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Title
Rostam: Tales of the Shahnameh
Description
Welcome to “Rostam: Tales of the Shahnameh!”
This comic book series is an adaptation of the Shahnameh or “Book of Kings” by the famous Persian poet, Ferdowsi.
The first series of comic books focuses on the main hero, Rostam a giant of a man, a very powerful fighter, and his many fantastic adventures. Throughout, Rostam shows his strength and skill as a warrior, but also his integrity and loyalty to his country, as he protects and defends it from not only foreign invading armies, but also the constant conniving and betrayals of characters such as lord Afrasiab and an under worldly demon, by the name of “White Deev” (Deev-e Sefeed).
These unsavory characters continually plot against Rostam, and Kai-Kavous (The King), so that they might take over and rule the Empire. However, in spite of a King who at times appears less than grateful, and often even incompetent to rule, Rostam always honorably defends his King and Country.
The First story, “Rostam: Tales of the Shahnameh” introduces the reader to the story of Rostam & Sohrab - the most famous of all Shahnameh stories. It starts with Rostam meeting Princess Tahmineh in Turan (Iran’s fiercely independent neighbor Kingdom) and ends with Rostam facing one of his most difficult challenges - his own son Sohrab!
The Second story, “Rostam: Return of the King” is a prequel to the Rostam & Sohrab story, which tells the reader how The King (Kai-Kavous) meets and falls in love with Princess Soodabeh in Hamavaran, and subsequently gets himself captured and thrown into a dungeon. Yet again, Rostam has to step in and defeat his country’s enemies and he manages to save the throne from being usurped by Afrasiab.
The Third story, “Rostam: Battle with the Deevs” continues with the story immediately after Sohrab’s death in Book 1. Rotsam is forced to battle his own internal demons as well as the red and ultimately the great White Deev! Rostam seeks forgiveness for his sins and ultimately receives it.
The Forth story, “Rostam: Search for the King” is the final chapter in this series of four books. The story chronicles Rotsam and Zal’s joint quest to find the King to succeed Kai-Kobad (after his death).
Additional Information
Shahnameh Names and Characters
Rostam: 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.
Raqsh: 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.
Zal: 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.
Kai Kavus: Ruler of the Persian Empire, 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.
Afrasiab: 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.
Lord of Barbarestan: Resentful leader of Barbarestan a remote satrapy or Minor Kingdom, within the greater Persian Empire.
The White deev White Deev: AKA Deeveh Sefeed - master of darkness, creator of chaos and the advocate of evil against good. Afrasiab’s Master and Rostam’s nemesis.
Tahmineh: 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.
Sohrab: 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.
Turaj: The assassin from the north, a fierce and unbeaten warrior from unknown lands. Hired by Afrasiab to terminate Rostam. Turaj will test his strength against Rostam and his legend.
The King of Hamavaran: 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.
Soodabeh: 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!
Siavash: 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.
Red Deev: Commissioned by the great White Deev (Deev-eh Sefeed) to kill Rostam, he is the meanest opponent Rostam has ever faced.
Zombie Army: Summoned into action by the White Deev in his relentless quest to kill Rostam.
Green Dragon: 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.
King of Turan: 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.
Princess of the White Castle: Daughter of the King of the white castle. Brave trained warrior who does not get respect she deserves for her battle skills, because she is a woman.
Da-ee Jan: Sohrab’s Uncle and Tahmineh’s Loyal and protective older brother.
