Which kinds of stories were commonly told in masnawis?

In Persian literature, the masnawi—a poem composed of rhyming couplets—was a versatile form that allowed poets to develop long, complex narratives. While these works are often categorized as heroic, romantic, or didactic, these genres frequently overlap.12

Common types of stories told in masnawis include:

• Heroic Epics: These works recount the adventures of legendary figures, kings, and warriors. A primary example is the Shāh-nāmeh ("Book of Kings"), which chronicles the history and mythology of Iran, including the exploits of the hero Rostam. Another example is the Garshāsp-nāmeh, which details the adventures of the hero Garshāsp.34
• Romantic Epics: These narratives focus on themes of love, longing, and human relationships. Famous examples include the tales of Khosrow and Shīrīn, Layla and Majnun, and Vīs and Rāmin.43
• Didactic and Mystical Tales: Many masnawis serve to impart moral, religious, or philosophical wisdom. Mystical poets like Sanā’ī and Farīd al-Dīn ‘Aṭṭār used stories, anecdotes, parables, and allegories to explore spiritual themes, such as the journey of the soul. The Conference of the Birds is a notable allegorical masnawi that uses the story of birds searching for their king to illustrate mystical concepts.125

Most masnawis traditionally begin with a praise of God, which sets the tone for the narrative that follows.2