Proceeding into the desolate reaches of his Third Labor, Rostam descended into a vast, ominous plain—the hidden lair of a monstrous dragon. So dreadful was this beast that even mighty elephants could not escape its wrath, and neither wild lions nor ferocious divs dared tread upon its grounds. Unaware of the lurking terror, the tired hero fell into a deep slumber, while his magnificent steed Rakhsh grazed nearby.
Emerging from the gloom, the fiery dragon was astonished to behold a warrior sleeping peacefully and a majestic horse standing guard in its dominion. As the beast lunged toward Rakhsh, the intelligent steed struck the earth with his iron hoofs and roared like spring thunder to alert his master. Rostam started awake, but each time he opened his eyes, the cunning serpent sank back into the black shadows. Thrice this occurred, and Rostam, seeing only empty darkness, grew terribly incensed at Rakhsh, threatening to sever the horse's head with his sword if he disturbed his sleep again.
Torn between fear of Rostam's wrath and devotion to his master's safety, Rakhsh stood agonized. When the dragon emerged for the third time, spewing flames and roaring softly through the night, Rakhsh could refrain no longer. He tore up the earth with his shoes and let out a triumphant bellow that shattered the silence, rousing Rostam once more.
By Divine Grace, the cloak of night was lifted, illuminating the hide of the dread beast. Rostam beheld the colossal monster looming before him, drew his gleaming blade, and demanded the creature's name. The dragon boasted that the desert for a hundred leagues belonged to it alone, where eagles dared not fly, and demanded to know who dared challenge it. Rostam boldly declared his lineage: 'I am Rostam, son of Zal, son of Sam, son of Nariman—a one-man army treading the earth upon brave Rakhsh!'
A terrible clash ensued. As the dragon sought to crush the hero, Rakhsh joined the fray with lion-like fury, flattening his ears and sinking his powerful teeth deep into the dragon's shoulder. Amazed by his steed's valor, Rostam raised his heavy sword and struck a fatal blow, severing the dragon's massive head. Rivers of dark, hot blood poured across the barren earth.
Beholding the slain beast and the miraculous aid of his horse, Rostam bathed in a nearby spring, cleansing the dust of battle from his body. Kneeling toward the heavens, he praised the Almighty Yazdan, recognizing that all his strength, wisdom, and royal glory flowed from the Divine, empowering him to face dragons, lions, and demons alike without fear.