Koshti/Wrestling: A Victory Key for Heroes in Shahnameh

Abstract

ABSTRACT Shāhnāmeh, Book of Kings, is one of the greatest epics in the world, beautifully put into verse by Abolqāsem Ferdowsi. It is the great Persian epic which makes the Persian language proud. One of the words repeated many times in Shahnameh is ‘Koshti’ which, in new Persian, means Wrestling as a sport. The authors have attempted to examine the philosophy of Koshti/wrestling in this great feat. The findings of the study show that, often, the great heroes (pahlavānān) in battle, having tried various combat tools and having failed to gain victory over one another, inevitably resort to wrestling which determines the ultimate winner of the fight. In Shahnameh, there are two types of wrestling either on foot or on horseback. The heroes often use wresting techniques to defeat the opponent. It is also worth noting that the hero’s prayer to God and seeking His help are repeated in important cases of wrestling. The place of most of the wrestling is mythological and unknown, often driven by revenge, vengeance or an attempt to safeguard a homeland. Shahnameh narrates heroic values in historical myths. Throughout history, these values have led to the social and educational development of Iranian society and neighboring countries. It should be concluded that heroic values can be extended to the modern world of sports, and play an important role in improving and strengthening the philosophy, moral atmosphere and behavior of today’s sports.