Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Rudabehرودابه

roo-dah-BEH

Mehrab‘s daughter, Zal’s wife and mother of Rostam.

In the poem: First at A8.2, Rudabeh and Her Handmaidens; last at D1.4, Bahman Releases Zal
Named: 45 times, in 21 sections
Main stories: A8 The Story of Zal and Rudabeh (33); A9 The Birth and Early Feats of Rostam; Manuchehr’s Closing Counsel (3); C8 The Tragedy of Rostam and Esfandiyar (3)
Parents: Mehrab, Sindokht
Spouses: Zal
Children: Rostam, Zavareh
Plates: Vol I: VII, Vol II: VIII

Genealogical plate: The House of Sahm — Volume I, Plate VII: The House of Sahm. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Rudabeh most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Rudabeh. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

A8.2

Rudabeh and Her Handmaidens

Mehrab praises Zal to his wife Sindokht, and Rudabeh, listening, falls in love. She confides in her five Turkish handmaidens, who scold her for loving a white-haired outcast reared by a bird, then, seeing her resolve, swear to bring him to her.

A8.2.3
One was Rudabeh, radiant was her face,Mehrab’s fair daughter, bright as heaven’s grace,
A8.2.6
He gazed at Rudabeh in deep delight,And blessed her beauty, shining soft and bright.
A8.2.22
When Rudabeh heard this, her cheeks flushed red,Like blossoms opening on a rose-bright bed.

Rudabeh named 6 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

A8.3

The Handmaidens Visit Zal

The handmaidens gather roses by the river opposite Zal’s camp. Zal shoots a water-bird, and his page, crossing to fetch it, learns their errand. Zal sends them gifts, questions them about Rudabeh, and they plan his secret visit to her palace.

A8.3.13
They walk abroad at Rudabeh’s command,The pride and glory of fair Kabul’s land.”
A8.3.66
He asked of Rudabeh’s stature and her face,Her form, her bearing, every outward grace.
A8.3.76
And Rudabeh, no equal can be found,A silver cypress, scent and color crowned.

Rudabeh named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

A8.4

The Handmaidens Return

The palace porter scolds the maidens for roaming while Zal is camped nearby. They bring Rudabeh his gifts and praise his beauty; she teases them for changing their tune, sends word that she awaits him, and has a pavilion lavishly prepared.

A8.4.15
Rudabeh’s heart leapt high with sudden flame,And longing rose when anyone said his name.
A8.4.36
Rudabeh made all ready, yet seemed still,While none among her kin suspected ill.

Rudabeh named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

A8.5

Zal and Rudabeh: A Secret Visit

At dusk Rudabeh appears on the palace roof and lets down her hair for Zal to climb. He kisses it but will not hurt her, and climbs by his own kamand. They feast, embrace and swear to marry, and part in tears at dawn.

A8.5.3
Meanwhile Rudabeh, rosy-cheeked and bright,A cypress bathed beneath the moon’s full light,
A8.5.25
He kissed the musk-dark strands with longing bliss;Rudabeh heard the sound of that warm kiss.
A8.5.50
Rudabeh answered: “By the Just, the True,No man shall ever claim me, none but you.

Rudabeh named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

A8.9

Rudabeh’s Mother Is Not Pleased

Zal sends a go-between to Rudabeh with Sahm’s reply, and Rudabeh sends back gifts. Sindokht catches the woman, finds the gifts and beats her. Rudabeh confesses her love; Sindokht thinks Zal worthy but fears the Shah’s anger, and is left in despair.

A8.9.2
Zal summoned her and spoke of Sahm’s reply,Then said: “Go now to Rudabeh, and try;
A8.9.7
Rudabeh, hearing, scattered gold like rain,And seated her with honor in her train.
A8.9.8
She gave the woman robes for news she bore,A fitting gift from Rudabeh’s royal store.

Rudabeh named 7 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

A8.10

Mehrab Is Not Pleased

Sindokht breaks the news to Mehrab through a parable of a tree whose fruit turns to poison. Mehrab draws his sword to kill Rudabeh, but Sindokht tells him Sahm already knows and makes him swear to spare her. Rudabeh is brought before him, cursed but unharmed.

A8.10.25
The son of Sahm has set his cunning snare,And caught Rudabeh’s bright heart unaware.
A8.10.55
“Bring Rudabeh before me,” he replied;“This matter now must no longer be denied.”
A8.10.63
Rudabeh said, “What are mere gems or gold,Beside the love and fate my heart does hold?

Rudabeh named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

A8.16

Sindokht and Sahm Come to an Agreement

Disguised as a warrior-envoy, Sindokht brings Mehrab’s gifts to Sahm, who has them credited to Rudabeh. She pleads for Kabul’s innocent people, wins his oath of safety, and only then reveals who she is. Sahm accepts the match and sends her home with gifts and an escort.

A8.16.19
Record them there in Rudabeh’s fair name,The Moon of Kabul, bright with royal fame.”
A8.16.60
Throughout the world Zal could not find a brideLike Rudabeh to stand as equal at his side.
A8.16.91
For Rudabeh he sent choice gifts, well weighed,Rich, fair, and fitting for the moon-faced maid.

Rudabeh named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

A8.21

Manuchehr’s Answer to Sahm’s Letter

Manuchehr writes graciously to Sahm, granting his wish, and Zal sends word ahead. The news reaches Kabul, where Mehrab rejoices and gives Sindokht his treasury. She adorns the palace, dresses Rudabeh as a bride and decks the city for Zal’s coming.

A8.21.31
Rudabeh bowed, then spoke before them all:“O queenly woman, praised in every hall,
A8.21.41
She dressed Rudabeh, Paradise her face,And worked a hundred spells of beauty’s grace,
A8.21.43
No stranger crossed the chamber’s guarded gate;None entered while Rudabeh sat to wait.