Jews lived in Persia from shortly after the Babylonian Exile of the early 6^th century BCE. On account of their ancient pedigree, they were extremely proud of their heritage, developing traditions and legends that spoke to their importance in the Jewish world. One such legend, composed in 1332, fills in gaps in the story of Queen Esther and identifies her as the mother of King Cyrus, the king who authorized the return of Jews from the Babylonian Exile. In this retelling of the story, the source of the redemption of the Jews is herself a Jewess. 

In this illustration, Ardashir appoints Haman to be his chief courtier. It is Mordecai’s refusal to recognize Haman’s elevation that provokes Haman’s genocidal anger toward the Jews. 

In the scene on this page, the King and Haman gather at the feast that Esther had prepared (Esther 5:5), setting up her exposure of Haman’s designs against the Jews.