Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part XVIII)

The Death of Rustem

“How shall a man escape from that which is written; How shall he flee from his destiny?”

An attractive slave caught Zal’s attention, and she bore him a son which they named Shugdad, who was like to Saum. And the Mubids searched the stars for his destiny, but found that Shugdad would commit much evil and bring low the descendents of Saum son of Neriman. Zal hoped to avoid this fate, and reared him gently, but sent him to Cabul when his son became a man, at which point the King of Cabul gave him his daughter.

And though the King of Cabul had always paid tribute to Rustem, he resented it and thought it fitting that it would now cease since he had his half-brother beside him. And Shugdad and the King plotted for Rustem’s destruction. Shugdad suggested a feast in which he would be insulted, ride home to Daddy, and Rustem would surely come to avenge him. While he journeyed, a giant pit would be dug with sharp pointy things sticking out of it, and camouflaged with earth.

The plan was deemed good and the King put it into action, and went as planned. Shugdad talked Rustem out of taking an army with him and instead only a few men, as a gesture of contempt for the King and his worthiness as an opponent. And he made it there fine, and begged for forgiveness for the words spoken while drinking, and Rustem forgave him and they feasted. But the King had indeed prepared the pit, and offered a great hunt to tempt Rustem, with Shugdad showing Rustem the path. But Rakush smelled new-turned earth and refused to go forward. And Rustem tired of patience and for the first time took a whip to his steed, and Rakash went forward and was impaled, as was Rustem. But Rustem dragged himself wearily out of the pit, and he knew Shugdad for his actions.

Though Shugdad said it was only fitting he should die on the sword, the King of Cabul rode by and in mock sorrow offered physicians, which Rustem refused as death comes to all men. And Rustem gave Shugdad the order to leave him with his bow and two arrows, which he did. But he hid himself in a hollow tree in his fear and Rustem shot and killed him, happily taking vengeance and taking evil out of the world with him as he himself died.

Zal received word and cursed his sorrow, his son Shugdad, and the fact that he had survived his son Rustem. And Feramorz, Rustem’s son, gathered an army to avenge his father. This he did, and found the bodies of Rustem and Rakush, and a noble tomb was built for Rustem, with room for Rakush beside him.

And the sorrow that wailed throughout the land was “such as the world hath not known the like,” with prayers offered that Rustem’s soul would be purified, and the Epic of Kings comes to a close on that unhappy note.