The Masnavi Form: How Rhyming Couplets Tell Epic and Mystical Tales

In the rich tradition of Persian literature, the masnavi (also spelled mathnawi) stands as one of the most versatile and beloved poetic forms. Often used to narrate epics, romances, moral tales, and mystical teachings, the masnavi weaves together rhyming couplets into a flowing tapestry of thought and emotion. From the passionate verses of Nizami to the spiritual ocean of Rumi’s Masnavi-ye Ma'navi, this form has been a cornerstone of Persian storytelling and Sufi philosophy.

But what makes the masnavi so powerful? Why has it endured for centuries, transcending time and borders to influence poets across cultures?

Let’s explore the structure, purpose, and poetic magic of the masnavi.

What Is a Masnavi?

The term masnavi comes from the Arabic word mathnawī, meaning "in twos"—a nod to its core structure: rhyming couplets. Each couplet is composed of two hemistichs (half-lines), with a rhyme scheme of AA, BB, CC, DD, and so on.

This continuous couplet format allows the poet to build lengthy, sustained narratives or discourses, making the masnavi ideal for storytelling, philosophical exploration, or moral instruction. Unlike the ghazal, where each couplet stands alone, the masnavi encourages linear development, coherence, and extended metaphor.

Form and Flow

The masnavi is known for its narrative flexibility. Because each couplet rhymes independently from the next, the poet is not constrained by a fixed refrain or rhyme. This freedom enables the crafting of epic-length works, often running into thousands of verses.

Each couplet is a self-contained idea, but when …