use both this parameter and |birth_date to display the person's date of birth, date of death, and age at death) -->
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| body_discovered =
| resting_place =
| resting_place_coordinates = <!-- -->
| burial_place = <!-- may be used instead of resting_place and resting_place_coordinates (displays "Burial place" as label) -->
| burial_coordinates = <!-- -->
| monuments =
| other_names =
| siglum =
| citizenship =
| education =
| alma_mater =
| occupation =
| years_active =
| era =
| employer =
| organization =
| agent = <!-- Discouraged in most cases, specifically when promotional, and requiring a reliable source -->
| known_for =
| notable_works = <!-- produces label "Notable work"; may be overridden by |credits=, which produces label "Notable credit(s)"; or by |works=, which produces label "Works"; or by |label_name=, which produces label "Label(s)" -->
| style =
| net_worth = <!-- Net worth should be supported with a citation from a reliable source -->
| height = <!-- "X cm", "X m" or "X ft Y in" plus optional reference (conversions are automatic) -->
| television =
| title = <!-- Formal/awarded/job title. The parameter |office=may be used as an alternative when the label is better rendered as "Office" (e.g. public office or appointments) -->
| term =
| predecessor =
| successor =
| party =
| movement =
| opponents =
| boards =
| criminal_charges = <!-- Criminality parameters should be supported with citations from reliable sources -->
| criminal_penalty =
| criminal_status =
| spouse = <!-- Use article title or common name -->Rudaba
| partner = <!-- (unmarried long-term partner) -->
| children = RostamZavaraShaghad
| parents = <!-- overrides mother and father parameters -->
| mother = <!-- may be used (optionally with father parameter) in place of parents parameter (displays "Parent(s)" as label) -->
| father = <!-- may be used (optionally with mother parameter) in place of parents parameter (displays "Parent(s)" as label) -->Sam
| relatives =
| family = Sohrab (grandson)
| callsign =
| awards =
| website = <!-- -->
| module =
| module2 =
| module3 =
| module4 =
| module5 =
| module6 =
| signature =
| signature_size =
| signature_alt =
| footnotes =
Zāl (, ), alternatively spelled as Zaal, is a legendary Iranian king from Sistan, and is recognized as one of the greatest warriors of the Shahnameh epic. He is the father of the equally legendary Iranian hero, Rostam.
Background
Zāl came from a family whose members were legendary warriors, who – for generations – served in the Persian army as great generals. His father, Sām and, later, his son, Rostam were also great heroes of Persia.
Zāl was born with white hair. Because of this, his parents called him Zāl. In the Persian language, zal refers to those who have albinism. Zāl was the son of Sām and the grandson of Nariman, both heroes of ancient Persia and protectors of "Land of Iran" (Iran-zamin). Because of his appearance, Zāl was rejected by his father, who blamed the evil spirit, Ahriman, for the appearance of his son. Zāl was abandoned when only an infant in the Alborz Mountain, which has the highest geographic peak in Iran. The mythical simurgh (a very large and wise bird which darkens the sky when flying, said to be related to the phoenix) found the baby and took him to her nest. After some time, passing caravans noticed a noble young man in the bird's nest, with a mountain of silver on his chest and a reed for a waist. Rumor of this remarkable presence finally reached Sam, who was encouraged by his wise men to hasten to the scene. There, looking up, he saw his son, but when he tried to climb toward him, he couldn't find a way to the lofty perch. He then prayed to God, asking for forgiveness and help. When the simurgh saw Sam, she knew that he had come for her charge. The devoted bird gave Zaal a feather, saying: "Burn this if ever you have need of me, and may your heart never forget your nurse, whose heart breaks for love of you."
The mighty and wise simurgh gave Zāl this one feather to burn when in trouble. She would appear as soon as the feathers were lit.