“Discourse on Meat Science and Nutrition Along the Ancient Silk Road Between Hallstatt to Turpan”
Introduction Sacred Salt and the Northern Gods
I chronicle a journey that intertwines historical and personal narratives with deep scientific exploration. The book explores how ancient mythologies encode principles of nutrition and well-being. Along the Northern Silk Road, from the Turpan Oasis in China to Hallstatt in Austria, I met the “Mirator Deorum Nordicum,” the Wonderer of the Gods of the North. She both wanders the earth and contemplates deeply. I call her the Wise Wonderer. We decided to travel these ancient roads together, to discover their secrets and investigate the wholistic and fundamental implications it has on our daily lives with particular reference to nutrition and meat science. What follows is our musings with deep implications for nutrition, well-being and meat processing.
On Courage
9 August 2024
Khosrow and Shirin
That particular morning, we arrived in the Georgian town of Borjomi, deep in the Caucasus Mountains. A traveller from ages past once described the area as “a paradise of greenery, where the mountains seem to touch the sky, and the sound of the river echoes through the ancient forests, whispering tales of the past.”
It was while we were sitting by the Mtkvari River that I told her the story of Khosrow and Shirin. This tale is part of the Persian epic Shahnameh (Book of Kings), written in the 10th century by the poet Ferdowsi. The story was retold in the 12th century by the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi, born in present-day Azerbaijan, in his romantic epic Khosrow and Shirin. The themes of love, loyalty, duty, and the protection of family seemed particularly fitting on this day.
As it turns out, she had read the story of Khosrow and Shirin in her 20s. Khosrow Parviz, the King of Persia, hears of the beauty and virtue of Shirin, an Armenian princess, and becomes deeply enamoured with her without ever meeting her. He sends his painter, Shapur, to Armenia to bring back a portrait of Shirin. When Shirin sees the portrait of Khosrow, she too falls in love.
Determined to meet Khosrow, Shirin sets out on a journey to Persia. Meanwhile, Khosrow is overthrown by a rival and is forced to flee to Armenia. The lovers meet, but they are unable to marry immediately due to political upheaval and other challenges. During this time, Shirin’s virtue is tested by another suitor, the sculptor Farhad, who falls madly in love with her and undertakes an impossible task set by Khosrow to win her hand. Tragically, Farhad dies, unable to complete the task.
Khosrow eventually regains his throne, and after overcoming many obstacles, he and Shirin are finally united in marriage. Their union, however, is bittersweet. Their life together is marred by betrayals, political conflicts, and the burdens of leadership. Khosrow is assassinated by his own son, and Shirin, heartbroken, takes her own life, choosing to be with Khosrow in death.
As has become customary, the story becomes a powerful backdrop to the discourse that follows. My first observation is the magic of eternal love, as seen between Khosrow, the king of Persia, and Shirin, the Armenian princess. “Imagine all that against the backdrop of royal duties, wars, and the challenges of leadership—love, sacrifice, and the responsibilities that come with power.”
Wise Wanderer didn’t like my clinical “observations.” She lies back on the grass, folding her hands behind her head, looking at the clouds floating overhead, and says, “The story is of two souls who found each other against the backdrop of a vast empire, a tale of love that endured through war, betrayal, and the weight of a crown.”
What struck me was Khosrow Parviz, the king of Persia. He was an impressive man of strength and wisdom, yet one whose heart had not yet found its true home. That is until he hears of Shirin, his princess from Armenia, whose beauty and grace were matched only by her intelligence and compassion. I am struck by the bond that existed in their souls. The moment he heard about her, something deep within him stirred, a recognition, perhaps, that his soul had found its counterpart or that he had met an eternal love from ages past.
Wise Wonderer, with her keen sense of observation, adds, “Khosrow’s journey to meet Shirin is not just physical, but a quest of the heart. When they finally meet, it’s as though the world stands still. They see in each other something pure and true, a love that is as deep as the roots of the ancient trees that surround them. Yet, Shirin, in her wisdom, knows that such a love must be honoured, not rushed. She remains the author of much of how the story unfolds.”
“It’s a beautiful story, rich with what is real in life,” she continues while lying on the grass. I lie next to her and close my eyes as she speaks. The world fades around me, and soon, all I can hear is her voice and the lapping sound of the water. “Their union had many challenges. Khosrow, as king, bears the heavy responsibility of his empire. There are battles to be fought and decisions to be made, and sometimes, this duty takes him away from Shirin. But she understands this. She’s not just a queen; she’s a protector, a mother, and a beacon of strength. While Khosrow is away, she cares for their children, guiding them with the same wisdom that captured Khosrow’s heart.”
“One evening, as Khosrow returned from the battlefield, he sat with his children, telling them tales of bravery and honour. He would say, ‘A king’s love is boundless, not just for his queen, but for the land that gave him birth.’ And Shirin, ever by his side, would smile, knowing that their love, their family, was grounded in something far deeper than the riches and power of the throne.”
“As parents, Khosrow and Shirin were fiercely protective. They understood the dangers that lurked in the shadows for those of royal blood. Shirin, especially, was known for her nurturing nature. She often reminded her children of their duty to the people, saying, ‘With tender care, she nurtured the young souls, guiding them with a firm yet gentle hand, so that they may grow strong in body and noble in spirit.'”
“But their story is not just one of personal love; it’s a tale of devotion to their country. Khosrow’s love for Persia was as fierce as his love for Shirin. He led his people with courage and wisdom, always placing their needs above his own. And Shirin, with her sharp mind and kind heart, played her part too. When the kingdom was threatened by internal strife, it was Shirin who stepped in, using her influence to bring peace and stability to the land.”
“Their legacy is one of love and sacrifice. They showed that true nobility lies not in wealth or power, but in the ability to care for others, protect those vulnerable, and act with integrity and compassion. Their story, as you tell it, becomes a reminder that the bonds we form, whether in love or duty, are the very things that hold the world together.”
I am suddenly brought back to reality when kids start chasing each other close to where we lay on the ground. It’s what you showed me in Empress Zita and Emperor Karl. It’s a repeating theme!
“They were together. They were pillars of their realm, their love a beacon of hope, their actions a testament to the sacred duty they bore for their people.” And in that moment, the tale of Khosrow and Shirin became the same story of Zita and Karl and of us! Not just a story of the past, but a living example of what it means to love deeply and live with honour and the union of the protecting power of a lioness, merged with the gentleness of a dove and the wisdom of all the sages of ages past.
The Courage to Let Love Rule Supreme
Wise Wonderer jumps up. “Come, let’s see if we can find a trail leading up to the summit.” The hike through the ancient forest reminds Wise Wonderer of her Mountain back in Austria. We speak of our love for the natural world. Wise Wonderer tells tales of their love for the animals they raise on their farm. A thought occurs to me. I wonder if we can develop a set of principles that would govern how we treat animals and meat, with the love and respect that it deserves. The essence of treating animals right and handling meat with care and respect, good manufacturing practices, good nutrition and not wasting food is love.
The forest gods of Borjomi and its mountains collaborate. We eternalise the Five Postulates of Raising Cattle and Processing Meat.
-> The Dictum
“You see now the deep bond we have with cattle… Because it’s so precious! All the work in the mountain pastures, to bring them up well and healthy. That’s the secret of a thousand years of selection… Love.” — Quote from the Daughter of an Austrian Farmer, 7 August 2024
-> The Five Postulates of Raising Cattle
Develop a Deep Bond:
Recognize and nurture the connection with the cattle.
Value Their Preciousness:
Understand the intrinsic worth and unique nature of each animal.
Provide the Best Environment:
Ensure cattle are raised in optimal conditions, promoting their well-being.
Ensure Health and Well-being:
Raise cattle to be healthy and strong through dedicated care and attention.
Act with Love:
Infuse every action with love, reflecting the bond and care for the animals.
-> The Five Postulates of Processing Meat
Value of Meat:
Acknowledge that meat comes from a living creature capable of experiencing joy and pain.
Respect the Process:
Approach the entire meat processing endeavour with the utmost respect for the life that was given.
Appreciate the Complexity:
Recognize and honour the intricate chemical and biochemical processes that maintain the integrity of the meat.
Handle with Care:
Treat the meat with the greatest care to present it beautifully for human nourishment and enjoyment.
Infuse with Love:
Let love guide every step of the process, ensuring respect and dignity for the life that was taken.
Later that evening, we drink Chacha and tell stories of the gods of the Caucasus mountains till deep into the night. Chacha is a strong Georgian brandy made from grape pomace, often called “Georgian vodka.” We tell stories of Amirani, the heroic giant who defied the gods to protect his people, and of Dali, the goddess of the hunt, who fiercely guarded the wildlife of these mountains. We speak of bravery, sacrifice, and the protection of one’s own. It takes courage to treat animals right and to process their flesh with respect and love!
The theme of courage repeats. When we dream that night, we connect to the eternal consciousness of our natural world, thankful to be alive and to be able to love!
Written in remembrance of a particular act of tremendous courage and bravery!
Inder Page: Sacred Salt and the Northern Gods
The full story is available at: Khosrow and Shirin by Nizami of Ganja
(c) eben van tonder