Rostam

Rostam is a legendary hero in Iranian mythology and one of the most prominent characters in the epic of Shahnameh. He is a champion of champions and is involved in numerous stories, constituting some of the most popular episodes of the Shahnameh. His life spans several generations of the Shahnameh story, leading to his description as one "whose life lasts a thousand years."

Background

Rostam is best known for his courage and physical strength. He is the son of Zal, one of the legendary kings of Persia, and Rudaba, the princess of Kabul. Rostam's grandfather was Sam, the king of Sistan, who named his son Zal after a legendary bird that raised him. Zal was one of Persia's most powerful warriors and a great king of Sistan in Iranian mythology.

Rostam's Seven Labors

Rostam is most celebrated for the Haft Khan (Seven Labors) he performed to save his sovereign, Kay Kavus who was captured by the evil king of Mazandaran. These labors are very similar to those of Hercules from Greek mythology. Rostam's Seven Labors were to:

1. Slay the wild lions outside the king's palace
2. Slay the dragon of the marsh of Sistan
3. Slay the witch of the Mazandaran forest
4. Slay Arzhang, the demon king of Mazandaran
5. Cross the water of death
6. Slay the white demon
7. Rescue Kay Kavus, and capture Div-e-Sepid

Rostam and Sohrab

One of the most tragic tales in the Shahnameh is the story of Rostam and Sohrab, where Rostam unknowingly kills his own son Sohrab in combat.

Death

Rostam's death comes when he is fatally wounded by his half-brother Shaghad while trying to save a horse from a pit. Shaghad had set up the trap in order to kill Rostam.

Legacy

Rostam is considered the bravest of the Iranian epic heroes and the symbol of all that is good, noble, and brave in the human spirit.

Rostam Resources
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