Rostam

Rostam is a legendary hero of Persian epic literature, central to Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh (The Book of Kings). He is often regarded as the greatest hero in Iranian epic tradition, celebrated for extraordinary strength, courage, and generosity.

He is the son of Zal, a renowned nobleman, and Rudabeh, and is raised under his father’s guidance. Rostam is inseparable from his horse, Rakhsh, and is trained in warfare from a young age. He becomes a defender of Iran against its enemies and a central figure throughout the Shahnameh.

Rostam’s adventures include a sequence of major feats known as the Haft Khan, or Seven Labours, in which he travels across the known world, fights demons and foes, and engages in conflicts among kings and peoples. His exploits are among the most celebrated episodes in Persian epic poetry.

He marries Tahmineh and they have a son named Sohrab. In a fateful duel, Rostam and Sohrab meet in combat without recognizing each other; Rostam kills Sohrab, only later learning his son’s identity, a moment of deep tragedy in the epic.

In his later years Rostam continues to fight for Iran and eventually dies after a long and storied life, leaving a lasting legacy in Persian literature and national consciousness. Rostam’s memory endures in art, poetry, and popular culture, and the character appears beyond Shahnameh in later Iranian and South Asian literary traditions, where he remains a symbol of heroic virtue, martial prowess, and loyalty. The name Rostam remains a common given name in Iran and among Persian-speaking communities.