Like all ancient civilizations, ancient Persia had a culture partly rooted in mythology. It is therefore not surprising to find numerous mythological references in the Prince of Persia franchise, especially in *Lost Crown*, which is rich in such references.
Altar (the)
The origin of this term is unclear, but “Altar,” the source of power, may derive from the concept of Ātar in Persian beliefs. It refers to a divine and sacred fire that elevates the spirit and reveals the truth.
Anahita
The general who trained Sargon is named Ardvi Sura Anahita, the Persian goddess of water and life.
Azdaha
Azdaha, a giant serpent often regarded as a dragon, is mentioned in the Shahnameh and the Garshaspnameh. He is one of the most fearsome creatures in Persian mythology, whether on Earth, in the heavens, or in the waters.
Babylon
The city of Babylon, the setting for *The Hourglasses of Time*, is both historical and mythological. Deities such as Marduk and Ishtar are associated with it, as are heroes like Gilgamesh and creatures like the Sirrush.
Bahamut
The dragon, inspired by a monster from Arab mythology, is mentioned in *The Lost Crown*, and a skill bearing its name can be unlocked.
Chamrosh
This malevolent spirit, which has corrupted a forest in *The Lost Crown*, also originates from Persian mythology. In the story, Chamrosh is a half-dog, half-bird creature connected to the Simurgh, who asked him to watch over the Soma tree.
Dahaka
The Keeper of Time takes its name from Aži Dahāka, better known as Zahhak, the dragon king in Persian mythology and Zoroastrianism.
Darius III
One of the greatest kings of Persia is a historical figure with a legendary aura, much like Alexander the Great. And for good reason: it was the Macedonian king who defeated him.
Dastan
The main character in *The Sands of Time* may have been inspired by the character Rostam Dastan, who was himself inspired by Rostam Farrokhzad. He is a mythical hero, the son of Zal raised by the Simurgh, whose adventures and exploits are recounted in the Shahnameh.
Elrik the Boar
Elrik is a giant creature from Zoroastrianism, where he is an incarnation of death in torment.
Jahandar
A creature resembling a lion with a human face and a scorpion’s tail, Jahandar looks just like a manticore. According to myth, this monster has the unique ability to produce the sound of a trumpet or a flute, as well as to imitate the human voice. However, it merely repeats memorized phrases verbatim. As a result, what it says often makes no sense.
Kaheva
It is highly likely that the blacksmithess takes her name from Kaveh the blacksmith, who is mentioned in the Shahnameh as having led a rebellion against the tyrant Zahāk.
Mount Qaf
Mount Qaf, the setting for the events of *Lost Crown*, is a legendary mountain inhabited by numerous spirits, djinns, and, above all, the Simurgh, the legendary bird.
Shâhnâmeh (The)
Although it isn’t mentioned in the games themselves, the developers of *Shadow of the Tomb Raider* have stated in several interviews that the *Shahnameh* inspired the game’s creators, particularly in terms of its atmosphere.
Simurgh
A mythical bird, sometimes referred to as a cousin of the Phoenix and associated with immortality, the Simurgh is known for its great wisdom.
Soma
The Soma tree takes its name from Soma, the sacred divine drink most commonly mentioned in Hinduism. In addition to its potent intoxicating effects, mythology holds that it fosters great open-mindedness, helping one find inspiration, while also restoring courage and strength to warriors.
Vayu’s Wave
This technique of Sargon is named after the Persian god of the wind, Vāyu. He is also a warrior god who protects the creations of the supreme god Ahura Mazda.
Zurvan
Mentioned in *The Two Thrones*, it comes from Zoroastrianism, where it is the personification of infinite time.
