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Persian Mythology: Epic Stories of Gods, Heroes, and Monsters
An unforgettable collection of twenty dramatic tales of Persian deities and heroes, both mortal and immortal, fighting in the name of goodness, chaos, beauty, love, and evil.
You’ve heard of mythological characters like Theseus, Medusa, and Thor, but have you heard about Anahita, Jamshid, and Rostam? In this engrossing anthology of twenty stories, middle grade readers will be introduced to the strongest heroes, most legendary creatures, and most vicious demons of Persian mythology. From Atar, the god of fire, going head-to-head with the three-headed demon-dragon Azhi Dahaka, to Anahita, the goddess of war and water, rescuing mortals from monstrous divs, Persian Mythology retells some of the most intense sagas that served as the foundation of early Persian religion, passed down from one generation to the next in the form of oral traditions. Persia is the area in West Asia known today as modern Iran. Author Ryan Bani Tahmaseb and award-winning illustrator Reza Dalvand celebrate the rich history and incredible tradition of Persian storytelling in this epic collection.
You’ve heard of mythological characters like Theseus, Medusa, and Thor, but have you heard about Anahita, Jamshid, and Rostam? In this engrossing anthology of twenty stories, middle grade readers will be introduced to the strongest heroes, most legendary creatures, and most vicious demons of Persian mythology. From Atar, the god of fire, going head-to-head with the three-headed demon-dragon Azhi Dahaka, to Anahita, the goddess of war and water, rescuing mortals from monstrous divs, Persian Mythology retells some of the most intense sagas that served as the foundation of early Persian religion, passed down from one generation to the next in the form of oral traditions. Persia is the area in West Asia known today as modern Iran. Author Ryan Bani Tahmaseb and award-winning illustrator Reza Dalvand celebrate the rich history and incredible tradition of Persian storytelling in this epic collection.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published November 4, 2025
4 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Ryan Bani Tahmaseb
4 books20 followersRyan Bani Tahmaseb is an author, K-12 academic coach, and curriculum developer. His debut picture book, ROSTAM'S PICTURE-DAY PUSTEEN, was published by Charlesbridge in summer 2024, and his debut middle grade book, PERSIAN MYTHOLOGY, will be published by Running Press Kids in fall 2025. Ryan also writes for adults. His first professional book for educators, THE 21st CENTURY SCHOOL LIBRARY, was published in 2021 by John Catt Educational, and his writing has also appeared in publications such as Edutopia, Education Week and the Carolina Quarterly. He lives in Southern Maine with his wife and two young children.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 12, 2025
This is a timely, engagingly-written collection of Persian myths, told with rich details that preserve the history while still feeling relevant to contemporary readers. The lively art, in the style of Persian miniatures, adds to the transportive nature of this collection. Highly recommend.
November 3, 2025
Book Review: Persian Mythology: Epic Stories of Gods, Heroes, and Monsters by Ryan Bani Tahmaseb
Rating: 4 Stars
I’m giving Persian Mythology: Epic Stories of Gods, Heroes, and Monsters by Ryan Bani Tahmaseb four stars. I picked it up mostly out of curiosity — I knew very little about Persian myths beyond the big names in Western classrooms — and I came away both entertained and eager to learn more.
Tahmaseb has gathered twenty vivid tales that spotlight a whole different roster of legendary figures than the ones we usually hear about. Instead of Theseus or Thor, you meet characters like Anahita, the war-and-water goddess; Jamshid, a storied king; and Rostam, a near-mythic hero. These stories run the gamut: gods and goddesses, mortal champions, terrifying demons, and fantastical beasts clash and rescue and scheme, often for themes that feel timeless — love, beauty, chaos, honor, and plain old survival. Highlights include fiery encounters between Atar, a god of flame, and the three-headed dragon Azhi Dahaka, and scenes of Anahita wading into battle to protect people from monstrous divs. The book does a nice job of presenting sagas that originally circulated as oral tradition and were foundational to early Persian belief systems, making them accessible to today’s readers.
Visually, the book is a joy. The cover immediately grabbed me — striking and evocative — and the interior illustrations by Reza Dalvand add texture and drama to the tales without overwhelming them. The art complements the text, helping to transport you into each episode.
Tone and audience are well chosen. This feels squarely aimed at middle grade readers, but honestly adults who enjoy mythology will find it engaging, too. The prose is straightforward and action-forward, making it a brisk read: lots of momentum, few lulls. That makes it a terrific introduction to Persian mythology for youngsters, classrooms, or homeschool collections. If a library is trying to diversify its myth shelves beyond the usual Greco-Roman and Norse fare, this would be a strong addition.
What kept me from giving it five stars? A couple of small things. Some tales could have benefitted from a touch more context — brief notes on historical or cultural background would help readers (especially adults) place the myths without breaking the flow. A glossary or pronunciation guide for names might also be useful for younger readers encountering these words for the first time. Lastly, while the adaptations are energetic, some readers looking for deep, scholarly retellings may find these versions a bit simplified.
All in all, Persian Mythology is a lively, beautifully illustrated entry point into a rich literary tradition. It’s fun, instructive, and full of memorable moments. If you’re curious about stories beyond the usual mythological canon or want a vivid collection to hand to a young reader, this book is worth picking up.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 Stars
I’m giving Persian Mythology: Epic Stories of Gods, Heroes, and Monsters by Ryan Bani Tahmaseb four stars. I picked it up mostly out of curiosity — I knew very little about Persian myths beyond the big names in Western classrooms — and I came away both entertained and eager to learn more.
Tahmaseb has gathered twenty vivid tales that spotlight a whole different roster of legendary figures than the ones we usually hear about. Instead of Theseus or Thor, you meet characters like Anahita, the war-and-water goddess; Jamshid, a storied king; and Rostam, a near-mythic hero. These stories run the gamut: gods and goddesses, mortal champions, terrifying demons, and fantastical beasts clash and rescue and scheme, often for themes that feel timeless — love, beauty, chaos, honor, and plain old survival. Highlights include fiery encounters between Atar, a god of flame, and the three-headed dragon Azhi Dahaka, and scenes of Anahita wading into battle to protect people from monstrous divs. The book does a nice job of presenting sagas that originally circulated as oral tradition and were foundational to early Persian belief systems, making them accessible to today’s readers.
Visually, the book is a joy. The cover immediately grabbed me — striking and evocative — and the interior illustrations by Reza Dalvand add texture and drama to the tales without overwhelming them. The art complements the text, helping to transport you into each episode.
Tone and audience are well chosen. This feels squarely aimed at middle grade readers, but honestly adults who enjoy mythology will find it engaging, too. The prose is straightforward and action-forward, making it a brisk read: lots of momentum, few lulls. That makes it a terrific introduction to Persian mythology for youngsters, classrooms, or homeschool collections. If a library is trying to diversify its myth shelves beyond the usual Greco-Roman and Norse fare, this would be a strong addition.
What kept me from giving it five stars? A couple of small things. Some tales could have benefitted from a touch more context — brief notes on historical or cultural background would help readers (especially adults) place the myths without breaking the flow. A glossary or pronunciation guide for names might also be useful for younger readers encountering these words for the first time. Lastly, while the adaptations are energetic, some readers looking for deep, scholarly retellings may find these versions a bit simplified.
All in all, Persian Mythology is a lively, beautifully illustrated entry point into a rich literary tradition. It’s fun, instructive, and full of memorable moments. If you’re curious about stories beyond the usual mythological canon or want a vivid collection to hand to a young reader, this book is worth picking up.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
July 7, 2025
A really impressive book – not just that it taught me something I hadn't known, ie the basics of Persian myth. No, this is notable for the way it grasps stories and delivers them. It doesn't stick to the basic "...and then this god did this, and this god said that, and then that happened yawn yawn…" format. You can see from the first story here, a basic creation myth where the good and the bad of the world – the light and the shadow, the verdant and the mountainous – both get created against someone's will, that this wants to engage, break up the more academic, dry-sounding page, and make it more notable.
And, well, notable it may be for people wanting the real deal – this has been very much re-dressed, if I read the introduction correctly. For one, I don't think the originals claimed the creator of the darker side of things was the Big Bad, as this does. "You did a number on him" is not really what one god should say to another. I do fear that some of this is not entirely, perfectly the real thing, but it's certainly worth reading for the pleasure it brings. And I say that even when the book tries to take the pleasure away – the first few chapters are a running story, broken up quite needlessly into separate tales, perhaps to make this seem like it has more stories and content in it than it actually does.
Towards the end, too, one saga is split into fragments, but those at least are longer, more rounded episodes. To review the myths for a second, they really are a touch repetitive, with every sterling male coming along to be the greatest hero ever – by which they mean until the next sterling male comes along, and so on and so on. But the book wears that flaw lightly, and we get to engage with all the heroes, we see the gods do things (but not too much), and generally we have an entertaining read, well presented here. Yes, things get a bit bloody and combat-filled towards the end, but this is generally an all-ages narrative, and it shows that learning about the Persian lore ought to be a lot higher up your list of priorities than you probably ever thought… Four and a half stars.
And, well, notable it may be for people wanting the real deal – this has been very much re-dressed, if I read the introduction correctly. For one, I don't think the originals claimed the creator of the darker side of things was the Big Bad, as this does. "You did a number on him" is not really what one god should say to another. I do fear that some of this is not entirely, perfectly the real thing, but it's certainly worth reading for the pleasure it brings. And I say that even when the book tries to take the pleasure away – the first few chapters are a running story, broken up quite needlessly into separate tales, perhaps to make this seem like it has more stories and content in it than it actually does.
Towards the end, too, one saga is split into fragments, but those at least are longer, more rounded episodes. To review the myths for a second, they really are a touch repetitive, with every sterling male coming along to be the greatest hero ever – by which they mean until the next sterling male comes along, and so on and so on. But the book wears that flaw lightly, and we get to engage with all the heroes, we see the gods do things (but not too much), and generally we have an entertaining read, well presented here. Yes, things get a bit bloody and combat-filled towards the end, but this is generally an all-ages narrative, and it shows that learning about the Persian lore ought to be a lot higher up your list of priorities than you probably ever thought… Four and a half stars.
July 22, 2025
Persian Mythology has been a fascinating read from start to finish, filled with tales of heroes, gods, goddesses, minions, kings and princesses like a non-stop, action-packed fairy tale.
Also, I couldn’t help but notice interesting parallels, such as Vayu, the God of Wind, who also appears in the mythology of the Indian subcontinent. If you're familiar with the Book of Genesis or even just a little bit of the Bible, you'll find many resonant themes especially around free will and creation.
Reading this book felt like a bit of a personal journey. I often stopped to think about Persian friends like Keyvaan, who once brought me the most delicious pistachios from Iran. I smiled to see pistachios mentioned in Ryan Bani Tahmaseb's book. The Persian connection also had me replaying Loulou Ghelichkhani’s song 'Omid' a few times, it was a favorite back in the day. Wistful lyrics.
One standout moment was learning about the role of dogs in Zoroastrian belief, especially at the Chinvat Bridge, where they help ward off evil spirits and guide the soul on its journey after death. Dogs are of another dimension, truly.
I liked the book. The writing is casual in parts, but it didn’t bother me at all; I think the author was aiming to make the myths more relatable, especially for younger readers.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC copy.
Also, I couldn’t help but notice interesting parallels, such as Vayu, the God of Wind, who also appears in the mythology of the Indian subcontinent. If you're familiar with the Book of Genesis or even just a little bit of the Bible, you'll find many resonant themes especially around free will and creation.
Reading this book felt like a bit of a personal journey. I often stopped to think about Persian friends like Keyvaan, who once brought me the most delicious pistachios from Iran. I smiled to see pistachios mentioned in Ryan Bani Tahmaseb's book. The Persian connection also had me replaying Loulou Ghelichkhani’s song 'Omid' a few times, it was a favorite back in the day. Wistful lyrics.
One standout moment was learning about the role of dogs in Zoroastrian belief, especially at the Chinvat Bridge, where they help ward off evil spirits and guide the soul on its journey after death. Dogs are of another dimension, truly.
I liked the book. The writing is casual in parts, but it didn’t bother me at all; I think the author was aiming to make the myths more relatable, especially for younger readers.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC copy.
September 2, 2025
Persian Mythology is a fun collection of the epics, legends, and folklore of Persian storytelling. Written with modern phrasing, idioms, and vocabulary, each story is easy to understand and engaging for a young audience. They are short and punchy with a colloquial voice, reading like a YouTube video essay. Tahmeseb researched his Persian ancestry and pulled stories from the Avesta, the holy book of Zoroastrianism, and the Shahnameh, or “Book of Kings” written by epic poet Abolqasem Ferdowsi (this is all detailed in the introduction). Myths are presented in chronological order, starting with the creation of the world and ending with its destruction. Each of the main gods is highlighted, giving special attention to their divine roles, personalities, and great deeds. The illustrations are geometric, vibrant, and clean, a mix of bold graphic design & Persian style. Overall, Persian Mythology is full of entertaining retellings of ancient Persian stories fit for young modern audiences. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
July 9, 2025
Thank you Running Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC of “Persian Myths” by Ryan Bani Tahmaseb. This was an interesting and engaging collection of stories, following the Persian gods, and their line of divinely blessed rulers through time. I did find some of the modern phrasing in some parts a bit distracting, but perhaps that will appeal to young readers and help them better understand what is happening in each story. This is mostly the story of kings but there were a few interesting princesses that might catch the attention of a young female reader. I personally enjoyed catching some of the similarities between these myths and other myths that English speakers would recognize like Rapunzel or the labors of Hercules. I feel like this was a nice introduction to Persian mythology for young readers and if my library decides to purchase it I’ll recommend it to my young patrons who are interested in mythology.
October 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book's goal to share Persian culture, legends and storytelling to a broader audience. The different Gods, heroes and Kings all had interesting tales and it was organized in a manner that went from start of creation all the way to the story of the hero Rostam. The art was also gorgeous with both a traditional and contemporary feel that made this on par with other illustrated texts like Kingorama's Shahnameh with illustrations by Hamid Rahmanian.
I can definitely see myself using this text as a reference point to find certain stories to share with my family! The selection of certain stories also felt complimentary and cohesive even though the stories themselves were often not connected.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC!
I can definitely see myself using this text as a reference point to find certain stories to share with my family! The selection of certain stories also felt complimentary and cohesive even though the stories themselves were often not connected.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC!
July 27, 2025
Persian Mythology: Epic Stories of Gods, Heroes, and Monsters is an amazing book for all lovers of mythology! Ryan Bani Tahmaseb creates wonderfully written stories about the gods and heroes that represented the ancient world of Persia. From "Ahura Mazda and the Creation of the World" to "The End (Of the World)", each myth delves into the intricate lives of the heroes and gods, who they were, and the obstacles they had to overcome. With Tahmaseb's captivating storytelling, paired with Reza Dalvand's beautiful illustrations, Persian Mythology is a must-have for every home, library, and classroom!
October 19, 2025
A beautifully written, easily digestible journey from the dawn of time to the end of the world, Persian Mythology terrifies, captivates, and delights. With its stunning illustrations and writing that is gorgeously descriptive yet approachable, Persian Mythology overflows with truly epic stories and top-notch storytelling. Tahmaseb expertly balances points of heaviness with tongue-in-cheek humor that tethers readers to the story and keeps them coming back for more.
A must read for all mortals!
A must read for all mortals!
September 3, 2025
"Persian Mythology" is a fascinating book that introduces children to a rich universe of mythical gods, heroes, and villains. It offers a captivating glimpse into the world of ancient civilizations, sparking young readers' curiosity with epic tales and acts of bravery. The beautiful illustrations enhance the experience, encouraging imaginative thinking and deeper engagement. I highly recommend "Persian Mythology" for any young reader eager to explore legendary stories from the past.
August 2, 2025
Persian Mythology: Epic Stories of Gods, Heroes, and Monsters (Hardcover)
by Ryan Bani Tahmaseb
This is a cultural book showing the ideology of Persia and its history. The book shows the beginning of the Persian culture, its ups and downs and anticipation for the end of the world. The stories are separated into chapters that shows the changes in Persian culture over time.
November 12, 2025
This is the kind of book I always recommend to young readers to learn about myths and history. It's gorgeous, and the stories are a real pleasure to read, full of heroes and stories of how things came to be the way they are. I love origin stories and it's amazing how easy it is to identify with people from such a different culture.
July 9, 2025
My mythology-obsessed nine-year-old tore through this book in less than a day. He loved having new myths to dig into and found them detailed, engrossing, and un-put-down-able! The illustrations are beautiful as well. A must-buy for the mythology buff in your family.
October 5, 2025
After recently reading the Shahnameh I was interested to see this version, and I really enjoyed it! The myths are engaging and told in a voice that is more accessible to younger readers than the Shahnameh would be. The illustrations are gorgeous!
2025
October 16, 2025📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Running Press Kids
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews