The Lion Women of Tehran

The symbolism of the necklace that young Homa gives Ellie reflects the meaning of the homa, or huma, bird, a creature of Persian legend that is said to live its entire life in the air or trees, never touching the ground. The bird embodies compassion and is believed to imbue good fortune on all it touches. Ellie recognizes these qualities in her friend, further strengthening the relationship between Homa and her namesake. Like the mythical phoenix, the homa bird can self-immolate and regenerate, just as Homa reinvents herself several times after her and imprisonment.

When Ellie moves away from Tehran as a child, Homa gives Ellie a small golden chain with a charm of a homa bird as a token of their friendship. Young Ellie wears the necklace for a time but then puts it aside, reflecting her belief that she and Homa have naturally grown apart. After their final reconciliation in New York City, when Ellie confesses her guilt and Homa forgives her, Ellie resumes wearing the necklace as a symbol of their friendship, highlighting the theme of Bonds of Friendship and Loyalty. Leily later observes that Miss Ellie is never without this piece of jewelry, indicating Ellie’s loyalty to her absent friend and the enduring nature of their bond, as well as