Mazandaran (Shahnameh)

[3] In the Shahnameh, Mazandaran is the abode of great Divs (demons) - so fearful a land that no Shah of Iran dare try to conquer it.

One day - so the epic relates - a Div visits Kay Kāvus in order to tempt him by reading him a poem extolling the fabulous wealth and beauty of Mazandaran.

Ravished by the Div's description and filled with greed, Kai Kavus, an impulsive and imprudent ruler, resolves to conquer the rich kingdom.

Everyone is opposed to this decision, recalling that even such great kings as the ingenious Jamshid and mighty Fereydun had never attempted the conquest of Mazandaran.

The safe route to Mazanderan being too roundabout, Rostam has to undertake a shorter path beset with supernatural trials and dangers - and thus come about the celebrated Haftkhān-e-Rostam, the Seven Labours, in which Rostam, ably abetted by his brave and faithful steed Rakhsh, is victorious over the evil beings that try to bar his way as he journeys on his quest to rescue Kāvus and his men from the monstrous Div-e Sepid (White Div).