Farr (Divine Glory)
The Iranian concept of divine radiance or heavenly legitimacy bestowed upon rightful kings and heroes, central to ancient Iranian ideas of kingship.
Read in context →At a glance
- Avestan root
- khvarenah
- Meaning
- Divine glory/splendor
- Application
- Legitimacy of kings and heroes
Detail
Farr (Avestan khvarenah, Middle Persian farr/khwarrah) is an ancient Iranian concept meaning divine glory, splendor, or heavenly grace that descends upon kings, heroes, and at times the land of Iran itself, guaranteeing their legitimacy and success. In Zoroastrian belief the 'Kayanian farr' is the mark of Ahura Mazda's sanction of a just ruler; when a king turns to tyranny and falsehood, the farr abandons him — as in the Shahnameh, where it deserts Jamshid after his pride. This idea was a bridge between religion, myth, and political legitimacy in ancient Iran, and was represented in Sasanian art through symbols such as the royal ring and the winged bird. Farr is among the foundational concepts in the Iranian understanding of ideal kingship.
Related entities
Also appears in
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Iranica — 'Farr(ah)'
- Ferdowsi, 'Shahnameh'
- Avesta, Zamyad Yasht