The Tamarisk Wood, the Totem of Sistan, and the Cause of Rostam’s Death?

Abstract

The story of Rostam and Esfandiar is among the most captivating narratives in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. Every part of this story is filled with symbolism and complexity, from Esfandiar’s invulnerability to his death by a tamarisk arrow. Esfandiar seeks to spread the Zoroastrian faith and, by order of Goshtasp, intends to bring Rostam to him in chains. However, Rostam refuses the disgrace of bondage and is compelled to engage in battle with Esfandiar. Unable to overcome Esfandiar’s invulnerability and bravery, and after being defeated in their first encounter, Rostam withdraws and returns to his palace. This time, determined to defeat Esfandiar, he resorts to every possible means and, with the assistance of Simurgh, Zal, and a tamarisk arrow, brings down the invulnerable Esfandiar. In fact, it is the tamarisk wood that kills Esfandiar, nothing else. This wood and tree constitute one of the mysterious elements in the history of Sistan—the tamarisk, which functions as the totem of the Sistan region and must not be harmed. According to this belief, anyone who fails to respect the totem or causes it harm is subject to severe punishment and dreadful retribution. Perhaps for this reason, Rostam, due to cutting and damaging this sacred wood and fashioning an arrow from it, becomes afflicted with suffering; thus, after betraying the totem, he himself is killed, and his tribe falls victim to the attacks of Bahman.