Detail of “Rustam Pursues Akvan Div, in the Guise of an Onager”

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Later in the story, Akvan Div and Rustam battle for three days, but the hero is unable to defeat his adversary. Rustam finally rests, but then the div reassumes his demonic form. He grabs the large stone that the hero sleeps on, and gives him the choice to be thrown against the mountains or cast into the sea. In a trick of reverse psychology, Rustam asks to be hurled against the mountains. The div carries the rock to the sea and casts Rustam into the water, however the hero is a capable swimmer and soon reemerges to destroy the vexing demon.

“Akvan Div Hurls Rustam into the Sea”
Folio from a manuscript of the ‘Teignmouth’ Shahnameh (Book of Kings)
Iran, Shiraz, 1457
Copied by Mahmud ibn Mahmud ibn Mahmud al-Jamali
Opaque watercolour, ink, and gold on paper
AKM268