Saturday, July 26, 2008
Persian Cake Knife Dance (Wedding)
Courtesy of some guy named peterarian, via YouTube. Let the raghse chaghoo commence!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part XVIII)
The Death of Rustem
“How shall a man escape from that which is written; How shall he flee from his destiny?”
An attractive slave caught Zal’s attention, and she bore him a son which they named Shugdad, who was like to Saum. And the Mubids searched the stars for his destiny, but found that Shugdad would commit much evil and bring low the descendents of Saum son of Neriman. Zal hoped to avoid this fate, and reared him gently, but sent him to Cabul when his son became a man, at which point the King of Cabul gave him his daughter.
And though the King of Cabul had always paid tribute to Rustem, he resented it and thought it fitting that it would now cease since he had his half-brother beside him. And Shugdad and the King plotted for Rustem’s destruction. Shugdad suggested a feast in which he would be insulted, ride home to Daddy, and Rustem would surely come to avenge him. While he journeyed, a giant pit would be dug with sharp pointy things sticking out of it, and camouflaged with earth.
The plan was deemed good and the King put it into action, and went as planned. Shugdad talked Rustem out of taking an army with him and instead only a few men, as a gesture of contempt for the King and his worthiness as an opponent. And he made it there fine, and begged for forgiveness for the words spoken while drinking, and Rustem forgave him and they feasted. But the King had indeed prepared the pit, and offered a great hunt to tempt Rustem, with Shugdad showing Rustem the path. But Rakush smelled new-turned earth and refused to go forward. And Rustem tired of patience and for the first time took a whip to his steed, and Rakash went forward and was impaled, as was Rustem. But Rustem dragged himself wearily out of the pit, and he knew Shugdad for his actions.
Though Shugdad said it was only fitting he should die on the sword, the King of Cabul rode by and in mock sorrow offered physicians, which Rustem refused as death comes to all men. And Rustem gave Shugdad the order to leave him with his bow and two arrows, which he did. But he hid himself in a hollow tree in his fear and Rustem shot and killed him, happily taking vengeance and taking evil out of the world with him as he himself died.
Zal received word and cursed his sorrow, his son Shugdad, and the fact that he had survived his son Rustem. And Feramorz, Rustem’s son, gathered an army to avenge his father. This he did, and found the bodies of Rustem and Rakush, and a noble tomb was built for Rustem, with room for Rakush beside him.
And the sorrow that wailed throughout the land was “such as the world hath not known the like,” with prayers offered that Rustem’s soul would be purified, and the Epic of Kings comes to a close on that unhappy note.
“How shall a man escape from that which is written; How shall he flee from his destiny?”
An attractive slave caught Zal’s attention, and she bore him a son which they named Shugdad, who was like to Saum. And the Mubids searched the stars for his destiny, but found that Shugdad would commit much evil and bring low the descendents of Saum son of Neriman. Zal hoped to avoid this fate, and reared him gently, but sent him to Cabul when his son became a man, at which point the King of Cabul gave him his daughter.
And though the King of Cabul had always paid tribute to Rustem, he resented it and thought it fitting that it would now cease since he had his half-brother beside him. And Shugdad and the King plotted for Rustem’s destruction. Shugdad suggested a feast in which he would be insulted, ride home to Daddy, and Rustem would surely come to avenge him. While he journeyed, a giant pit would be dug with sharp pointy things sticking out of it, and camouflaged with earth.
The plan was deemed good and the King put it into action, and went as planned. Shugdad talked Rustem out of taking an army with him and instead only a few men, as a gesture of contempt for the King and his worthiness as an opponent. And he made it there fine, and begged for forgiveness for the words spoken while drinking, and Rustem forgave him and they feasted. But the King had indeed prepared the pit, and offered a great hunt to tempt Rustem, with Shugdad showing Rustem the path. But Rakush smelled new-turned earth and refused to go forward. And Rustem tired of patience and for the first time took a whip to his steed, and Rakash went forward and was impaled, as was Rustem. But Rustem dragged himself wearily out of the pit, and he knew Shugdad for his actions.
Though Shugdad said it was only fitting he should die on the sword, the King of Cabul rode by and in mock sorrow offered physicians, which Rustem refused as death comes to all men. And Rustem gave Shugdad the order to leave him with his bow and two arrows, which he did. But he hid himself in a hollow tree in his fear and Rustem shot and killed him, happily taking vengeance and taking evil out of the world with him as he himself died.
Zal received word and cursed his sorrow, his son Shugdad, and the fact that he had survived his son Rustem. And Feramorz, Rustem’s son, gathered an army to avenge his father. This he did, and found the bodies of Rustem and Rakush, and a noble tomb was built for Rustem, with room for Rakush beside him.
And the sorrow that wailed throughout the land was “such as the world hath not known the like,” with prayers offered that Rustem’s soul would be purified, and the Epic of Kings comes to a close on that unhappy note.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part XVII)
Rustem and Isfendiyar
After Isfendiyar’s return, he went before Gushtasp and demanded again the fulfillment of the promise of the throne, reminding his father of how he had previously been thrown in chains by mistrust and deceit. And though Gushtasp knew he should keep his word, he did not wish to step down.
So Gushtasp tasked Isfendiyar with bringing the overly proud Rustem before him to re-acknowledge him as Shah before he would remove himself from the crystal throne, though Isfendiyar protested, as Rustem was both wise and had been a pillar of support for all the Shahs. But Gushtasp insisted, for Rustem had avoided court, and Isfendiyar told him that he no longer desired the throne, for he knew his father would not abandon it. But bound to the Shah’s will, and expecting to fall before Rustem, he went to fulfill his task.
So in sadness he departed, but not long after leaving the camel at the head of the line laid down and would not rise. Seeing it as an evil omen, Isfendiyar ordered the head struck from the camel, but remained despondent. When they reached Zaboulistan, the land of Rustem, Isfendiyar sent his son Bahman as an envoy in hope that Rustem would come willingly, with Isfendiyar’s boon for the task that Rustem go free unharmed.
Now Bahman went, but found only aged Zal, for Rustem was off chasing wild ass again. And having orders not to delay, Zal directed Bahman to where Rustem might be found, and discovered him eating said wild ass at the campfire. Impressed with his might and majesty, Bahman decided to try to eliminate the threat to his father by casting a rock down the mountainside. Rustem, warned by one of his warriors Zevarah that a rock was falling, merely batted it aside. Though afraid to now come forth, eventually Bahman delivered his message and was received well.
The return message, however, was that Isfendiyar should turn from this path of Deevs, for the wind cannot be shut in a cage, and if he would return to Rustem’s house for feasting, they would then go before Gushtasp together. And Rudabeh his mother was instructed to prepare a feast, and Isfendiyar went to meet him.
Though knowing his demand was not right, Isfendiyar was still bidden to follow the orders of his father, and was hesitant to enter Rustem’s house as a guest. And Rustem again agreed to return to the Shah with Isfendiyar, though not in chains, and Isfendiyar while abstaining from Rustem’s feast agreed to provide one himself.
But Isfendiyar had second thoughts, for neither he nor Rustem had places in each other’s houses, and decided not to bid him entry to his own feast. His brother Bashuntan warned that it was not fitting or right for this to happen, and that the Shah had been overcome by evil desires that Isfendiyar should not fulfill. But worried about obtaining the next life as well as maintaining his earthly life, Isfendiyar knew he had to keep to his word.
Rustem, waiting for the invitation to the feast, became angered, and rode out upon Rakush to determine what courtesy he had been slighted. And the Iranian warriors knew that Gushtasp must be sending Isfendiyar to his death, and spoke against the Shah for it. Rustem declared himself the Protector of the Kings of Iran and that he should not be treated disdainfully.
Isfendiyar asked him not to be angry, excepting the slight because he was exhausted from the journey, and that he had planned to visit in the morning. But since there, Rustem was invited to drink with Isfendiyar, and to sit as his left hand, which angered Rustem since he had always been at the Shah’s right hand. So Isfendiyar complied, with a chair of gold, but Rustem remained angered. And as he sat there Isfendiyar insulted him and his origins, sparking Rustem to defend his 600 years of great and historic deeds.
And Isfendiyar told him his story as well and tried to end the conversation and return to drinking, but Rustem said he was not finished, and that if he knew all he would not even consider putting Rustem in chains. But Isfendiyar again encouraged drinking and offered challenge for the morrow, and Rustem told him not to be hasty in his boasting, but that he would uproot the Shah for his evilness and serve Isfendiyar as Pehliva (champion). So they ate and drank, and Isfendiyar again refused Rustem’s hospitality in favor of following Gushtasp’s orders.
But for Rustem this was an unwinnable situation, as he could neither allow a boy to lead him in chains nor permit himself to strike against a Kaianide. And though Bashuntan spoke again of not fighting Rustem, Isfendiyar would not listen, as this was the only way he saw to attain the throne. Zerdusht the prophet had said that who does not honor the king’s wishes would suffer hell, to which quotation Bashuntan responded by claiming a Deev had possessed Isfendiyar.
The next morning Rustem was unable to talk him out of fighting, and so they fought with lance, then swords, then maces, then rested, for both were equally matched. Then they fought with arrows, which affected both Rustem and Rakush, but Isfendiyar not at all, because he was enchanted like unto brass by Zerdusht. And he called for Rustem’s surrender, which he would not give, and they agreed to continue in the morning.
And Rustem, who had never been hurt in battle before, caused distress to Zal and Rudabeh, who thought to call upon the Simurgh by burning the feather. And she healed his wounds and gave him the advice to entreat Isfendiyar again, for it was written that the one who shed the blood of Isfendiyar would also perish, and while living never know joy, and in the afterlife be cursed and in pain. But she also took him to a faraway garden and bid him make an arrow from a tamarisk branch, for this arrow through his forehead was all that would slay Isfendiyar.
The next morning Isfendiyar slept, convinced Rustem would have perished in the night from his wounds, and Isfendiyar claimed it was due to Zal the sorcerer’s work, but told Rustem only to get ready for combat. Rustem then entreated again to save Isfendiyar’s soul from the Deevs, and to recall what he had done for Iran.
But Isfendiyar asked if he would never cease speaking, and blamed him for trying to turn away from God for trying to turn him away from the Shah his father. And so Rustem knew it was useless and let fly the tamarisk arrow, and Isfendiyar’s eye was pierced. But he took his time dying, and called after Rustem, and told him that Rustem was honored and that the curse of the prophet should fall upon his father instead. He gave his son Bahman into Rustem’s keeping to train and counsel, and Rustem swore it would be so. And Isfendiyar asked Rustem and his brother and son to speak to the Shah that Isfendiyar and he would meet before the judge, and speak, and listen to God’s decree. He knew his death was caused by magic, and Rustem admitted before God that he strove to turn Isfendiyar from his resolve as well.
Then dying, lamentations begun, and Rustem prepared a coffin of iron lined with silk, and sent the army back to Iran with Isfendiyar’s armor hanging from the sides of Isfendiyar’s horse with a reversed saddle and shorn mane. But in Zaboulistan Rustem and Bahman remained, and Gushtasp faced his remorse and sorrow alone, and Bashuntan upbraided him, for “thou alone hast caused him to perish.” And for a year mourning continued, with cries that Iran’s glory had been laid low at the hands of the Shah.
After Isfendiyar’s return, he went before Gushtasp and demanded again the fulfillment of the promise of the throne, reminding his father of how he had previously been thrown in chains by mistrust and deceit. And though Gushtasp knew he should keep his word, he did not wish to step down.
So Gushtasp tasked Isfendiyar with bringing the overly proud Rustem before him to re-acknowledge him as Shah before he would remove himself from the crystal throne, though Isfendiyar protested, as Rustem was both wise and had been a pillar of support for all the Shahs. But Gushtasp insisted, for Rustem had avoided court, and Isfendiyar told him that he no longer desired the throne, for he knew his father would not abandon it. But bound to the Shah’s will, and expecting to fall before Rustem, he went to fulfill his task.
So in sadness he departed, but not long after leaving the camel at the head of the line laid down and would not rise. Seeing it as an evil omen, Isfendiyar ordered the head struck from the camel, but remained despondent. When they reached Zaboulistan, the land of Rustem, Isfendiyar sent his son Bahman as an envoy in hope that Rustem would come willingly, with Isfendiyar’s boon for the task that Rustem go free unharmed.
Now Bahman went, but found only aged Zal, for Rustem was off chasing wild ass again. And having orders not to delay, Zal directed Bahman to where Rustem might be found, and discovered him eating said wild ass at the campfire. Impressed with his might and majesty, Bahman decided to try to eliminate the threat to his father by casting a rock down the mountainside. Rustem, warned by one of his warriors Zevarah that a rock was falling, merely batted it aside. Though afraid to now come forth, eventually Bahman delivered his message and was received well.
The return message, however, was that Isfendiyar should turn from this path of Deevs, for the wind cannot be shut in a cage, and if he would return to Rustem’s house for feasting, they would then go before Gushtasp together. And Rudabeh his mother was instructed to prepare a feast, and Isfendiyar went to meet him.
Though knowing his demand was not right, Isfendiyar was still bidden to follow the orders of his father, and was hesitant to enter Rustem’s house as a guest. And Rustem again agreed to return to the Shah with Isfendiyar, though not in chains, and Isfendiyar while abstaining from Rustem’s feast agreed to provide one himself.
But Isfendiyar had second thoughts, for neither he nor Rustem had places in each other’s houses, and decided not to bid him entry to his own feast. His brother Bashuntan warned that it was not fitting or right for this to happen, and that the Shah had been overcome by evil desires that Isfendiyar should not fulfill. But worried about obtaining the next life as well as maintaining his earthly life, Isfendiyar knew he had to keep to his word.
Rustem, waiting for the invitation to the feast, became angered, and rode out upon Rakush to determine what courtesy he had been slighted. And the Iranian warriors knew that Gushtasp must be sending Isfendiyar to his death, and spoke against the Shah for it. Rustem declared himself the Protector of the Kings of Iran and that he should not be treated disdainfully.
Isfendiyar asked him not to be angry, excepting the slight because he was exhausted from the journey, and that he had planned to visit in the morning. But since there, Rustem was invited to drink with Isfendiyar, and to sit as his left hand, which angered Rustem since he had always been at the Shah’s right hand. So Isfendiyar complied, with a chair of gold, but Rustem remained angered. And as he sat there Isfendiyar insulted him and his origins, sparking Rustem to defend his 600 years of great and historic deeds.
And Isfendiyar told him his story as well and tried to end the conversation and return to drinking, but Rustem said he was not finished, and that if he knew all he would not even consider putting Rustem in chains. But Isfendiyar again encouraged drinking and offered challenge for the morrow, and Rustem told him not to be hasty in his boasting, but that he would uproot the Shah for his evilness and serve Isfendiyar as Pehliva (champion). So they ate and drank, and Isfendiyar again refused Rustem’s hospitality in favor of following Gushtasp’s orders.
But for Rustem this was an unwinnable situation, as he could neither allow a boy to lead him in chains nor permit himself to strike against a Kaianide. And though Bashuntan spoke again of not fighting Rustem, Isfendiyar would not listen, as this was the only way he saw to attain the throne. Zerdusht the prophet had said that who does not honor the king’s wishes would suffer hell, to which quotation Bashuntan responded by claiming a Deev had possessed Isfendiyar.
The next morning Rustem was unable to talk him out of fighting, and so they fought with lance, then swords, then maces, then rested, for both were equally matched. Then they fought with arrows, which affected both Rustem and Rakush, but Isfendiyar not at all, because he was enchanted like unto brass by Zerdusht. And he called for Rustem’s surrender, which he would not give, and they agreed to continue in the morning.
And Rustem, who had never been hurt in battle before, caused distress to Zal and Rudabeh, who thought to call upon the Simurgh by burning the feather. And she healed his wounds and gave him the advice to entreat Isfendiyar again, for it was written that the one who shed the blood of Isfendiyar would also perish, and while living never know joy, and in the afterlife be cursed and in pain. But she also took him to a faraway garden and bid him make an arrow from a tamarisk branch, for this arrow through his forehead was all that would slay Isfendiyar.
The next morning Isfendiyar slept, convinced Rustem would have perished in the night from his wounds, and Isfendiyar claimed it was due to Zal the sorcerer’s work, but told Rustem only to get ready for combat. Rustem then entreated again to save Isfendiyar’s soul from the Deevs, and to recall what he had done for Iran.
But Isfendiyar asked if he would never cease speaking, and blamed him for trying to turn away from God for trying to turn him away from the Shah his father. And so Rustem knew it was useless and let fly the tamarisk arrow, and Isfendiyar’s eye was pierced. But he took his time dying, and called after Rustem, and told him that Rustem was honored and that the curse of the prophet should fall upon his father instead. He gave his son Bahman into Rustem’s keeping to train and counsel, and Rustem swore it would be so. And Isfendiyar asked Rustem and his brother and son to speak to the Shah that Isfendiyar and he would meet before the judge, and speak, and listen to God’s decree. He knew his death was caused by magic, and Rustem admitted before God that he strove to turn Isfendiyar from his resolve as well.
Then dying, lamentations begun, and Rustem prepared a coffin of iron lined with silk, and sent the army back to Iran with Isfendiyar’s armor hanging from the sides of Isfendiyar’s horse with a reversed saddle and shorn mane. But in Zaboulistan Rustem and Bahman remained, and Gushtasp faced his remorse and sorrow alone, and Bashuntan upbraided him, for “thou alone hast caused him to perish.” And for a year mourning continued, with cries that Iran’s glory had been laid low at the hands of the Shah.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part XVI)
Isfedndiyar
Lohurasp reigned in wisdom and equity for 120 years, and all were content but for Gushtasp his son, who was rebellious and angry that this father would not grant him sovereignty. And so he ran away to the land of Roum, and went to the city that his ancestor Silim had built, and the King gave him his daughter to wed after he did great deeds. And Lohurasp, learning of this, sought to win his son back. He entreated him by stepping down from the throne, and Gushtasp ruled worthily and justly.
During Gushtasp’s reign as Shah, Zerdusht appeared, as the prophet of the Most High. And the people were given a good faith, and purged the remnants of Ahriman. Zerdusht also planted trees throughout the land, and whoever at the leaves was learned in all that regarded the life to come, and whoever ate the branches was perfect in wisdom and faith. And Zerdusht also brought the Zendavesta, and of following its precepts would come everlasting life.
But Arjasp, who sat on the throne of Afrasiyab, thought this new religion vile and sent to Gushtasp a plea to return to the faith of their fathers, threatening war if he did not. And Gushtasp, who had converted, said to make ready his army. Gushtasp readied his own army, which numbered more than the grass, and the commander was Gushtasp’s own son Isfendiyar, a hero of renown with a bounteous heart and a clever tongue.
And so Turan and Iran battled, and Iran overcame, and Isfendiyar returned home and demanded a blessing. But Gushtasp told him he must first convert all the lands to the faith of Zerdusht.
But while Isfendiyar was gone, his evil foe Gurjam spoke ill to the Shah of his son, and caused Gushtasp to fear that his son would try to grasp his power. And upon Isfendiyar’s return he was bound into chains and thrown into the dungeon, and Arjasp was pleased to hear of it. And the army Arjasp gathered fell upon Balkh before anyone knew, and the old Shah Lohurasp was killed and Gushtasp’s daughters captured. Arjasp burned the temples of Zerdusht and it took much time for the Shah to hear of this. And while he brought his army together, they were defeated by the Turans, and the Shah fled to consult his nobles, one of whom counseled him to release Isfendiyar.
But Isfendiyar was upset that his father kept him in chains until he was needed, and refused to help until he was told the whole tale of Gurjam’s interference. But he still ignored them until he was told that his brother was held by Arjasp.
So Isfendiyar jumped down and demanded his chains be removed, and went and defeated Arjasp, King of Turan. But Gushtasp did not want to give over the throne, and cried out that it was not meet for Isfendiyar to speak of promises while his sisters still remained in the grasp of Arjasp, and charged him with their rescue.
But Isfendiyar did not know the road, and Gushtasp told him a Mubid had revealed it to him, and gave him directions, with the safe path taking three months, the desert path taking two, and the dangerous path taking but a week. Isfendiyar chose the shortest path, saying that no man could be taken before his time, and would not be deterred by the nobles or Mubids speaking against it. And through the seven stages of the path he encountered danger at each stage, from wolves to Deevs to dragons, to magicians, a mighty bird, heavy snow, and finally the fortress itself.
Seeing the impossibility of taking the mighty brass fortress, he knew that only wile and guile would serve him, and disguised himself as a merchant with 160 warriors hidden in chests amongst the camels laden with treasure that the army just happened to have with them. And Arjasp allowed him entrance, and Isfendiyar found his sisters to be slaves, and he asked a boon of Arjasp to provide a feast to show his gratitude. And when the nobles were overcome with wine, Isfendiyar released the men from their chests, and struck down Arjasp and hung his sons from the gallows. And the army was allowed entrance, treasure was taken, sisters were rescued, and the Shah was pleased upon his return.
Lohurasp reigned in wisdom and equity for 120 years, and all were content but for Gushtasp his son, who was rebellious and angry that this father would not grant him sovereignty. And so he ran away to the land of Roum, and went to the city that his ancestor Silim had built, and the King gave him his daughter to wed after he did great deeds. And Lohurasp, learning of this, sought to win his son back. He entreated him by stepping down from the throne, and Gushtasp ruled worthily and justly.
During Gushtasp’s reign as Shah, Zerdusht appeared, as the prophet of the Most High. And the people were given a good faith, and purged the remnants of Ahriman. Zerdusht also planted trees throughout the land, and whoever at the leaves was learned in all that regarded the life to come, and whoever ate the branches was perfect in wisdom and faith. And Zerdusht also brought the Zendavesta, and of following its precepts would come everlasting life.
But Arjasp, who sat on the throne of Afrasiyab, thought this new religion vile and sent to Gushtasp a plea to return to the faith of their fathers, threatening war if he did not. And Gushtasp, who had converted, said to make ready his army. Gushtasp readied his own army, which numbered more than the grass, and the commander was Gushtasp’s own son Isfendiyar, a hero of renown with a bounteous heart and a clever tongue.
And so Turan and Iran battled, and Iran overcame, and Isfendiyar returned home and demanded a blessing. But Gushtasp told him he must first convert all the lands to the faith of Zerdusht.
But while Isfendiyar was gone, his evil foe Gurjam spoke ill to the Shah of his son, and caused Gushtasp to fear that his son would try to grasp his power. And upon Isfendiyar’s return he was bound into chains and thrown into the dungeon, and Arjasp was pleased to hear of it. And the army Arjasp gathered fell upon Balkh before anyone knew, and the old Shah Lohurasp was killed and Gushtasp’s daughters captured. Arjasp burned the temples of Zerdusht and it took much time for the Shah to hear of this. And while he brought his army together, they were defeated by the Turans, and the Shah fled to consult his nobles, one of whom counseled him to release Isfendiyar.
But Isfendiyar was upset that his father kept him in chains until he was needed, and refused to help until he was told the whole tale of Gurjam’s interference. But he still ignored them until he was told that his brother was held by Arjasp.
So Isfendiyar jumped down and demanded his chains be removed, and went and defeated Arjasp, King of Turan. But Gushtasp did not want to give over the throne, and cried out that it was not meet for Isfendiyar to speak of promises while his sisters still remained in the grasp of Arjasp, and charged him with their rescue.
But Isfendiyar did not know the road, and Gushtasp told him a Mubid had revealed it to him, and gave him directions, with the safe path taking three months, the desert path taking two, and the dangerous path taking but a week. Isfendiyar chose the shortest path, saying that no man could be taken before his time, and would not be deterred by the nobles or Mubids speaking against it. And through the seven stages of the path he encountered danger at each stage, from wolves to Deevs to dragons, to magicians, a mighty bird, heavy snow, and finally the fortress itself.
Seeing the impossibility of taking the mighty brass fortress, he knew that only wile and guile would serve him, and disguised himself as a merchant with 160 warriors hidden in chests amongst the camels laden with treasure that the army just happened to have with them. And Arjasp allowed him entrance, and Isfendiyar found his sisters to be slaves, and he asked a boon of Arjasp to provide a feast to show his gratitude. And when the nobles were overcome with wine, Isfendiyar released the men from their chests, and struck down Arjasp and hung his sons from the gallows. And the army was allowed entrance, treasure was taken, sisters were rescued, and the Shah was pleased upon his return.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part XV)
The Passing of Kai Khosrau
Of course, Afrasiyab is beside himself, grieving and vowing vengeance. So there is war yet again, and Kai Khosrau swears there will be a good end this time, and asks for Rustem’s help in this.
Afrasiyab sends his son Peschen with a message that Saiawush had been slain with cause, and as it was evil for a son to strike at a father, it was evil for a grandson to strike at a grandfather. Offered to renounce strife and give treasure, but Kai Khosrau saw this as trickery, and said that the sword alone could decide between them.
And so Schideh is killed, and the Turan army is killed, and Afrasiyab flees again, and Kai Khosrau follows and routs Afrasiyab yet again to beyond the borders of Turan and into China for shelter. But Kai Khosrau followed and threatened the King of China, so Afrasiyab fled again, and for two years this pattern followed.
Rustem reigned in place of Afrasiyab, and Kai Khosrau returned to Iran to visit his father, who was made young again for joy. A great celebration occurred, and the old shah prostrated to the new, which Kai Khosrau did not suffer and raised him up. Eventually they gave Ormuzd thanks for all his blessings.
Meanwhile, Afrasiyab still roams, and hides in a cave in a mountain. He pondered his evil deeds, repented, and begged forgiveness from God, which was overheard by Houm, a hermit of the race of Feridoun. And so he captured Afrasiyab and took him to the Shah, who reproached him and then chopped off his head while his brother Gersiwaz watched. Then Gersiwaz was killed as well, leaving the vengeance for Saiawush complete. And now Kai Kaous, who is 150 years old (ed. – that’s it?), got ready to die. And so he did.
After the days of mourning, Kai Khosrau ruled the world in equity and wisdom for sixty years. But he feared the influence of Ahriman, remembering Jemshid and Zohak, and entreated of Ormuzd that he would take him from the earth sooner, before he could be corrupted. He did this by putting himself into seclusion and praying for seven days, and in the meantime many “great ones” of Iran came to demand audience and were refused. They thought ill of the Shah then and entreated to Zal and Rustem for aid. But in the meantime, the Shah came out of seclusion and asked what everyone wanted, and told them it wasn’t their fault. However, he wouldn’t tell them what it was, just that all was well, and for five weeks he was disquieted because he did not hear anything from God as he continued to pray.
Eventually a Serosch greeted him in dreams when Kai Khosrau fell asleep from weariness, who told him that he must choose a successor from the nobles, but that it must be one who has care of all things, even little creepy-crawly things. And then he could be taken to Ormuzd.
At this point, Zal and Rustem have arrived, and the nobles think that a Deev has led Kai Khosrau astray. Zal asked how they could help and told him of the rumors that he was turning to the path of Zohak and Afrasiyab, but the Shah was not angered and spoke of his desire. But Zal was angered and though the Shah had lost his mind, and thought it was a Deev’s influenced, and Kai Khosrau was sad. Finally the Shah explained his reasoning, that he feared corruption, and begged for rest. Thus they reconciled.
The Shah then called all his nobles, their armies, and Rustem, to camp upon the plains, and Kai Khosrau sat on his crystal throne with the ox-headed mace of his forefathers, the crown of Kaianides, and wore a sash of might, with Rustem his Pehliva (champion) at his right and aged Zal on his left. And the Shah announced his plan and for a week gave his treasurer orders as to how to divide the provinces’ rule and treasure. Of course, particularly favored were Gudarz, Zal, Gew, and Rustem, and gave boons as well, whatever they asked for. He also asked that his memory “be hateful unto none.”
Yet though weary the Shah was not finished, and called upon Byzun to bring forth Lohurasp, the descendent of Husheng the Shah of old, and the only one not to yet be called forth by name. And he crowned Lohurasp and said “may the world be submissive to thy will,” and the nobles were confounded and confused, and Kai Khosrau had to enforce his last desire by stating that those who opposed were rebels unto God as well.
And so Zal performed obeisance, and the armies followed, and Kai Khosrau went to prepare himself for death, and gave Lohurasp all his women. When finished Kai Khosrau went into the mountains, and Lohurasp tried to follow but he forbid it. But Zal and Rustem and Gudarz followed, with Gustahem and Gew and Byzun, and Friburz and Tus as well. All strove to change the Shah’s intentions, which they were rebuked for. But after a week they still followed, and the old Shah tried to send them home, but only Zal and Rustem and Gudarz obeyed. The rest continued, but were becoming weary, and Kai Khosrau halted at a spot expecting to be taken by God that night. So he woke up his nobles from slumber and told them to depart at daylight, for a great storm was coming, and if they did not leave now they would not be able to return, for they would not be able to find their way home.
And when morning came Kai Khosrau was gone, but Friburz wanted to linger and they forgot why they should leave. And so all the nobles that had followed but for Zal and Rustem and Gudarz perished, and Lohurasp finally mounted the crystal throne and asked for his people’s allegiance.
Of course, Afrasiyab is beside himself, grieving and vowing vengeance. So there is war yet again, and Kai Khosrau swears there will be a good end this time, and asks for Rustem’s help in this.
Afrasiyab sends his son Peschen with a message that Saiawush had been slain with cause, and as it was evil for a son to strike at a father, it was evil for a grandson to strike at a grandfather. Offered to renounce strife and give treasure, but Kai Khosrau saw this as trickery, and said that the sword alone could decide between them.
And so Schideh is killed, and the Turan army is killed, and Afrasiyab flees again, and Kai Khosrau follows and routs Afrasiyab yet again to beyond the borders of Turan and into China for shelter. But Kai Khosrau followed and threatened the King of China, so Afrasiyab fled again, and for two years this pattern followed.
Rustem reigned in place of Afrasiyab, and Kai Khosrau returned to Iran to visit his father, who was made young again for joy. A great celebration occurred, and the old shah prostrated to the new, which Kai Khosrau did not suffer and raised him up. Eventually they gave Ormuzd thanks for all his blessings.
Meanwhile, Afrasiyab still roams, and hides in a cave in a mountain. He pondered his evil deeds, repented, and begged forgiveness from God, which was overheard by Houm, a hermit of the race of Feridoun. And so he captured Afrasiyab and took him to the Shah, who reproached him and then chopped off his head while his brother Gersiwaz watched. Then Gersiwaz was killed as well, leaving the vengeance for Saiawush complete. And now Kai Kaous, who is 150 years old (ed. – that’s it?), got ready to die. And so he did.
After the days of mourning, Kai Khosrau ruled the world in equity and wisdom for sixty years. But he feared the influence of Ahriman, remembering Jemshid and Zohak, and entreated of Ormuzd that he would take him from the earth sooner, before he could be corrupted. He did this by putting himself into seclusion and praying for seven days, and in the meantime many “great ones” of Iran came to demand audience and were refused. They thought ill of the Shah then and entreated to Zal and Rustem for aid. But in the meantime, the Shah came out of seclusion and asked what everyone wanted, and told them it wasn’t their fault. However, he wouldn’t tell them what it was, just that all was well, and for five weeks he was disquieted because he did not hear anything from God as he continued to pray.
Eventually a Serosch greeted him in dreams when Kai Khosrau fell asleep from weariness, who told him that he must choose a successor from the nobles, but that it must be one who has care of all things, even little creepy-crawly things. And then he could be taken to Ormuzd.
At this point, Zal and Rustem have arrived, and the nobles think that a Deev has led Kai Khosrau astray. Zal asked how they could help and told him of the rumors that he was turning to the path of Zohak and Afrasiyab, but the Shah was not angered and spoke of his desire. But Zal was angered and though the Shah had lost his mind, and thought it was a Deev’s influenced, and Kai Khosrau was sad. Finally the Shah explained his reasoning, that he feared corruption, and begged for rest. Thus they reconciled.
The Shah then called all his nobles, their armies, and Rustem, to camp upon the plains, and Kai Khosrau sat on his crystal throne with the ox-headed mace of his forefathers, the crown of Kaianides, and wore a sash of might, with Rustem his Pehliva (champion) at his right and aged Zal on his left. And the Shah announced his plan and for a week gave his treasurer orders as to how to divide the provinces’ rule and treasure. Of course, particularly favored were Gudarz, Zal, Gew, and Rustem, and gave boons as well, whatever they asked for. He also asked that his memory “be hateful unto none.”
Yet though weary the Shah was not finished, and called upon Byzun to bring forth Lohurasp, the descendent of Husheng the Shah of old, and the only one not to yet be called forth by name. And he crowned Lohurasp and said “may the world be submissive to thy will,” and the nobles were confounded and confused, and Kai Khosrau had to enforce his last desire by stating that those who opposed were rebels unto God as well.
And so Zal performed obeisance, and the armies followed, and Kai Khosrau went to prepare himself for death, and gave Lohurasp all his women. When finished Kai Khosrau went into the mountains, and Lohurasp tried to follow but he forbid it. But Zal and Rustem and Gudarz followed, with Gustahem and Gew and Byzun, and Friburz and Tus as well. All strove to change the Shah’s intentions, which they were rebuked for. But after a week they still followed, and the old Shah tried to send them home, but only Zal and Rustem and Gudarz obeyed. The rest continued, but were becoming weary, and Kai Khosrau halted at a spot expecting to be taken by God that night. So he woke up his nobles from slumber and told them to depart at daylight, for a great storm was coming, and if they did not leave now they would not be able to return, for they would not be able to find their way home.
And when morning came Kai Khosrau was gone, but Friburz wanted to linger and they forgot why they should leave. And so all the nobles that had followed but for Zal and Rustem and Gudarz perished, and Lohurasp finally mounted the crystal throne and asked for his people’s allegiance.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part XIV)
The Defeat of Afrasiyab (ed. - Don't get your hopes up.)
Afrasiyab wants his booty back, of course, and yet again decides to invade Iran, and yet again sets a relative at the head of the army, this time his son Schideh. He also bids Schideh to think of Kai Khosrau as only an enemy and never to consider peace. And the shah hears of this, and commands that any man who can ride is to go under Gudarz’s command to fight. Gudarz, however, is supposed to try to turn Piran’s allegiance if he can, since he was good to the Shah. So Gudarz sends his son Gew, but Piran will not be swayed.
Each army wanted the other side to start it, though, so for three days and nights they faced each other without moving. And people started getting restless – Byzun on the Iranian side and Human on the Turan side. And Human finally got permission to challenge Iranians to single combat, picking Rehham, who wanted combat yet wanted to obey his father Gudarz; then Friburz; then finally Gudarz, all the while taunting them. And the Turan army cheered to think the Iranians were cowards, which hurt Iranian morale.
Byzun talks Gudarz into letting him fight, since all the nobles were against him anyway, and a place of combat was chosen. And the struggle commenced with many weapons and hand to hand combat, but lasted all day. Byzun prayed for strength and beat out Human’s brains to avenge Saiawush, then chopped off his head and used it as a rallying point for the Iranians. This sparked the full battle.
The full battle was so bloody that the commanders met at night and decided to choose valiant men on each side to decide the final outcome of the combat without as much destruction, ten men from each side.
So Friburz found Kelbad, the kinsman of Piran, and defeated him; and Gew fought Zereh, who had severed Saiawush’s head, and captured him; and Gourazeh defeated his opponent as well, and so on until it was only Piran and Gudarz, and Gudarz finally won. Flags of opponents were planted in the mountain, and the Iranians were extremely happy. And Zereh was brought back for Kai Khosrau to behead himself, but the Shah mourned for Piran and commanded a royal tomb built. Then he attacked Turan yet again, and for a limited time there was peace.
Afrasiyab wants his booty back, of course, and yet again decides to invade Iran, and yet again sets a relative at the head of the army, this time his son Schideh. He also bids Schideh to think of Kai Khosrau as only an enemy and never to consider peace. And the shah hears of this, and commands that any man who can ride is to go under Gudarz’s command to fight. Gudarz, however, is supposed to try to turn Piran’s allegiance if he can, since he was good to the Shah. So Gudarz sends his son Gew, but Piran will not be swayed.
Each army wanted the other side to start it, though, so for three days and nights they faced each other without moving. And people started getting restless – Byzun on the Iranian side and Human on the Turan side. And Human finally got permission to challenge Iranians to single combat, picking Rehham, who wanted combat yet wanted to obey his father Gudarz; then Friburz; then finally Gudarz, all the while taunting them. And the Turan army cheered to think the Iranians were cowards, which hurt Iranian morale.
Byzun talks Gudarz into letting him fight, since all the nobles were against him anyway, and a place of combat was chosen. And the struggle commenced with many weapons and hand to hand combat, but lasted all day. Byzun prayed for strength and beat out Human’s brains to avenge Saiawush, then chopped off his head and used it as a rallying point for the Iranians. This sparked the full battle.
The full battle was so bloody that the commanders met at night and decided to choose valiant men on each side to decide the final outcome of the combat without as much destruction, ten men from each side.
So Friburz found Kelbad, the kinsman of Piran, and defeated him; and Gew fought Zereh, who had severed Saiawush’s head, and captured him; and Gourazeh defeated his opponent as well, and so on until it was only Piran and Gudarz, and Gudarz finally won. Flags of opponents were planted in the mountain, and the Iranians were extremely happy. And Zereh was brought back for Kai Khosrau to behead himself, but the Shah mourned for Piran and commanded a royal tomb built. Then he attacked Turan yet again, and for a limited time there was peace.
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