When King Dara fell upon the battlefield, the glorious star of the Kayanid house plunged into darkness, and fortune turned its back upon his lineage. His valiant and wise son, Sasan, fled from the victorious Roman hosts to avoid captivity. He sought refuge in the distant lands of India, where he died in profound grief, leaving behind a infant boy. For four successive generations, each father named his son Sasan in memory of their royal ancestor. Yet time's cruel turning forced these princely heirs into the humble life of shepherds and camel-drivers, bearing heavy toil year after year under the open sky.
When the fourth Sasan grew to manhood, he wandered into the domains of Babak and approached the chief shepherd on the vast plains. Heart-heavy and weary, the youth offered his services as a simple laborer. His diligence and skill soon won high favor, and he was appointed chief shepherd over all of Babak's royal flocks, though his heart remained forever laden with secret sorrow for his lost heritage.
Then came a night when Babak beheld a wondrous vision in his sleep: Sasan appeared mounted upon a raging war elephant, brandishing a blade of Indian steel, while all who approached him bowed down in adoration and offered praise. Sasan adorned the earth with justice and purged darkness from the hearts of men. On the very next night, Babak dreamt again, seeing a holy fire-worshiper bearing three dazzling flames—glorious as Adar Gushnasp, Kharad, and Mihr—which blazed brightly before Sasan while sweet aloe-incense perfumed the air.
Deeply stirred, Babak awoke and summoned the wisest astrologers and dream-interpreters to his hall. Upon hearing the dream, a sage proclaimed: 'He who is revealed in such majesty shall either wear the supreme crown of empire himself or beget a son who will rule the world.' Overjoyed, Babak rewarded the sages and summoned the head shepherd from the snowy pastures.
Sasan arrived clad in a coarse woolen cloak laden with snow, his heart trembling with fear. Babak cleared the hall of all attendants, seated Sasan beside him, and gently inquired of his birth and descent. Securing a sacred covenant sworn upon Yazdan that no harm would befall him, Sasan revealed his secret: 'I am Sasan, son of Sasan, great-grandson of King Ardashir (Bahman), son of Esfandiyar the Hero, of the royal line of King Goshtasp!'
Tears streamed from Babak's eyes as he realized the truth. He ordered Sasan to the royal baths, clothed him in splendid Pahlevi robes, bestowed upon him a magnificent steed, built him an imperial palace filled with servants, and enriched him beyond measure. Finally, Babak gave his beloved daughter's hand in marriage to the youth, conferring upon him his crown and honors, thus lighting the spark for the rebirth of the ancient royal house.