Shahnameh Names and Characters
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Rostam: (Books 1, 2 & 3) The hero and powerful warrior of the Tales of the Shahnameh, is the sworn loyal protector (Pahlavan/Daleer) of Persia (Iran), a mythical place of beauty and adventure.
Son of Zal and Roudabeh.
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Raqsh: (Books 1, 2 & 3) Rostam’s horse. Raqsh can only be ridden by Rostam, who was the only man strong enough to tame him. He is the most powerful and beautiful horse in all the land.
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Zal: (Books 1, 2 & 3) Mythical hero-warrior of Iran. Born an albino and abandoned by his father, Zal was raised by a phoenix (Simurgh). Son of Saum, husband of Roudabeh and father of Rostam.
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Kai-Kavous: (Books 1, 2 & 3) Son of Kai-Kobad, who was placed on the throne by Zal and Rostam after the death of the old Kai. He is afraid of Rostam’s power and questions his loyalty.
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Afrasiab: (Books 1, 2 & 3) Devious & opportunistic wizard who is a key adviser to Kai- Kavous. Afrasiab almost took the throne when there was once no king, but his fear of Rostam and Zal prevented him. He has regretted this decision ever since.
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Lord of Barbarestan: (Book 2) Resentful leader of Barbarestan a remote satrapy or Minor Kingdom, within the greater Persian Empire.
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White Deev: (Book 3) AKA Deeveh Sefeed – master of darkness, creator of chaos and the advocate of evil against good. Afrasiab’s Master and Rostam’s nemesis.
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Tahmineh: (Book 1) Beautiful daughter of the King of Turan. Smitten with Rostam from the first time she laid eyes on him, she becomes his lover and later unbeknown to him, the mother of his son – The great Turanian warrior, Sohrab.
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Sohrab: (Books 1 & 3) Champion warrior son of Rostam and Tahmineh. Inheriting his father’s tremendous strength, Sohrab grew quickly and as a youth and could beat any man in Turan.
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Turaj: (Book 2) The assassin, a fierce and unbeaten warrior from unknown lands. Hired by Afrasiab to terminate Rostam. Turaj will test his strength against Rostam and his legend.
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The King of Hamavaran: (Book 2) Tucked away in the hidden valleys of the steep mountainous North Eastern mountains, Hamavaran is a lesser kingdom or satrapy within greater Iran. The King of Hamavaran is the adoring father of the beautiful Soodabeh.
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Soodabeh: (Books 2 & 3) The daughter of the King of Hamavaran, Soodabeh is as smart and wise as she is beautiful. Certainly the right kind of woman to sit at the side of the King of Iran!
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Siavash: (Book 3) The young gallant prince, son of Kai Kavous and one of his maidens. A great warrior and heir to the throne of Iran. Unfortunately for him, he is percieved as a threat to the plans of Soodabeh and Afrasiab. |
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Red Deev: (Book 3) Commissioned by the great White Deev (Deev-eh Sefeed) to kill Rostam, he is the meanest opponent Rostam has ever faced. |
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Zombie Army: (Book 3) Summoned into action by the White Deev in his relentless quest to kill Rostam. |
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Green Dragon: (Book 3) Appearing in a dream sequence from Rostam’s past, the Dragon is one of the seven trials (Haft Khan) that Rostam must overcome during his youth. |
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King of Turan: (Book 1) Father of Tahmineh, Helps Rostam recover his horse raqsh after he was stolen. Fiercely independent minded king of a land that is constantly battling with Iran. |
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Princess Gurdafarid: (Book 1) Daughter of the King of the White Castle – Gazdaham, Brave trained warrior who does not get respect she deserves for her battle skills, because she is a woman. |
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Da-ee Jan: (Book 1) Sohrab’s Uncle and Tahmineh’s Loyal and protective older brother. |
