Rustem

Family: Zábul · Role: hero · First appears: Rúdábeh · Part 4

Rustem was born to Zál and Rúdábeh in Zábulistán, extraordinarily large and strong, and required the milk of ten nurses. After Zál settled him in Sístán, he slew the white elephant that had broken loose, then led an expedition against the fort on mountain Sipund, killed its chief and captured the fort. On his return, Zál embraced him and honored him publicly. Having trained him in war, Zál appointed him commander against Afrásiyáb; Rustem obtained the horse Rakush, and at Alberz welcomed Kai-kobád as Persia’s sovereign. In battle he threw Afrásiyáb from his saddle and took his crown, though the king escaped. Kai-kobád received him with honor and bestowed the highest honors on him and Zál.

When Kai-káús was held captive, Rustem set out on Rakush to rescue him. In the Seven Labors of Rustem, he survived the desert, slew the dragon with Rakush’s help, captured Aúlád, killed Arzang and the White Demon, and used the White Demon’s blood to restore Kai-káús and his warriors’ sight. He later freed Kai-káús from captivity again, defeated the forces of Hámáverán, and reseated the king on his throne. In the Story of Sohráb, Rustem married Tahmíneh and then returned to Sístán, leaving her behind. Their son Sohráb grew up without knowing his father’s identity. When they met in battle, neither prevailed at first; in their renewed wrestling match, Rustem defeated and mortally wounded Sohráb. Only as Sohráb lay dying did Rustem learn who he was, recognizing the bracelet his son showed him. Kai-káús refused the medicine that might have saved Sohráb, and Rustem burned his pavilion and treasured arms before raising a mound over his son’s grave.