In the vast, undulating mountains of Iran, where the land stretches far and wide, the nomadic life thrives in a delicate balance between survival and tradition. For Jahangir, a seasoned herder, the mountains were both home and challenge. He had learned to navigate the steep slopes, unpredictable weather, and difficult terrain from a young age. Today, he set off on another essential journey—this time to the heart of the mountain to gather firewood and graze his sheep in the pristine alpine meadows.
The journey would take him far from his family’s encampment in the valley, through treacherous mountain paths and toward the isolated areas where the pastures remained lush and abundant. The need for firewood was urgent as winter was approaching, and the cold would soon set in, making warmth from the hearth an essential part of their daily life. Alongside the firewood, Jahangir also sought the high-altitude pastures where his sheep could graze on the last tender grasses of the season before the snow would blanket the region.
The Preparation
Before embarking on this journey, Jahangir spent several days preparing. He needed to ensure the well-being of his flock and gather enough supplies for the journey. His wife, Maryam, assisted him in preparing the necessary provisions: dried herbs and bread, a few tools for cutting wood, and a sturdy walking staff. Jahangir knew that the trek would be long and grueling, and his body had grown accustomed to the wear of such travels over the years.
As the sun began to rise, Jahangir mounted his horse, guiding the sheep through the village and out toward the rugged terrain that would lead him to the heart of the mountains. Maryam, standing in the doorway of their tent, watched as he departed, knowing the journey would take several days, maybe more, depending on the weather.
“Come back safe, Jahangir,” she called after him, her voice tinged with the quiet concern of a wife who had seen many such trips before.
“I will, Maryam,” Jahangir replied, his voice firm but warm. “We’ll gather what we need and return before the first snow falls.”
The Ascent into the Mountains
The first few hours of the journey were familiar, as Jahangir led the sheep through the rolling hills that lay before the mountains. The path was clear, and the animals followed him in a steady line, their hooves echoing on the earth as they moved. The mountain air was crisp, and the landscape unfolded in front of them—green valleys dotted with wildflowers, streams winding their way through the fields, and rocky cliffs rising higher and higher in the distance.
As they neared the foothills of the mountain, the terrain began to change. The path grew steeper, and the ground became more uneven. Jahangir’s horse, sure-footed and experienced, navigated the narrow mountain trails with ease, while the sheep, although accustomed to climbing, struggled to keep pace.
Jahangir had to stop frequently to make sure the flock was safe and together, as the winding paths and sharp cliffs made it easy for any stray sheep to get lost or injured. He whistled sharply, a signal for the sheep to follow, and he would coax them gently with his voice, urging them to keep up. The journey was slow, and the higher they climbed, the colder the air became.
After a day of traveling, Jahangir reached a small plateau where he set up camp for the night. The firewood he had gathered was carefully stacked near the campfire, and he fed the sheep some of the dried grasses he had brought along. Jahangir took a moment to rest, allowing the crackling fire to warm his tired bones. The night was peaceful, but he knew tomorrow would bring even more challenges as they ventured deeper into the mountains.
The Heart of the Mountain
The next morning, Jahangir resumed his journey, the wind sharp against his face. As the sun climbed higher, the landscape around him became more rugged, and the path grew even more treacherous. The mountain pass he sought was at a high altitude, surrounded by rocky crags and thick pine forests that had grown dense with age. This was where the best firewood could be found—tall, sturdy trees that could provide warmth through the coldest of winters.
Jahangir, with his experience, knew just where to go. He led his horse and the sheep further up the mountain, eventually reaching the heart of the woods where the trees stood tall and proud. He dismounted his horse and surveyed the area, carefully selecting the trees that would provide the best firewood for the coming winter.
With his trusty axe in hand, Jahangir began the laborious task of cutting the wood. Each swing of the axe resonated through the still air, the sound of labor in the heart of nature. The task was demanding, but Jahangir worked efficiently, knowing that the wood would be a crucial part of his family’s survival during the long, cold months ahead. He piled the logs onto his horse, making sure they were secure for the journey back.
Meanwhile, the sheep had found their way to the nearby meadows, where the grass was thick and fresh. Jahangir watched as they grazed, content and at peace in the serene mountain pastures. The landscape around him was beautiful—majestic mountains towering above, the crisp, clean air filling his lungs, and the gentle sounds of the sheep grazing in the distance. Despite the hard work and the isolation, there was a quiet satisfaction in knowing that this was the life he had chosen, a life rooted in the mountains and the land.
The Return Journey
After gathering enough firewood and allowing the sheep to graze for several days, Jahangir knew it was time to return home. He led the flock back down the mountain, the path now even more treacherous due to the steep descent. The weight of the firewood made his horse slow, but Jahangir was patient, guiding the animal carefully over the rocky trails.
As they neared the valley, the weather began to change. The wind picked up, and the first hints of snow began to fall, dusting the peaks with white. Jahangir quickened his pace, knowing that winter was approaching fast. He wanted to make it back to his family before the storm set in.
By the time he arrived at his encampment, the snow had begun to blanket the land, covering everything in a layer of white. Maryam greeted him with a smile, her face alight with relief and happiness.
“You’ve made it back,” she said, her eyes full of warmth.
Jahangir nodded, his heart content. “We’ve gathered what we need for the winter—firewood and fresh pastures for the sheep. We’re ready.”
As Jahangir unloaded the firewood and settled in for the night, he felt the weight of the journey lift from his shoulders. The cold mountain air and the challenges of the path were behind him. In the warmth of his home, surrounded by his family, he knew that the nomadic life he had chosen was one of resilience, connection, and a deep respect for the land that provided for them.
