Zal and Rudabeh
Zal – see previous postings. Decided to wander kingdom with a giant baggage train. Went to Cabul (Kabul?), met King Mihrab, praised his beauty, and was tempted by stories of even more beautiful daughter Rudabeh. Fell in love without even seeing, lots of mushy stuff, but forbidden love. Romeo and Juliet situation – forbidden because of her descent from Serpent-King Zohak. Discouraged by father Saum from romance, but horoscope from Mubids seemed okay, so agreed to plead his cause to the Shah. Bad move. Shah ordered Cabul razed and all of Serpent-King’s descent killed....by Saum. Zal pled injustice to his father for throwing him literally to the birds, and Saum bought it. Ordered by Minuchihr to come answer riddles to see if he was worthy. He was. Married Rudabeh and went back to Seistan after wedding to administer kingdom while father was away.
Saum – Father of Zal (see previous postings). Tried to discourage Zal from romance, but horoscope from Mubids seemed okay, so agreed to plead his cause to the Shah. Bad move. Shah ordered Cabul razed and all of Serpent-King’s descent killed....by Saum. Zal pled injustice to his father for throwing him literally to the birds, and Saum bought it. Sindokht (see below) took him lots of gifts and then told him all her secrets. He agreed not to raze Cabul because of her.
Minuchihr – the king of kings, of all Iran (see previous postings). Vehemently against Zal and Rudabeh’s romance due to her descent from serpent-king. Originally ordered Cabul razed by Saum, who didn’t do it. Consulted Mubids, who said it’d be great for the kingdom, but forbade them from speaking of this decision. Brought Zal to him and had Mubids give him riddles. Zal answered well, marriage approved.
Mihrab – ruler of Cabul (Kabul?) and descendent of Zohak Serpent-King, but was worthy, prudent, wise. Husband of Sindokht and father of Rudabeh. Threatened to kill own daughter to allay Minuchihr’s anger at the forbidden romance between Zal and Rudabeh.
Sindokht – wife of Mihrab. Talked Saum out of razing Cabul after Zal had already done so (I don’t quite get this).
Rudabeh – ridiculously beautiful daughter of Mihrab and Sindokht. Heard praise of Zal and fell in love without even meeting the guy. Told secret to slaves, who sort of helped them get together. Romeo and Juliet situation – forbidden because of her descent from Serpent-King Zohak.
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