Concept

The Portrait of Hosna and the Beguiling of the King in the Khosrow Nameh

In Section 31 of the Khosrow Nameh, Farid al-Din Attar depicts the introduction of the exceptionally beautiful and cunning handmaiden, Hosna, who is presented by Jahan-Afruz to King Khosrow. The poem utilizes classical Persian poetic imagery to describe Hosna's physical perfection—including her cypress-like stature, ruby lips, and a waist as thin as a thread. When she appears before the king, her coquetry and fox-like wiles (roubeh-bazi) instantly captivate the ruler, who is compared to a mighty forest lion. This episode underscores the recurring literary theme of a powerful sovereign rendered helpless by the charms and clever stratagems of a beautiful woman, showcasing how physical allure and wit can subvert worldly power.

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Updated 2026-07-03

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Humanities

Literature

Persian Literature Prerequisite Course