SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The Persian poem Vis u Ramin is known to be based on a lost Pahlavi written text, which represents in its turn a minstrel poem that has been traced back to a Parthian origin. The obvious Zoroastrian elements in the Persian poem have been briefly mentioned by commentators, but it seemed probable that close scrutiny would produce more such material. In fact it has proved possible to show in some passages close verbal dependence on the Pahlavi version, and to bring to light references to the Zoroastrian divine beings which had previously been overlooked, as well as certain precise Zoroastrian traditional details. Some at least of this material, it has been argued, must derive from the original Parthian minstrel poem, since it is essential to the plot. The results of the investigation thus contribute to knowledge of Zoroastrian society and literature at a remote and little-known period of Iranian history.