Sohrab and Rostam

Revised
The Persian epic of Rostam and Sohrab has a few symbolic meanings within the story. The one meaning that appears to me the most is of Sohrab and the struggle/conflict he has with his own identification. He is wanting to locate his long lost father, Rostam, whom he has never met. During the story Rostam is invited to stay the night at King of Semengan's home after he learned of Rostam's lost horse. The King's daughter, Tahmine, is very much interested in Rostam that she visits him in his chamber at night. What she knows of him convinces her to bear his child. He says, "Desire destroys my mind, I long to bear within my womb your song and heir." The two conceive their son Sohrab but Rostam never knows of this. Both Tahmine and Rostam lose contact after their one night experience.
Sohrab grows up with the struggle of not knowing his father. He has some idea that his father is such a great fighter and he is proud of this. From hearing about how good his father is, it makes him more eager to locate him. Unfortunately both father and son meet but it turns out for the worst. The two meet each other unknowingly as they're fighting. The story ends with Rostam killing his son. Had the two let their pride out of the way and less defense, they would have had what they both desired for, a father-son relationship.

Original
The story of Sohrab and Rostam begins as Rostam is depressed from his lost horse he cannot seem to find. Rakhsh goes missing after an innocent wander and is captured by Turks. Rostam laments the disappearance of Rakhsh and travels to Semengan without him. Upon his arrival to Semengan he encounters the Shah and his nobles who are very welcoming. He explains the loss of his horse to the men and states, “find him and you will have my thanks. In my reward I’ll show you all my gratitude.” (19-20) Rostam is eager to recover the lost Rakhsh. In his futher statement he explains, “if you don’t, and he is lost to me, then many noble lords will lose their heads.” (21-22) Shah of Semengan does not allow the loss of Rakhsh to angst Rostam, he offers him wine and wants him to remain worry free. Later on in the night after numerous glasses of wine Shah of Semengan offers him a chamber at his home for Rostam to get rest. During the night Rostam encounters Princess Tahmine, daughter of Shah of Semengan. Nine months later she will give birth to their child Sohrab who possesses the quality and strength of his heroic father Rostam.