Sohráb

Family: Túrán · Role: warrior · First appears: Story of Sohráb · Part 2

When nine months had passed, Tahmíneh gave birth to Sohráb, concealed his birth by claiming she had borne a daughter, and later told him that Rustem was his father. She showed him Rustem’s letter and the gifts sent from Persia, including the bracelet given as his father’s token. Sohráb set out for Persia on a steed bred from Rakush; Afrásiyáb supplied military support through Húmán and Bármán, ordering them to keep Sohráb’s identity secret from Rustem.

On the campaign, Sohráb defeated Hujír and spared him, taking him captive. He captured Gúrd-afríd, but she deceived him and escaped to the castle; Sohráb then ordered the suburb-town pillaged. He renewed his ambition for conquest, while Tahmíneh sent Zinda-ruzm to protect him and, if danger came, present him to his father. After Zinda-ruzm was killed, Sohráb vowed revenge and questioned Hujír about the Persian leaders. He attacked the Persian forces, challenged Kai-káús, and hurled the king’s pavilion to the ground. When he met Rustem, Sohráb proposed single combat, but Rustem denied that he was Rustem. Their first fight ended without either defeating the other; after Sohráb wounded and stunned Rustem, they agreed to meet again.

In their next encounter, Sohráb released Rustem after winning their wrestling match, saying, “To-morrow's contest shall his fate decide.” Rustem defeated him in the renewed bout and mortally wounded him. As he lay dying, Sohráb told Rustem that he had sought his father and “with that wish I die.” Rustem revealed his identity, and Sohráb showed him the bracelet from his mother. Sohráb died from his wound; Rustem mourned him and raised a sepulchral mound to preserve his name. Tahmíneh grieved for him until her spirit joined him in Heaven.