The "Kar-namag i Ardashir", a collection of hagiographic legends related to Ardashir, the founder of the Sassanid empire, includes (4.11.16 and 4.11.22-23) a tale in which Ardashir – who at that point in the story is still a vassal of the Arsacid Parthians – escapes from the court of the last Arsacid king, Ardavan. In the story, Ardashir makes off with much Ardavan's treasure, as well as Ardavan's favourite concubine, and is being chased by Ardavan and his troops. On the road, Ardavan and his contingent are overtaken by an enormous ram, which is also following Ardashir. Ardavan's religious advisors explain that the ram is the manifestation of the "khwarrah" of the ancient Iranian kings, which is leaving Ardavan and the Parthians in favor of a new emperor.