Faranak

Farānak () is a female character in the Persian epic Shahnameh. She is married to Abtin and the mother of Fereydun.

==Etymology== Farânak is derived from the word Parvâneh, which means "butterfly" in Persian. Like many other words and names in Persian, the letter P was transformed to F in post-Arabic period, as the letter P does not exist in Arabic. Parvânak, meaning "the little butterfly", is another name for the Persian lynx or caracal, also called siâh-goosh , which means "black-eared" in Persian. Both the name siâh-goosh ("black-eared") and parvânak ("little butterfly") refer to the pointy long black ears of the Persian lynx that look like butterflies. The Persian lynx or caracal accompanies the lion as the lion is a strong hunter and often leaves some food for the lynx which is a much smaller cat. In return, the lynx has a much stronger sense of smell and can lead the lion to the prey.