King Manuchehr commanded the mobads, scholars, and astrologers to assemble before his high throne to decipher the secrets of the heavenly spheres regarding the union of Zal and Rudabeh. For three whole days, the star-gazers toiled endlessly, consulting Roman astronomical tables to trace the paths of the constellations. On the fourth day, they approached the monarch with joyous tidings, revealing that from the daughter of Mehrab and the son of Sam, a radiant stream would flow. A champion of noble mind and towering fame would be born—a hero granted a long life, immense strength, divine glory, and unrivaled stature. In feast and in fray, he would have no equal. Wherever his steed wetted its hooves, the hearts of his foes would dry in terror, and not even the eagle would dare fly above his helmet. Tall and majestic, he would trap wild lions with his lasso, make the very heavens weep with his sword, and stand forever as the sworn champion of kings and the mighty shield of Iran.