New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Rostam Shoots Ashkabus on Foot

Rostam Shoots Ashkabus on Foot

From B13.28, Rostam Battles Ashkabus. It illustrates B13.28.33–44 (to B13.28.48):

  • B13.28.33
    He saw Ashkabus glory in his steed,Then bent his bow to answer pride with deed.
  • B13.28.34
    He shot an arrow at the charger’s breast;The horse fell headlong, stripped of pride and rest.
  • B13.28.35
    Rostam laughed and cried, “Sit by your friend;Nurse his head awhile and let your combat end.
  • B13.28.36
    Rest from the fight beside your noble steed;Attend your fallen comrade in his need.”
  • B13.28.37
    Then Ashkabus, his quivering body strained,His face like sandarac, his bow he gained.
  • B13.28.38
    He strung his bow and loosed a furious rain;But Rostam cried, “Your arrows fall in vain.
  • B13.28.39
    You waste your spirit, arms, and body too;This useless toil brings no reward to you.”
  • B13.28.40
    He reached toward his belt and chose with careA poplar shaft, straight-flying through the air.
  • B13.28.41
    Four eagle feathers balanced it for flight;Its polished arrowhead flashed clear and bright.
  • B13.28.42
    He took the bow of Chakh within his hand,And set his thumbstall to the deer-hide strand.
  • B13.28.43
    His left arm straight, his right drew back with might;The bow of Chakh cried out, its string drawn tight.
  • B13.28.44
    The nock drew backward till it reached his ear;The deer-hide string rang sharp and strong and clear.

In the picture

Woodcut panels, identity sheets and banners © 2026 New Naqqali LLC, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0: share and adapt them for non-commercial use, with credit to New Naqqali. Rights & permissions.