Rostam, or Rostam of Sistan, or Rostam of the Tales, is the most renowned mythical figure in the Shahnameh and consequently, the most important mythical figure in Persian literature. He is the son of Zal and Rudabeh

After the Shahnameh, Rustom is featured in the Faramarznameh (the story of Faramarz, the son of Rustom), the Banougashspnameh (the story of Banougashsp, the daughter of Rustom), the Jahangirnameh (the story of Jahangir, the son of Rustom), and the Borzunameh (the story of Borzu, the son of Sohrab, and the grandson of Rustom)

 The most important events and actions of Rostam in the Shahnameh

Crossing the seven trials
Battle with Sohrab
Battle with Esfandiar
Conquest of the fortress of Spandkuh
Bringing Kay Kavus from the Alborz mountain
Rescuing Kay Kavoos from the captivity of King Hamavaran
Driving Afrasiyab out of Iran, who had invaded and seized it during the absence of Kavus
Raising Siavash, son of Kavus
Killing Sudabeh, the wife of Kay Kavus, in revenge for Siavash
Avenge Siavash and attack Turan
Participating in the battle with the Khagan of China and killing Kamos Kashani and capturing the Khagan of China
Killing Akvan Div
Rescuing Bijan, son of Giv, from the pit of Afrasiyab
Raising Bahman, son of Esfandiar

 

The Death of Rostam
In the Shahnameh, the long lifespan of the heroes descended from Sam Yal (the grandfather of Rostam) is mentioned, and similarly, Rostam’s lifespan is around six hundred years, although he did not die a natural death. He fell into a pit due to the trickery of the king of Kabul and was killed by his half-brother, Shaghad. In this incident, Rostam’s other brother, named Zohar, and Rakhsh were also killed. Throughout his life, Rostam was contemporaneous with many kings, including Manouchehr, Nozar, Zou, Garshasb, Key qobad, Key Kavous, Key Khosrow, Lohrasb, and Gashtasb, and finally Bahman