The Lioness

Legends of the Ancient Iranic Female Warriors and Commanders

In ancient Persia, women were considered living goddesses and many had important positions in court of law, ministries, military, state departments, and other official administrative positions. Many ancient Persian cities and states were ruled by women and had their army under full control of female commanders. They were known to be great warriors, had great sword skills, and went into battle side by side with their king or husband. The significant role of women in ancient Iran both horrified and fascinated the ancient Greek and Roman male-dominated societies.
In this lecture Farima will present the history and legends of:

• The ancient Iranic empresses, Hamazons (Amazon warriors), and commanders.
• Ardalans – “The Mighty Fighters” and great horseback riders
• Sarmatians and Scythians – The great spear fighters and women archers.
• Hazarabam – Known for their great sword skills and famously known as the “Immortal Army.”
• The role of women in the epic book of the Shahnahmeh (The Book of Kings)

Free for those taking the full Warriors of Light workshop.

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Farima Berenji

Farima Berenji is an award winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, instructor, choreographer, and dance ethnologist. A master instructor and performer in Persian and Sufi dance, she specializes in ancient, sacred, classical, and folkloric dances of Persia and Central Asia. She is honored to be the first Iranian woman to direct a Persian dance company to perform during receptions for President Obama and President Biden. Farima is the founder and artistic director of the Simorgh Dance Collective, founder of Dance of the Soul, she is the advisory council member of Mosaic America, a member of the International Dance Council (CID-UNESCO), Eastern Arts, National Folk Organization, and the first Iranian-American woman TEDx lecturer and performer in the field of dance. Recognized as one of the few world scholarly experts of ancient and mystical dance ethnology, she travels worldwide to record, research, lecture, perform, educate, and to inspire dynamic creativity and rejuvenation through dance and movement. Read more…