When the night attack of the wild wolves was thwarted and a golden banquet was prepared, the victorious Prince Esfandiyar ordered the trembling, bound captive Gorgsar to be brought before him. The young prince poured three goblets of wine for him and inquired about the perils that lay ahead. Gorgsar, filled with dread, warned him that the second stage belonged to ferocious lions so mighty that no formidable sea-beast or soaring eagle could endure their wrath. Esfandiyar laughed at the hostile captive's dire warnings and vowed to face the male lion with his sharp blade on the coming morn.
As night descended, the Iranian host marched under the starry dome, singing praises of their champion. At dawn, when the sun cast its golden mantle over the azure sky, Esfandiyar reached the wilderness of the beasts. He entrusted the command of his proud army to his noble brother Peshotan, imparting solemn counsel before advancing alone into the lions' domain.
As Esfandiyar drew near, darkness fell upon the spirits of the beasts. A fierce male and female lion charged forth. With a single lightning strike of his sword, Esfandiyar cleaved the male lion in two from head to waist, dyeing the sands crimson beneath its paws. Terrified yet enraged, the female lion leaped forward, but Esfandiyar severed her head with another mighty stroke, sending it rolling across the sand. Washing the blood from his arms and torso in a nearby stream, the invincible prince turned his heart to Yazdan, giving thanks to the Almighty who empowered him to slay such fearsome creatures. Upon beholding the vanquished beasts, Peshotan and the army showered Esfandiyar with praise and gathered once more in celebration.