SAEDNEWS: Arash the Archer is one of the legendary figures of Iranian mythology, featured prominently in ancient Iranian tales. Celebrated as a hero in the Shahnameh and other Iranian legends, he hailed from Khorasan. Renowned for his martial skills and extraordinary courage, countless stories and myths have grown around his exploits.
According to the Science and Technology Desk of Saed News, Arash the Archer, or Arash Shivatir, is the greatest marksman in Iranian mythology. After the war between Iran and Turan, he was chosen as the Iranian archer to determine the border between the two lands. From the peak of Mount Āiryukhshaothah, he shot an arrow toward Mount Khwonwant, and during the reign of King Manuchehr, Arash’s arrow established the boundary between Iran and Turan.
Later, when King Manuchehr of the Pishdadian dynasty was besieged by Afrasiab in Tabarestan, they negotiated peace. Manuchehr proposed that the Turanians return land equal to the distance an arrow could fly, and Afrasiab agreed. The angel Spandarmad instructed Manuchehr to prepare a special bow and arrow made of wood, iron, and eagle feathers. Arash, a skilled archer, was ordered to shoot.
According to Al-Biruni, Arash appeared naked and said: “Now my body is free of any wounds or disease, but after this shot, I will be destroyed.” At dawn, he released the arrow and was immediately torn apart. The arrow was launched from somewhere in Tabarestan—either the Royan mountains, Amol Castle, Mount Damavand, or Sari. God commanded the wind to carry it to the far reaches of Khorasan, thereby establishing the border between Iran and Turan. The arrow finally landed near the Balkh or Takhar region—or, according to Al-Biruni, somewhere between Tabarestan and Fergana.
A striking image accompanying the story blends history and technology, portraying Arash the Archer enjoying a stew while taking a selfie—an imaginative homage to Iran’s legendary marksman.
