A key philosophical interlude discusses Yuval Noah Harari's "Sapiens," highlighting the importance of storytelling, myths, and shared beliefs as a strength of Homo sapiens over Neanderthals. The speaker posits that the Shahnameh can serve as a similar unifying national belief system for contemporary Iran, transcending religion or other ideologies, helping the "Phoenix of Iran rise from its ashes." The success of the Shahnameh-reading movement is attributed to three factors: its engagement with children (180 entries from children in a recent festival), the leadership of women (over 90% of Shahnameh teachers are women, known for their perseverance), and the profound nature of the Shahnameh itself.
The story begins with a prophecy: a fortune-teller informs Zal (Rostam's father) that the child born to his singing and lute-playing concubine, Shaghad, will bring ruin to Zal's lineage and cause unrest in Sistan and Iran. Despite this grim prophecy, Zal names the child Shaghad and sends him to the King of Kabul when he grows up. Shaghad marries the King of Kabul's daughter, becoming a royal son-in-law.
Historically, Rostam collected an annual tribute of a large ox-hide from Kabul. Shaghad, believing his new connection would exempt Kabul, conspired with the King of Kabul to ambush Rostam. Their plan involved the King of Kabul publicly humiliating Shaghad, leading Shaghad to falsely complain to Rostam that the King insulted Rostam's lineage and denigrated Zal and Rostam themselves. This would provoke Rostam to seek revenge.
Shaghad then advises the King of Kabul to prepare a hunting ground with numerous concealed pits, filled with sharp weapons (swords, spears, daggers), large enough to trap Rostam and his horse, Rakhsh. The King of Kabul follows this advice, preparing at least 100 such pits, covered with straw.
The plan unfolds: the King of Kabul publicly shames Shaghad during a feast, calling him of "impure lineage" and saying he is "less than a servant" to Rostam. Shaghad, feigning anger, goes to Rostam in Sistan, tears streaming, complaining bitterly about the King of Kabul's insults, particularly the accusation of Rostam's impure lineage. Rostam, enraged by the perceived insult to his family, vows to depose the King of Kabul and install Shaghad in his place.
Shaghad cunningly convinces Rostam to bring only a small retinue (Zavareh and ten horsemen) to Kabul, arguing that the mere mention of Rostam's name would terrify the King, who would surely come seeking forgiveness. Rostam, despite his wisdom and experience, is swayed, especially by the prospect of a good hunt. Ferdowsi injects a poignant philosophical reflection here, noting that when a person's time is up, their wisdom fails, and they unknowingly walk towards their fate, just as the world is fleeting and unstable.
Upon Rostam's approach, the King of Kabul, feigning utmost humility, comes out to greet him, bareheaded and barefoot, weeping and begging for forgiveness for Shaghad's sake. Rostam, true to his noble character, forgives him. The King then invites Rostam to a feast in a beautiful hunting ground, enticing him with the promise of abundant game. Rostam, whose weakness is hunting, readily agrees.
As Rostam and his small group ride into the hunting ground, Rakhsh, intelligent and perceptive, senses the fresh earth and refuses to move, exhibiting fear. Rostam, blinded by destiny and frustrated, whips Rakhsh. Rakhsh, caught between two hidden pits, falls into one, and Rostam falls with him. The pit is filled with sharp weapons, severely wounding both horse and rider.
Rostam, despite his injuries, pulls himself out of the pit. He immediately recognizes Shaghad's betrayal. Shaghad, unrepentant, mocks Rostam, declaring that his time has come. The King of Kabul arrives, feigning shock and offering to bring doctors, still fearful of Rostam even in his dying state.
