Faranak, the wife of Abtin and the mother of Fereydun, is portrayed in the Shahnameh as a free-spirited, knowledgeable and thoughtful woman, compassionate and generous, a vigilant and well-organised fighter, and a caring and affectionate mother. Her character and functions can, broadly, be divided into three categories: 1. a conscious and freedom-seeking warrior; 2. a devoted mother; and 3. a generous and humanitarian individual.