Black Horse

Zal and the Simurgh

In short: An illustrated Shahnama folio dated about 1330–1340 shows Zal in the mountain nest where the Simurgh raised him.

Zal and the Simurgh · The Simurgh’s nest FAIRY TALE ATLAS · № 40 Zal and the Simurgh An illustrated Shahnama folio dated about 1330–1340 shows Zal in the mountain nest where the Simurgh raised him. Origin Iran · Persian epic tradition Atlas record c. 1330–1340 First appearance Exact date unknown SIGNATURE MOTIF The Simurgh’s nest Reach¹ 1/10 Suggested age² 8+ Member rating No votes yet 1 records · 1 countries or regions blackhorsestories.com

¹ Based on the number of Atlas countries, capped at 10. ² Editorial suggestion for reading this page. Discover Black Horse’s question

Origin and tradition

Iran · Persian epic tradition

Zal is born with white hair and abandoned by his father, Sam. The Simurgh takes him to her nest on Mount Elburz and raises him. The folio held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art shows the father returning years later. Zal sits above while Sam bows below. Their positions make it clear whose home offered Zal shelter.

Dated records and sources

  1. c. 1330–1340 · Iran · Persian epic tradition
    Ferdowsi · Shahnama · Zal in the Simurgh’s Nest

Country pages

Origin
Black Horse. Zal and the Simurgh. https://blackhorsestories.com/en/atlas-tale-zal/