Simurgh (سیمرغ)
Simurgh is a mythical bird with immense wisdom. Simurgh sits atop a tree that catches fire (often associated with the Sun's rage), allowing herself to be consumed by the flames, only to be reborn from the ashes. Simurgh raised the abandoned 
Zal on Mount Alborz. Simurgh gave Zal three of her feathers to burn if he ever needs her assistance. The First Feather (The Birth of 
Rostam): Zal burns the first feather when his wife, 
Rudabeh, is in extreme, life-threatening labor. Due to the massive size of the child, Rudabeh is unable to deliver normally. Simurgh appears and instructs Zal on how to perform a c-section (a Rostamzad) and provides a healing herb to apply with the feather to ensure both mother and child survive. The Second Feather (The Battle with 
Esfandiyar): Zal burns the second feather when his son, the hero Rostam, and his horse, 
Rakhsh, are gravely wounded and near death following a battle with the hero Esfandiyar. Simurgh appears, heals them, and teaches them how to defeat Esfandiyar by shooting a specific arrow directly into Esfandiyar's eyes. The Third Feather: It remains with Zal as a symbol of hope for future Iranians.
Zal on Mount Alborz. Simurgh gave Zal three of her feathers to burn if he ever needs her assistance. The First Feather (The Birth of Rostam): Zal burns the first feather when his wife, Rudabeh, is in extreme, life-threatening labor. Due to the massive size of the child, Rudabeh is unable to deliver normally. Simurgh appears and instructs Zal on how to perform a c-section (a Rostamzad) and provides a healing herb to apply with the feather to ensure both mother and child survive. The Second Feather (The Battle with Esfandiyar): Zal burns the second feather when his son, the hero Rostam, and his horse, Rakhsh, are gravely wounded and near death following a battle with the hero Esfandiyar. Simurgh appears, heals them, and teaches them how to defeat Esfandiyar by shooting a specific arrow directly into Esfandiyar's eyes. The Third Feather: It remains with Zal as a symbol of hope for future Iranians.