Mythology
Some of the earliest references to wrestling, can be found in wrestling mythology.
The Epic of Gilgamesh: Gilgamesh established his credibility as a leader, after wrestling Enkidu.
Greek mythology celebrates the rise of Zeus as ruler of the earth after a wrestling match with his father, Cronus. BothHeracles and Theseus were famous for their wrestling against man and beast.
The Mahabharata describes a malla-dwandwa (wrestling match) between the accomplished wrestlers Bhima andJarasandha.
Rustam of the Shahnameh (Book Of Kings) is regarded by Iranian pahlevans as the greatest wrestler.