Zál

Also known as: Dustán · Family: Zábul · Role: son of Sám · First appears: Zál, the Son of Sám

When Sám’s son was born with perfectly white hair, his mother named him Zál. Sám abandoned him on Alberz, but Símúrgh carried him to her habitation and nourished and protected him for several years. After a dream led Sám to learn that his son was alive, Símúrgh returned Zál to him, saying, “Receive thy son--he is of wonderful promise, and will be worthy of the throne and the diadem.” She also gave Zál a feather to burn if danger came. Sám confessed his shame and promised to treat him with honor; when Minúchihr received them, he presented Zál with a golden mace, a helm, horses, armor, gold, and garments. Later, when Sám went to subdue the Demon provinces, Zál was left in charge of Zábulistán.

In the Story of Rúdábeh, Zál and Rúdábeh fell in love, pledged themselves to one another, and married with everyone’s approval. Their son Rustem was born extraordinarily large and strong; Zál settled him in Sístán and trained him in warlike exercises and battle. Zál also guided the young Garshásp in affairs of government. When Afrásiyáb sent Shimasás and Khazerván against him, Zál gathered forces, fought the invaders, and joined with Mihráb; Tús and Gustahem came to live under his protection, while Kárun cooperated with him. Zál offered support to Aghríras in a bid for the Persian throne and sent Kárun to make overtures to Zau.

When Kai-kobád took the throne, Zál served in the army and later received the highest honors alongside Rustem. In the Story of Kai-káús, he advised the king against invading Mázinderán, then returned to Sístán when his counsel was rejected; when Kai-káús was captured, Zál charged Rustem with rescuing him. In later campaigns Zál fought Pílsam, and he welcomed his great-grandson Barzú when Rustem brought him to Sístán. As an old man, Zál tied on Rustem’s armor before his fight with Isfendiyár, tended his wounds afterward, and summoned Símúrgh by burning the feather. After Rustem’s death, Zál sent Ferámurz to bring back his body. Bahman later plundered Zál’s house and put him in fetters, but released him and restored Sístán.