Dante's Inferno And Shahnameh

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Dante's Inferno and Shahnameh

According to the five great themes of world literature, the most definite way of understanding the dearest held values of the culture of the past is to consider the standard of heroism in that society. In order to achieve that purpose, it is very important to explore the heroic figures of that culture or society, in order to know more about the important ideas and values of the society, which were essential for that specific society. Dante and Rustem are among the epic heroes of their respective cultures and societies, as described through literature. The expeditions experienced by these heroes, as well as the values followed and practiced by them make them the epic heroes. The unusual valor, bravery, and sense of responsibility towards their people may have been some of the elements which prove that Dante and Rustem are the epic heroes of their culture and society.

The two epic heroes Rustem and Dante embody the diverse values. One of the most important traits of epic heroes is that they belong to the noble families and Rustem and Dante are no exception. Both of them belonged to the noble families of the society which held great and important positions in the society. In addition to it, the epic heroes also embody that trait of exceptional bravery, as well as unshakeable courage. The two epic heroes also fulfill this trait of the epic heroes. Dante took the journey towards hell, while fighting with demons and other aspects of the dangerous journey towards hell and returned to the world as well, in order to guide the people about the right path, so that they do not have to go through the journey of hell (Alighieri, Williams, and Flynn). On the other hand, Rustem fought numerous fights and was the bravest warrior of his rule and society, who always stood tall against injustice and cruelty, which proves that both of the heroes are epic. The most important values which were embodied by these epic heroes and were endorsed or celebrated by their societies include their unshakable bravery and courage, as well as their willingness to take the most difficult adventure, in order to ensure the safety of their public. Dante went on the journey of hell and Rustem went through the seven stages of labor, as well as fought and killed his own son, in order to ensure the safety of his people (Ferdowsi).

The values of the epic heroes are not condemned or rejected by their societies and are accepted dearly. Although at times, society is unable to understand the significance of their farsighted decisions and actions. In the case of Dante and Rustem, their values of bravery, courage and ensuring the peace and security of their people were appreciated and not condemned. The values of the epic heroes shed light on their cultures which greatly stressed the importance of bravery. Dante went through the journey of hell, in order to save his people from walking the same path and facing the difficulties. On the other hand, Rustem went through the stage of labor to protect his people.

Dante and Rustem are the epic heroes who faced great struggle, trails, and difficulties while showing great valor, bravery and courage. They shed light on the dearest values of their cultures, which gave preference to bravery and courage. They had a passion for enduring pain and making the sacrifice for the sake of their people, which was also greatly recognized.

Works Cited

Alighieri, Dante, Heathcote Williams, and Benedict Flynn. The Inferno: From the Divine Comedy. Naxos AudioBooks, 1996.

Ferdowsi, Abolqasem. Shahnameh: The Persian book of kings. Penguin, 2016.