Iranian · 1145–1221
Attar created Sufi literature's most celebrated allegory in The Conference of the Birds, where thirty birds journey through seven valleys seeking the mythical Simorgh, only to discover that the Simorgh ("thirty birds" in Persian) is themselves. A pharmacist and perfumer in Nishapur, he composed mystical poetry that influenced Rumi and all subsequent Persian spiritual literature. His Memorial of the Saints collected biographies and teachings of Sufi masters. The Mongol invasion that destroyed Nishapur in 1221 likely killed him. His poetry combines narrative skill with spiritual teaching, making abstract metaphysics vivid through story and symbol.