Ferdowsi, born Abū al-Qāsim Manṣūr in 940 CE in the village of Paj near Tus, in the Khorasan region of Persia (modern-day Iran), was a distinguished Persian poet best known for authoring the "Shahnameh" ("The Book of Kings"), the national epic of Iran.

Originating from a family of dehqans—landowning aristocrats dedicated to preserving pre-Islamic cultural traditions—Ferdowsi was deeply influenced by Iran's ancient heritage. This background profoundly shaped his literary endeavors, particularly his commitment to reviving Persian cultural identity through literature.

Ferdowsi embarked on composing the "Shahnameh" around 977 CE, aiming to continue the work of his predecessor, Daqiqi. Drawing from various sources, including the prose "Shahnameh" of Abd-al-Razzaq, he meticulously crafted a poetic chronicle of Iran's mythical and historical past. Despite the political upheavals of his time, including the fall of the Samanid dynasty and the rise of the Ghaznavids, Ferdowsi remained dedicated to his work, completing the epic on March 8, 1010 CE.

The "Shahnameh," comprising over 50,000 couplets, narrates the history of Iran from the creation of the world up to the Islamic conquest in the 7th century. It is celebrated not only for its literary excellence but also for its role in preserving the Persian language and cultural identity during a period when Arabic was dominant in scholarly and literary circles.

Ferdowsi's later years were marked by personal and financial challenges. He faced disappointment due to the lack of adequate patronage from Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, to whom he had dedicated the "Shahnameh." Despite these hardships, his unwavering dedication to his cultural heritage remained evident. Ferdowsi passed away around 1020 CE in Tus. Initially, a local cleric deemed him a heretic, denying him burial in the public cemetery. Consequently, he was interred in his own garden. Later, a mausoleum was constructed over his grave, which has since become a revered site and national shrine.

Ferdowsi's legacy endures through the "Shahnameh," which continues to be a cornerstone of Persian literature and a symbol of Iranian cultural identity. His work has inspired countless poets, writers, and scholars, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Iran's history and mythology remains vibrant in the collective memory.