firdawsi’s masterful use of names contributes to the depth, realism, and universality of his epic. The research also emphasizes the importance of onomastics in understanding Shahnameh as both a literary and historical monument of Persian civilization.