Many years of brutal warfare between the kingdoms of Iran and their northern rival, Turan, had pushed the Iranian army to the brink of disaster. King Afrasiab of Turan had trapped the Iranian forces in Tabaristan, surrounding them with his troops. Seeking to end the conflict without further bloodshed, Afrasiab proposed a challenge: a single archer from Iran would stand atop the highest mountain and shoot an arrow to the east. The point where it landed would define the new border between the two nations. Turan’s army believed that no human could shoot so far, and thus they expected to claim most of Iran’s land without shedding another drop of blood.
Among the Iranian soldiers, Arash was an elder and virtuous archer, known for his ascetic lifestyle and unwavering integrity. When no one else dared to accept the challenge for fear of failure and dishonor, Arash stepped forward. He understood that to save his homeland, he could not rely on mere strength; he would need a miracle. The price of that miracle was his own life.
At dawn on the festival of Tirgan, Arash climbed the summit of Mount Damavand, the tallest peak in Iran. In front of the assembled armies of both nations, he removed his armor, revealing a lean but powerful frame, and declared with unwavering resolve, “Behold, my body bears no scars, no disease. Yet today I will pour all of my life, all of my soul, into this arrow to bring peace to Iran.” With every ounce of strength and spirit he had accumulated over a lifetime, he drew his bow. The arrow soared into the sky with a thunderous crack, and in that instant, Arash’s body dissolved into dust, his soul fused with the arrow to carry it farther than any mortal could imagine.
The arrow’s journey surpassed all expectations. Guided by divine winds and aided by the gods, it flew across mountains, rivers, and clouds, traveling from the early morning until dusk. Finally, it struck the trunk of an ancient almond tree on the distant banks of the Oxus River, marking the new eastern border of Iran. Turan’s army was stunned and, honoring their pledge, withdrew, restoring peace and sovereignty to the Iranian homeland.
Arash became a symbol of national spirit and selfless heroism. He did not defeat his enemies with weapons but with the ultimate sacrifice of his own life to define his country’s future. Today, Iranians still celebrate the festival of Tirgan in July, honoring Arash’s legendary shot, the element of water, and the courage of their heroes. The name Arash remains a proud and popular choice for Iranian boys, representing integrity, courage, and devotion to the nation.
This tale carries enduring lessons. Self-sacrifice demonstrates that the life of one individual can safeguard an entire people. National sovereignty shows that borders are not merely drawn with ink but sometimes with the blood and soul of those who love their country.