Shqad

As the earthly saga of Rostam Tahamtan reaches its twilight, the epic turns to the sunset of King Goshtasp’s long and turbulent reign. Feeling the shadow of fate falling upon him, the aged monarch summons his sage counselor, Jamasp, before the throne. With a heart burdened by grief, Goshtasp speaks of the unbearable sorrow that had poisoned his days ever since the death of his valiant son, Esfandiyar—a tragedy born of vengeful stars that left him without a single day of joy.

Knowing his time on earth is spent, Goshtasp decrees that Bahman, the son of Esfandiyar, shall ascend the Kianian throne, with the wise Peshotan serving as his confidential adviser and pillar of state. He commands all noblemen and chieftains never to stray from Bahman's covenant, urging them to guide the young king along the path of justice. Handing the keys of the royal treasuries to Jamasp, Goshtasp heaves a deep sigh, reflecting upon his one hundred and twenty years of supreme rule, during which no rival could match his power. Yet, as the waters of destiny rise over his head, he leaves a final testament: to uphold justice, honor the wise, cast out evil-doers, and cling to truth, for truthfulness shatters all falsehood.

With these final counsels, King Goshtasp draws his last breath. The grandees of Iran construct a magnificent tomb of ivory and polished dark stone, hanging his royal crown above the vacant throne. All his conquests, hardships, and vast treasures culminate in this solitary tomb, proving that after sweet nectar comes the inevitable venom of death, where beggar and emperor meet as equals. Reminding humankind to seek only goodness and heed the wisdom of the elders, the chronicler turns the narrative to the reign of King Bahman and the counsel of Peshotan.