New Naqqaliشاهنامه
The Ram Leads Rostam to Water

The Ram Leads Rostam to Water

From B5.2, Rostam Finds a Spring. It illustrates B5.2.11–18:

  • B5.2.11
    Thus spoke the hero, faint with thirst and heat,Then sank upon the burning dust at his feet.
  • B5.2.12
    His tongue was cracked, his breath had nearly flown,When sudden hope before his eyes was shown.
  • B5.2.13
    A blessed ram moved lightly on the ground,Untouched by drought, in limb and body sound.
  • B5.2.14
    Rostam beheld and thought: “This creature’s wayMust lead to water hidden from the day.
  • B5.2.15
    In this I see the World-Creator’s grace;Some spring must lie beyond this burning place.”
  • B5.2.16
    Through God’s own power he rose, though nearly dead,And followed where the blessed ram had led.
  • B5.2.17
    With sword in hand, he held the reins drawn tight,And pressed ahead beneath the burning light.
  • B5.2.18
    At last he reached the spring the ram had found,And life returned beside its waters’ sound.

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.