Roodabeh and Soodabeh: White and Black Women in Shahnameh

In his book Shahnameh, Ferdowsi juxtaposes good and bad deeds with light and darkness. Deep at the core of his verses, the poet invites readers to welcome the good and shun the evil through the description of the mannerism, conduct and fate of the book characters. Women are deemed so important in Ferdowsi’s view; throughout Shahnameh, benevolent, vicious, villainous and honorable women such as Roodabeh and Soodabeh are traceable. Careful analysis of the lexis which describes the features of these women in terms of conducts and destiny leads researchers to conclude that Roodabeh is a figure who characterizes values and virtues, while Soodabeh is a lady with a tarnished reputation. Even their names, being similar morphologically, suggest what their characters are like considering their Persian definitions. Roodabeh, who takes steps along the road of righteousness, becomes the mother of the most reputable strongman in Shahnameh, named Rostam, the integrity and unity of kings and Iran relies upon him. Additionally, there is no mention of demise for Roodabeh in the book. On the other hand, Soodabeh, a mother whose son ascends to the throne, takes the evil path. She plans Siavash’s death when he is supposed to inherit his father’s throne and become the king. Eventually, Rostam, the legendary champion in Shahnameh and Roodaneh’s son, manages to murder Soodabeh