Down she, from the fort, came bravely like a lion
May 6, 2014 1:26 AM Subscribe
The Story of Gordafarid (dir. Hadi Afarideh, 2008, 34 mins.) is a brief, poignant documentary about Fatemeh Habibizad, a.k.a. Gordafarid, a woman in Iran performing as a solo narrator of Persian classics. Gordafarid is also an inspirational character from Ferdowsi's 10th Century epic, the Shahnameh.
In English, there are several editions of the Shahnameh to choose from, including a free but problematic version, a recent, near-complete translation, and a giant, magnificently illustrated, but abridged edition.
The following videos provide additional context:
In English, there are several editions of the Shahnameh to choose from, including a free but problematic version, a recent, near-complete translation, and a giant, magnificently illustrated, but abridged edition.
The following videos provide additional context:
- Naqqali, Iranian dramatic story-telling is a short film by the Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization about the tradition in which Habibizad performs.
- 7 Femmes (dir. Sara Rastegar, 2009, 52 mins.) is a longer documentary about women in contemporary Iran in other situations, several of which involve artistic expression or challenges to traditional gender roles.
- Shahnameh: The Epic of the Persian Kings is a presentation by Hamid Rahmanian introducing his illustrated edition of the Shahnameh to an audience at the Library of Congress. A selection of illustrations appears beginning at 14:30.
- Shahnameh: The Layering of Iranian Identity and Cultural Influences is teacher workshop given by Nasrin Naraghi at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
- Heroes and Kings of the Shahnama is a brief animated film by Elaine Wright and John Forde, silently illustrating scenes and characters from the Shahnameh.
Ooh. I approve of this post.
posted by Gordafarin at 9:20 AM on May 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Gordafarin at 9:20 AM on May 6, 2014 [1 favorite]
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Gordafarid was a revelation as a woman warrior in the text, and she very rarely made an appearance in some of the illustrations depending on the book. She is not completely without precedent, as Ireland's Cuchulainn myths have women warriors like Scathach.
I will pour through your links later, but thanks!
posted by Slothrop at 4:35 AM on May 6, 2014