Study Notes on Persian and African Literature

The term "Panitikang Persian" refers to the literature of Persia (now Iran).
Iran is officially the Islamic Republic of Iran.
It is a country located in West Asia.
Surrounded by:
- Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkmenistan to the north
- Pakistan and Afghanistan to the east
- Turkey and Iraq (Autonomous Region of Kurdistan) to the west

The literature of Persia reflects a glorious culture and civilization.
It is adorned with the jewels of wisdom, art, and imagination of the Persians over many centuries.
Considered one of the oldest literatures in the world.
Significantly influenced the literature of:
- Ottoman Turkey
- Muslim India
- Turkic Central Asia

In the beginning, there was nothing in the universe except for:
- Ahura Mazda (the god of wisdom residing in eternal light)
- Ahriman (the malevolent spirit living in void and darkness)
Ahura Mazda decided to create things:
1. First, he created a bright, shining sky made of metal.
2. Followed by pure water.
3. Third creation was the land without hills and the mountains of Masryn al Mashyans.
4. Fourth, plants with fragrant scents and no thorns.
5. Lastly, fire which became an instrument for cooking food and for warmth during winters.

Unique as he was the first human or creature in our world.
Described as wise and tall, but his gender could not be determined.
So glad was he, he invited Ahriman to witness his creation.
The conversation:
- Gayomard invited Ahriman to help and praise his creation for eternal life.
- Ahriman's response: angered, he refused, insisting he was more powerful and would combat Gayomard's creatures for eternity.

Ahriman turned angrily from Ahura Mazda and returned to the blinding darkness.
There, he created evil beings like demons, elderly, and monsters to fight the creations of light.
Ahura Mazda anticipated this and created six "Holy Immortals" (Banal na espiritu) from his own soul, each with unique abilities:
1. Khashathra - Spirit of loyalty and guard of the sky.
2. Haurvatat - Spirit of justice and guardian of water.
3. Spenta Armaiti - Spirit of love and guardian of the earth.
4. Ameretat - Spirit of eternal life and protector of plants.
5. Vohu Manah - Spirit of purity of thought and guardian of animals.
6. Asha Vahista - Spirit of justice and protector of fire.

Ahriman's last attack was on Gayomard, succeeded in making him sick and ultimately leading to his death.
From Gayomard's bones grew a plant called rhubarb.
After 40 years, from this plant emerged the first man and woman named Mashya and Mashyana.
They bore 15 pairs of twins who spread humanity across the earth.
Mashya and Mashyana promised Ahura Mazda to assist him against Ahriman and to suppress evil.
This narrative is based on their cosmogony according to Bundahishn.

The Republic of Kenya is a country in East Africa
Bordering countries:
- Ethiopia to the north
- Somalia to the northeast
- Tanzania to the south
- Uganda to the west
- Sudan to the northwest
- Indian Ocean to the southeast
Rich in literary works, stone carving arts, and architecture, including palaces and mud museums.
Music and dance reflect the cultural rhythm of their ethnicity.

Literature reflects their mythology, which showcases the culture and traditions of Kenya.

A worksheet activity involving the translation of highlighted words into their appropriate Filipino equivalents.
Example translations:
1. Time - (Bagyo, Oras, Panahon)
2. Covered - (palaruan, nasasakupan, palayan)

Liongo was born in one of the seven coastal towns in Kenya
Known as the best poet in his area
Described as strong and tall like a giant, impervious to weapons except for a needle to his navel.
- Only Liongo and his mother knew this secret.
A king of Ozi and Ungwana in Tana Delta.
He conquered the throne of Pate, originally held by his cousin King Ahmad, the first ruler of Islam.

The transition from Matrilinear to Patrilinear system created tension as King Ahmad sought to eliminate Liongo.
Liongo was chained and imprisoned; he composed a song.
His refrain helped him escape while the guards were distracted.

Escaped to Watwa, trained with a bow and arrow, and won an archery contest.
- This win was a ploy by the king to recapture him.
Despite few knowing of Liongo's victories against the Gala tribe, the king offered his daughter in marriage as a reward.
Eventually, Liongo's son betrayed and killed him.

Mythology consists of interconnected traditional stories or myths, typically addressing gods and explaining natural phenomena.
Examples include the origins of wind or oceans.
Related to legends and folk tales.

The source of worldly phenomena, characterized by extraordinary characters and mystical realms.
Events within myths often deviate from real life occurrences.
It instills moral lessons and is shrouded in mystery.

Contains a confrontation of opposites, such as day and night.
Language used by heroes in mythologies employs sophisticated styles and metaphors, reflecting parallels to real life events.

A significant skill for sharing and appreciating various texts, including literature, quotes, songs, speeches, and other essential documents originally written in another language.
Poor translations can lead to misunderstandings and incorrect message conveyance.

The transfer of the closest possible equivalent meaning and style found in the original language.
Focus on the essence of the paragraph rather than single word translations.
- Reference: Santiago, 2003.

Conduct the first translation with a focus on the meaning rather than the words.
Review and edit to ensure clarity and correctness, adhering closely to the original's intent.

While utilizing a dictionary, consider various meanings of the word to find the contextually appropriate definition.