THE SHAHNAMEH was completed in the year 1010 by the Persian poet Ferdowsi. A monumental undertaking encompassing ancient myths, legends, and history, it is one of Iran's most cherished works of literature. Volume V traces the succession of kings in the ill-fated Sassanian Dynasty, opening with the reign of Khosrow Parviz, and ending with King Yazdegerd. The poem closes with a rather brief account of the Arab invasion of Iran and the death of its last ruler. Ferdowsi's legacy leaves an indelible mark on Persian culture and literature. He speaks to us through his stories and through his everlasting poetic expression. And though the stories come from a specific part of the world and relate elements of a particular culture, they hold universal appeal and should be shared with anyone wishing to explore ancient myths, universal symbols, and archetypes.