Dáráb

Family: Irán · Role: son of Húmaí · First appears: Húmai and the Birth of Dáráb · Part 1

After Húmaí gave birth to Dáráb, she entrusted him to a nurse and declared publicly that he had died. When he was seven months old, she had him cast into the Euphrates in a box. Rescued and raised by a washerman’s family, Dáráb later learned from his foster-mother how he had been found and that he was not the washerman’s son. He joined the forces gathering for a campaign, and Rishnawád presented him to Húmaí.

In battle against Kaísar’s forces, Dáráb fought his way to the emperor, but night interrupted his expected triumph. Rishnawád recognized the ruby on his arm as proof that he was Bahman’s son, honored him, and gave him high command. After further victories, Kaísar sought peace and agreed to pay tribute. Dáráb accepted only a suit of armor when Rishnawád offered him magnificent presents. Once the ruby led Húmaí to recognize him, she reunited with him and relinquished the crown and throne in his favor, having herself reigned thirty-two years.

Later, Dáráb fought Sháíb’s army for three days and nights, and the battle ended with Sháíb slain. He defeated Failakús, king of Rúm, and married Nahíd, whom Failakús sent to him. Nahíd returned to Rúm before giving birth to their son Sikander. Dáráb also had a son, Dárá, by another wife; when Dárá was twenty, Dáráb died.