There’s one man who is of your rank

I’ve already praised the eleventh century Vis and Ramin – and noted how Gorgani wasn’t afraid to have his characters show their faults. Unlike other 11th century writers (like Ferdowsi), he is not embarrassed about the Parthian traditions of  endogamy – with the brother-sister marriage between Viru and Vis, and with Vis and Ramin being siblings by milk – they had the same wet-nurse. Other pre-Islamic topics covered include a threatened trial by fire, as well as various references to Zoroastrian festivals, fire temples, and beliefs.

Vis’s mother Queen Shahru tells her daughter:

Your father is a king, and I’m a queen,

No husband, in no country that I’ve seen

Is worthy of you, and I’m unsure where

I’ll find a husband who deserves to share

Your life with you; though there’s one man who

Is of your rank, your brother, Prince Viru.

Rejoice my heart, rejuvenate my life,

And say that you’ll agree to be his wife.

Be both his wife and sister, and to me

You’ll be my child for all eternity.

Viru’s a sun, his goodness shines like light,

And Vis is like bright Venus in the night

 

The closest I can find to an image of Viru, is of the Pontic King Mithridates, who married his royal sister Laodice. This marriage didnt end well –  Laodice took lovers, had an illegitimate son, planned to poison her husband – and was killed by her brother / husband. The Hellenic influence here, was also eagerly followed by the Parthians.