The Birth of Persian Hero Rostam as described in the 9th Century Epic Poem CE, by Ferdowsi

In the Epic Shahnameh, written by the Persian poet, Ferdowsi, Rudaba, the mother of Rostam, is described having "skin like ivory" and a face "like the moon" and a "rosy complexion".

This illustration is inspired by the birth of Rostam who is a legendary hero in Persian mythology.

Rudaba's labor of Rostam was prolonged because of the extraordinary size of her baby. She was near death when her husband decided to summon Simurgh (mythical bird). Simurgh appeared and instructed him on how to perform a Rostamzad, a Caesarean section, thus saving both Rudaba and the child.