Sām (سام) is a mythical hero of ancient Persia, an an important character in the Shahnameh epic. He was the son of Nariman, grandson of Garshasp and father to Zal. He was Iran's champion during the rule of Fereydun, Manuchehr and Nowzar. He was appointed by Manuchehr to rule Zabulistan (Sistan), and then Mazandaran. After Manuchehr, because of Nowzar's corrupted and failed rulership, Iranian champions asked Sām to rule Iran. Sām didn't accept, he supported Nowzar and advised him to follow Fereydun and Manuchehr. Sām returned back to Mazandaran, and died soon after that. Afrasiab then attacked Zabulistan.