Rustum (or Rustem), having killed a wild ass while hunting on the Turanian frontier, and having feasted on its flesh, composed himself to sleep, leaving his faithful steed, Ruksh (or Raksh), to graze untethered.  On awakening, he found his horse had disappeared, and believing it had been stolen, the warrior proceeded towards Semenjan, a near-by city, in hopes of recovering his property.  On the way, he learned that Ruksh had been found by the servants of the king and was stabled at Semenjan, as he had surmised.  Upon Rustum’s demand, the steed was promptly restored to him, and he was about to depart when he was prevailed upon to accept the king’s invitation to tarry awhile and rest himself in feasting and idleness.

Now the king of Semenjan had a fair daughter named Tahmineh, who had become enamoured of Rustum because of his mighty exploits.  Susceptible as she was beautiful, she made her attachment so evident that the young hero, who was as ardent as he was brave, readily yielded to the power of her fascination.  The consent of the king having been obtained, Rustum and Tahmineh were married with all the rites prescribed by the laws of the country.  A peculiar feature of this alliance lay in the fact that the king of Semenjan was feudatory to Afrasiab, the deadly enemy of Persia, while Rustum was her greatest champion.  At this time, however, the two countries were at peace.
          
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For a time all went happily, then Rustum found it necessary to leave his bride, as he thought, for only a short time.  At parting he gave her an onyx, which he wore on his arm, bidding her, if a daughter should be born to their union, to twine the gem in her hair under a fortunate star; but if a son, to bind it on his arm, and he would be insured a glorious career.  Rustum then mounted Ruksh and rode away—­as time proved, never to return.

The months went by, and to the lonely bride was born a marvellous son, whom, because of his comely features, she named Sohrab.  Fearing Rustum would send for the boy when he grew older, and thus rob her of her treasure, Tahmineh sent word to him that the child was a girl—­“no son,” and Rustum took no further interest in it.

While still of tender years, Sohrab showed signs of his noble lineage.  He early displayed a love for horses, and at the age of ten years, according to the tradition, was large and handsome and highly accomplished in the use of arms.  Realizing at length that he was of lofty descent, he insisted that his mother, who had concealed the fact, should inform him of the name of his father.  Being told that it was the renowned Rustum, he exclaimed, “Since he is my father, I shall go to his aid; he shall become king of Persia and together we shall rule the world.”  After this the youth caused a horse worthy of him to be found, and with the aid of his grandfather, the king of Semenjan, he prepared to go on the quest, attended by a mighty host.