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Shahnameh Reading
A Journey Through Persian Mythology, Storytelling, and Cultural Heritage
Event Date: October 29, 2026
Shahnameh Reading with Mungeh | Season One: The Pishdadian Dynasty
This post is for those who haven’t registered yet and would like to join the sessions.
Discover the World of Shahnameh This Fall and Winter
Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (The Book of Kings) is much more than a collection of stories about kings and heroes. It is a remarkable literary masterpiece filled with mythology, wisdom, love, courage, justice, and timeless human experiences that have shaped Persian cultural heritage for centuries.
As part of our ongoing cultural and community initiatives, Mungeh Eco Tour Association is excited to introduce our first Shahnameh Reading Series, focusing on the Pishdadian Dynasty, the legendary first dynasty of ancient Iran.
Together, we’ll explore the fascinating stories of Jamshid, Zahhak, Kaveh the Blacksmith, Fereydun, and other legendary figures.
Our goal is to go beyond simply reading poetry. We want to bring these stories to life through engaging storytelling, selected readings from Ferdowsi’s poetry, accessible explanations, and friendly group discussions.
What Can You Expect?
Over 16 sessions, we’ll explore the stories of the Pishdadian era in narrative order, making them enjoyable and accessible to participants of all experience levels.
Each gathering will include:
- Storytelling: Bringing the stories of Shahnameh to life through clear, engaging narration.
- Selected Poetry Readings: Exploring beautiful and meaningful verses from Ferdowsi’s original work.
- Cultural Insights: Learning about legendary figures, mythology, and Persian cultural traditions.
- Explanations: Understanding important concepts, themes, and historical or mythological references.
- Group Discussions: Sharing perspectives, asking questions, and exploring the meaning behind the stories.
What Stories Will We Explore?
Our journey begins with the earliest legendary kings and follows the major stories of the Pishdadian era.
Part One | The Birth of Civilization and the First Kings
Discovering Keyumars, Hushang and the discovery of fire, Tahmuras the Demon-Binder, and the rise, prosperity, and eventual downfall of Jamshid.
Part Two | Zahhak, Kaveh the Blacksmith, and Fereydun
The reign of Zahhak, his tyranny, the emergence of Kaveh the Blacksmith, the people’s uprising, and Fereydun’s victory.
Part Three | Fereydun and the Fate of His Sons
The division of the kingdom, the stories of Salm, Tur, and Iraj, the consequences of family rivalry, and the rise of Manuchehr.
Part Four | Zal, the Simurgh, and the Love Story of Rudabeh
The story of Sam and Zal, Zal’s upbringing by the mythical Simurgh, his return to human society, and the beautiful love story of Zal and Rudabeh, which sets the stage for the birth of Rostam, one of Persia’s greatest heroes.
Part Five | The Final Kings of the Pishdadian Dynasty
Exploring the reigns of Nowzar, Zav, and Garshasp, the conclusion of the Pishdadian era, and the transition to the Kayanian Dynasty.
Every Tuesday
Our first gathering will be a welcoming introduction to the series, giving everyone an opportunity to discover what the program is all about.
We’ll introduce Ferdowsi, discuss the cultural significance and overall structure of Shahnameh, explore the Pishdadian era, and explain how the upcoming sessions will work.
There will also be a short storytelling and poetry-reading demonstration, followed by an opportunity to ask questions.
Schedule and Locations
- Day: Every Tuesday
- Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Session Duration: 90 minutes
- Program Length: 16 sessions following the introductory gathering
- Season: Fall and Winter
- In-Person Locations: North Vancouver and Coquitlam, British Columbia
Starting from the third session, the meetings will alternate weekly between Coquitlam and North Vancouver.
Second Session Location:
680 Seylynn Crescent, North Vancouver, BC
The exact venue for each session will be shared with registered participants in advance.
Fees & Registration
The first two Shahnameh reading sessions are free for everyone!
Registration fees for the full course
- Official Mungeh Members: $19 CAD
- Guests (Non-Members): $27 CAD
Mungeh is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization. If you’d like to support our cultural and community activities, you’re welcome to skip the discount code and pay the suggested registration amount as a voluntary donation instead.
Your support is always appreciated, but donations are entirely optional.
Join Us Online from Anywhere!
Can’t attend in person? No problem!
We’re happy to offer live online participation alongside our in-person gatherings.
Registered participants can join the Shahnameh sessions remotely every Tuesday at the same scheduled time, regardless of where they live.
Online access details and joining links will be provided to registered participants before each session.
Whether you’re joining us in North Vancouver, Coquitlam, or from the comfort of your home, you’ll be part of the same Shahnameh journey.
Who Is This Program For?
This series is open to anyone interested in Persian literature, mythology, storytelling, cultural history, and Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh.
No previous knowledge of Shahnameh or experience reading classical Persian poetry is required.
Whether you’re discovering these stories for the first time or already have some familiarity with them, you’re welcome to join us.
The sessions will be conducted in Persian (Farsi).
The Beginning of a Longer Cultural Journey
This is the first season of Mungeh’s Shahnameh Reading Series.
Our initial focus is to introduce participants to the Pishdadian Dynasty through engaging storytelling, selected poetry readings, and meaningful discussions.
Following this introductory series, we plan to organize a more comprehensive and in-depth Shahnameh program, offering participants an opportunity to explore the stories, characters, literary themes, and cultural significance of this remarkable work in greater detail.
We hope this will become an ongoing cultural initiative that brings people together through literature, storytelling, and shared heritage.
Registration and Participation
In-person capacity is limited, and advance registration through the Mungeh website is required.
Online participants must also register to receive access details for the live sessions.
Additional information about session locations and registration for the main series will be shared through our website.
Join us this fall and winter as we rediscover the stories of Shahnameh, celebrate Persian cultural heritage, and connect through the timeless poetry of Ferdowsi.
Mungeh Eco Tour Association
Shahnameh Reading
A Journey Through Persian Mythology, Storytelling, and Cultural Heritage
Event Date: October 29, 2026
Shahnameh Reading with Mungeh | Season One: The Pishdadian Dynasty
Discover the World of Shahnameh This Fall and Winter
This post is for those who haven’t registered yet and would like to join the sessions.
Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (The Book of Kings) is much more than a collection of stories about kings and heroes. It is a remarkable literary masterpiece filled with mythology, wisdom, love, courage, justice, and timeless human experiences that have shaped Persian cultural heritage for centuries.
As part of our ongoing cultural and community initiatives, Mungeh Eco Tour Association is excited to introduce our first Shahnameh Reading Series, focusing on the Pishdadian Dynasty, the legendary first dynasty of ancient Iran.
Together, we’ll explore the fascinating stories of Jamshid, Zahhak, Kaveh the Blacksmith, Fereydun, and other legendary figures.
Our goal is to go beyond simply reading poetry. We want to bring these stories to life through engaging storytelling, selected readings from Ferdowsi’s poetry, accessible explanations, and friendly group discussions.
What Can You Expect?
Over 16 sessions, we’ll explore the stories of the Pishdadian era in narrative order, making them enjoyable and accessible to participants of all experience levels.
Each gathering will include:
- Storytelling: Bringing the stories of Shahnameh to life through clear, engaging narration.
- Selected Poetry Readings: Exploring beautiful and meaningful verses from Ferdowsi’s original work.
- Cultural Insights: Learning about legendary figures, mythology, and Persian cultural traditions.
- Explanations: Understanding important concepts, themes, and historical or mythological references.
- Group Discussions: Sharing perspectives, asking questions, and exploring the meaning behind the stories.
What Stories Will We Explore?
Our journey begins with the earliest legendary kings and follows the major stories of the Pishdadian era.
Part One | The Birth of Civilization and the First Kings
Discovering Keyumars, Hushang and the discovery of fire, Tahmuras the Demon-Binder, and the rise, prosperity, and eventual downfall of Jamshid.
Part Two | Zahhak, Kaveh the Blacksmith, and Fereydun
The reign of Zahhak, his tyranny, the emergence of Kaveh the Blacksmith, the people’s uprising, and Fereydun’s victory.
Part Three | Fereydun and the Fate of His Sons
The division of the kingdom, the stories of Salm, Tur, and Iraj, the consequences of family rivalry, and the rise of Manuchehr.
Part Four | Zal, the Simurgh, and the Love Story of Rudabeh
The story of Sam and Zal, Zal’s upbringing by the mythical Simurgh, his return to human society, and the beautiful love story of Zal and Rudabeh, which sets the stage for the birth of Rostam, one of Persia’s greatest heroes.
Part Five | The Final Kings of the Pishdadian Dynasty
Exploring the reigns of Nowzar, Zav, and Garshasp, the conclusion of the Pishdadian era, and the transition to the Kayanian Dynasty.
Schedule and Locations
- Day: Every Tuesday
- Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Session Duration: 90 minutes
- Program Length: 16 sessions following the introductory gathering
- Season: Fall and Winter
- In-Person Locations: North Vancouver and Coquitlam, British Columbia
Starting from the third session, the meetings will alternate weekly between Coquitlam and North Vancouver.
Second Session Location:
680 Seylynn Crescent, North Vancouver, BC
The exact venue for each session will be shared with registered participants in advance.
Fees & Registration
- Official Mungeh Members: $19 CAD
- Guests (Non-Members): $27 CAD
Mungeh is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization. If you’d like to support our cultural and community activities, you’re welcome to skip the discount code and pay the suggested registration amount as a voluntary donation instead.
Your support is always appreciated, but donations are entirely optional.
Join Us Online from Anywhere!
Can’t attend in person? No problem!
We’re happy to offer live online participation alongside our in-person gatherings.
Registered participants can join the Shahnameh sessions remotely every Tuesday at the same scheduled time, regardless of where they live.
Online access details and joining links will be provided to registered participants before each session.
Whether you’re joining us in North Vancouver, Coquitlam, or from the comfort of your home, you’ll be part of the same Shahnameh journey.
Who Is This Program For?
This series is open to anyone interested in Persian literature, mythology, storytelling, cultural history, and Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh.
No previous knowledge of Shahnameh or experience reading classical Persian poetry is required.
Whether you’re discovering these stories for the first time or already have some familiarity with them, you’re welcome to join us.
The sessions will be conducted in Persian (Farsi).
The Beginning of a Longer Cultural Journey
This is the first season of Mungeh’s Shahnameh Reading Series.
Our initial focus is to introduce participants to the Pishdadian Dynasty through engaging storytelling, selected poetry readings, and meaningful discussions.
Following this introductory series, we plan to organize a more comprehensive and in-depth Shahnameh program, offering participants an opportunity to explore the stories, characters, literary themes, and cultural significance of this remarkable work in greater detail.
We hope this will become an ongoing cultural initiative that brings people together through literature, storytelling, and shared heritage.
Registration and Participation
In-person capacity is limited, and advance registration through the Mungeh website is required.
Online participants must also register to receive access details for the live sessions.
The first introductory gathering is free and open to everyone.
Additional information about session locations and registration for the main series will be shared through our website.
Join us this fall and winter as we rediscover the stories of Shahnameh, celebrate Persian cultural heritage, and connect through the timeless poetry of Ferdowsi.
Mungeh Eco Tour Association