The Haft Paykar: A Medieval Persian Romance

The Haft Paykar is one of the great works of Persian literature. Completed in 1197 by the Persian poet Nizami of Ganja, it is an allegorical romance of great beauty and depth, and its central theme of self-knowledge as the path to human perfection is conveyed in rich and vivid imagery and complex symbolism. It tells the story of the Sassanian ruler Bahram V Gur and of his spiritual progress. He is guided towards wisdom and moral enlightenment by the seven tales of love told to him by his brides, the Princesses of the Seven Climes. Each tale depicts a love-quest which ends sometimes in failure, more often in fulfilment, as desire is guided by virtue. Haft Paykar means 'Seven Images/Portraits/Beauties', and it refers to the seven princesses, their seven tales, and the seven planets.