Rostam o Ashkebūs: Qesseh-hā-ye Shāhnāmeh 9 Persian 2025

The battle between Rostam and Ashkabus is one of the most vivid and thrilling episodes in the Shahnameh, occurring within the larger tale of the “War of Kamous.” In this story, Ashkabus— a powerful and arrogant warrior from the land of Kushan—enters Iran alongside the Turanian army at the invitation of Afrasiyab. On the battlefield, he boasts loudly and challenges the Iranian heroes, but several warriors, including Ruhham, fail to stand against him.

As fear and uncertainty spread among the Iranian ranks, Rostam steps forward. With his characteristic calm and wisdom, he chooses not to engage in close combat; instead, he shoots a single, precise arrow from afar and strikes Ashkabus down. His fall shatters the morale of the Turanians and revives hope among the Iranians.

This episode highlights that in the Shahnameh, true heroism is not defined by brute force alone; reason, composure, and skill are just as essential to victory.

This story has been adapted into a contemporary illustrated edition for children, published by Barf Publishing, with illustrations by Mohammad-Ali Keshavarz and retelling by Maziar Baghlani and Ilnaz Ebrahimi.