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.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part XIII)
Byzun and Manijeh
Peacetime now, and Kai Khosrau ruled with wisdom. And then men from Arman came, and begged audience with the Shah and pled for his help. They wanted a champion to kill wild boar from Turan that were destroying crops. No one volunteered even though the Shah offered rewards, except Byzun, Gew’s only son, and Gew was not pleased. Byzun talked him into it, though. The Shah made him take with him Girgin, the wise in counsel, for guidance. And Girgin recommended sleep, but Byzun wanted to hunt boar. And so Girgin told him he was on his own, and that he himself would watch. And Girgin was jealous at his success and wanted to ensnare Byzun, so he talked him into gong to spy on Afrasiyab’s women, who were celebrating spring in the forest.
Enter Manijeh, under cypress trees, the most beautiful of all (ed. - of course) and Afrasiyab’s daughter. And she spotted him, and sent a messenger, and then they spoke. He abandoned thought of leaving for a few days, but when she was supposed to leave, she drugged him and dragged him back with her into her rooms. Byzun wasn’t happy about being in Afrasiyab’s house, but Manijeh calmed him down. Many days later, Afrasiyab finally found out, and sent his brother Gersiwaz to take armed men to the women’s house, where Byzun was unarmed. Byzun quickly threatened to kill himself (it seems he had a hidden dagger) if he wasn’t brought to Afrasiyab.
That worked, but then Afrasiyab didn’t believe his story and sentenced Byzun to be hanged. Piran showed up and stayed the punishment until he could talk to Afrasiyab. And he reminded the king that they couldn’t really afford a war right now, and how about we just throw him into the dungeon? And so Byzun was thrown into a hole in the desert, laden with iron chains, and a giant stone covered the pit. Gersiwaz was then ordered to take Manijeh’s veil, robe, and crown because she had dishonored the family. She was taken and set loose in the desert, unable to set free Byzun, but through a small hole to feed him with bread she begged from a nearby city.
Meanwhile, Girgin returned to Iran and didn’t know what to say to the Shah or Gew. So he boasted of “his” deeds along with Byzun’s, and claimed a wild ass had kidnapped Byzun, claiming it must be a Deev. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t stick to his story, and the shah threw him in chains, saying that he would search until No Ruz, and then would look in his crystal ball.
Eventually he looked into the crystal ball and God granted him a vision, but Kai Khosrau could not find Byzun on any of the lands of earth. Then Ormuzd clarified and showed the pit and Manijeh beside it. Gew goes to Rustem, who chooses his men, and Girgin asks Rustem to intercede for the Shah’s forgiveness, which eventually he gave.
Rustem planned to go disguised as a merchant and took seven knights with him and 100 camels. He went to Piran and gave gifts, then asked for permission to sell within Turan. Word spread even to Manijeh, who questioned him, asking whether an army would come to rescue Byzun. Rustem, afraid of giving away the secret, told her he knew nothing and to go away. He softened as she cried, and gave her meat to give to Byzun, but hid a ring with his seal upon it, and Byzun took heart and laughed.
Laughter scared Manijeh, but Byzun didn’t want to tell her because women can’t keep a secret. She was hurt, and offended, so he made her swear a “great oath” and he told her. She played messenger to confirm it was him, and Rustem told her to build a fire so that she could pinpoint the spot for him.
The stone was immovable by the seven knights, so Rustem prayed, and told Byzun that God might be more willing if he would forgive Girgin, who had repented anyway, but Byzun didn’t want to. Rustem threatened to leave, so Byzun eventually did. Eventually he got out, but was scrawny.
Rustem took them back to the city and wanted to be told where the army was hidden, saying that Byzun shouldn’t go because he was too weak, but Byzun refused. And so they crept into Afrasiyab’s house and Rustem woke him up by making a speech about vengeance. His guards were dead, but he was able to escape because it was dark (ed. – this is why making speeches over live bodies is stupid, though waiting until the enemy is dead is only marginally smarter). So Rustem took the booty, and went away quickly, knowing that Afrasiyab would send an army after him. So Rustem sent Manijeh, the booty, and the slaves into Iran, and set himself at the head of the army, and Afrasiyab eventually fled again with a defeated army. AGAIN.
So they get back to the Shah, and Rustem goes home to Zal, who’s somehow still alive, and the Shah tells Byzun to always treat Manijeh well since she’s been so good to him.
Peacetime now, and Kai Khosrau ruled with wisdom. And then men from Arman came, and begged audience with the Shah and pled for his help. They wanted a champion to kill wild boar from Turan that were destroying crops. No one volunteered even though the Shah offered rewards, except Byzun, Gew’s only son, and Gew was not pleased. Byzun talked him into it, though. The Shah made him take with him Girgin, the wise in counsel, for guidance. And Girgin recommended sleep, but Byzun wanted to hunt boar. And so Girgin told him he was on his own, and that he himself would watch. And Girgin was jealous at his success and wanted to ensnare Byzun, so he talked him into gong to spy on Afrasiyab’s women, who were celebrating spring in the forest.
Enter Manijeh, under cypress trees, the most beautiful of all (ed. - of course) and Afrasiyab’s daughter. And she spotted him, and sent a messenger, and then they spoke. He abandoned thought of leaving for a few days, but when she was supposed to leave, she drugged him and dragged him back with her into her rooms. Byzun wasn’t happy about being in Afrasiyab’s house, but Manijeh calmed him down. Many days later, Afrasiyab finally found out, and sent his brother Gersiwaz to take armed men to the women’s house, where Byzun was unarmed. Byzun quickly threatened to kill himself (it seems he had a hidden dagger) if he wasn’t brought to Afrasiyab.
That worked, but then Afrasiyab didn’t believe his story and sentenced Byzun to be hanged. Piran showed up and stayed the punishment until he could talk to Afrasiyab. And he reminded the king that they couldn’t really afford a war right now, and how about we just throw him into the dungeon? And so Byzun was thrown into a hole in the desert, laden with iron chains, and a giant stone covered the pit. Gersiwaz was then ordered to take Manijeh’s veil, robe, and crown because she had dishonored the family. She was taken and set loose in the desert, unable to set free Byzun, but through a small hole to feed him with bread she begged from a nearby city.
Meanwhile, Girgin returned to Iran and didn’t know what to say to the Shah or Gew. So he boasted of “his” deeds along with Byzun’s, and claimed a wild ass had kidnapped Byzun, claiming it must be a Deev. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t stick to his story, and the shah threw him in chains, saying that he would search until No Ruz, and then would look in his crystal ball.
Eventually he looked into the crystal ball and God granted him a vision, but Kai Khosrau could not find Byzun on any of the lands of earth. Then Ormuzd clarified and showed the pit and Manijeh beside it. Gew goes to Rustem, who chooses his men, and Girgin asks Rustem to intercede for the Shah’s forgiveness, which eventually he gave.
Rustem planned to go disguised as a merchant and took seven knights with him and 100 camels. He went to Piran and gave gifts, then asked for permission to sell within Turan. Word spread even to Manijeh, who questioned him, asking whether an army would come to rescue Byzun. Rustem, afraid of giving away the secret, told her he knew nothing and to go away. He softened as she cried, and gave her meat to give to Byzun, but hid a ring with his seal upon it, and Byzun took heart and laughed.
Laughter scared Manijeh, but Byzun didn’t want to tell her because women can’t keep a secret. She was hurt, and offended, so he made her swear a “great oath” and he told her. She played messenger to confirm it was him, and Rustem told her to build a fire so that she could pinpoint the spot for him.
The stone was immovable by the seven knights, so Rustem prayed, and told Byzun that God might be more willing if he would forgive Girgin, who had repented anyway, but Byzun didn’t want to. Rustem threatened to leave, so Byzun eventually did. Eventually he got out, but was scrawny.
Rustem took them back to the city and wanted to be told where the army was hidden, saying that Byzun shouldn’t go because he was too weak, but Byzun refused. And so they crept into Afrasiyab’s house and Rustem woke him up by making a speech about vengeance. His guards were dead, but he was able to escape because it was dark (ed. – this is why making speeches over live bodies is stupid, though waiting until the enemy is dead is only marginally smarter). So Rustem took the booty, and went away quickly, knowing that Afrasiyab would send an army after him. So Rustem sent Manijeh, the booty, and the slaves into Iran, and set himself at the head of the army, and Afrasiyab eventually fled again with a defeated army. AGAIN.
So they get back to the Shah, and Rustem goes home to Zal, who’s somehow still alive, and the Shah tells Byzun to always treat Manijeh well since she’s been so good to him.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part XII)
The Vengeance of Kai Khosrau
Iranians aren’t happy at their defeat, so they are humbled, and Kai Khosrau is unhappy and angry. He blames Tus, saying “Cursed be he and his elephants and his cymbals.” Rustem is begged by nobles to go intercede. Even Tus is then restored, but Gew is put in place to restrain him. So they go back to Turan, and Afrasiyab makes ready as well. Afrasiyab has allies – troops from the Khakhan of China, from the Kamous of Kushan, from Ind and the highlands of Asia. Afrasiyab was certain that if Rustem didn’t come, they’d be fine.
So the Iranians are forced to withdraw into the mountains, and Rustem goes to the Shah and says he will go rescue everyone. But the army didn’t want to take hope, because they’d been defeated again. Piran, however, was afraid, though the Khakan and Kamous scoffed at his fears. And the Iranian army’s hope returned when Rustem was spotted.
The Iranians won a battle, and then Piran called forth Human the brave to find out if Rustem was truly leading them. Now worried once he got the answer, he was mocked by the Kamous, who vowed to defeat Rustem. He lost and got flung to vultures.
The Khakan vowed to avenge him, and sent a messenger, but Rustem told him that he wanted to talk to Piran, since he’d been good to Saiawush and his son. They meet, and Rustem tries to talk him into leaving Afrasiyab and to deliver those who killed Saiawush, which Piran could not do. He pled that it would be better for him to die, saying “my heart is torn because I must lift up the sword of enmity against Kai Khosrau, my son." So they parted friends but continued the battle for forty days. The Khakan of China was captured and sent to Kai Khosrau, and Piran was spared only, as Rustem pursued the Turanians.
Piran ran to Afrasiyab and urged him to run, because that’s what he was doing, and by the way, Rustem’s on his way. So the Iranians went in, feasted, and destroyed Afrasiyab’s palace, and then went home to the shah. Eventually he went home to his very old father Zal.
Shortly thereafter, a shepherd came asking for the Shah’s army to come kill a wild donkey that was wreaking havoc among his flock. And it was the Deev Akwan in disguise, which Kai Khosrau knew. And so Rustem went and fought the Deev, who kept vanishing under Rustem’s cord, for three days, until he got tired and decided to sleep. The Deev, of course, decided to play with the earth surrounding Rustem, but woke up. The Deev asked where he wanted the earth he was resting upon to be thrown, and Rustem tricked him into chucking him into the water. This meant he had to fight crocodiles, but he survived and went back. In the meantime, Afrasiyab’s horse-keepers had stolen his horse, so had had to take it back, kill the thieves, and take their entire herds (ed. – isn’t this a little excessive for people who found a horse wandering free?).
Afrasiyab came out of hiding to look at his horses (ed. – where did he come from?) and found Rustem, and offered battle with the men who were with them, and Afrasiyab fled. The Deev, thinking he was weary, attacked, and Rustem crushed and killed him. The Shah was so impressed he tried to keep him there, but Rustem wanted to go create an army to avenge Saiawush....again.
Iranians aren’t happy at their defeat, so they are humbled, and Kai Khosrau is unhappy and angry. He blames Tus, saying “Cursed be he and his elephants and his cymbals.” Rustem is begged by nobles to go intercede. Even Tus is then restored, but Gew is put in place to restrain him. So they go back to Turan, and Afrasiyab makes ready as well. Afrasiyab has allies – troops from the Khakhan of China, from the Kamous of Kushan, from Ind and the highlands of Asia. Afrasiyab was certain that if Rustem didn’t come, they’d be fine.
So the Iranians are forced to withdraw into the mountains, and Rustem goes to the Shah and says he will go rescue everyone. But the army didn’t want to take hope, because they’d been defeated again. Piran, however, was afraid, though the Khakan and Kamous scoffed at his fears. And the Iranian army’s hope returned when Rustem was spotted.
The Iranians won a battle, and then Piran called forth Human the brave to find out if Rustem was truly leading them. Now worried once he got the answer, he was mocked by the Kamous, who vowed to defeat Rustem. He lost and got flung to vultures.
The Khakan vowed to avenge him, and sent a messenger, but Rustem told him that he wanted to talk to Piran, since he’d been good to Saiawush and his son. They meet, and Rustem tries to talk him into leaving Afrasiyab and to deliver those who killed Saiawush, which Piran could not do. He pled that it would be better for him to die, saying “my heart is torn because I must lift up the sword of enmity against Kai Khosrau, my son." So they parted friends but continued the battle for forty days. The Khakan of China was captured and sent to Kai Khosrau, and Piran was spared only, as Rustem pursued the Turanians.
Piran ran to Afrasiyab and urged him to run, because that’s what he was doing, and by the way, Rustem’s on his way. So the Iranians went in, feasted, and destroyed Afrasiyab’s palace, and then went home to the shah. Eventually he went home to his very old father Zal.
Shortly thereafter, a shepherd came asking for the Shah’s army to come kill a wild donkey that was wreaking havoc among his flock. And it was the Deev Akwan in disguise, which Kai Khosrau knew. And so Rustem went and fought the Deev, who kept vanishing under Rustem’s cord, for three days, until he got tired and decided to sleep. The Deev, of course, decided to play with the earth surrounding Rustem, but woke up. The Deev asked where he wanted the earth he was resting upon to be thrown, and Rustem tricked him into chucking him into the water. This meant he had to fight crocodiles, but he survived and went back. In the meantime, Afrasiyab’s horse-keepers had stolen his horse, so had had to take it back, kill the thieves, and take their entire herds (ed. – isn’t this a little excessive for people who found a horse wandering free?).
Afrasiyab came out of hiding to look at his horses (ed. – where did he come from?) and found Rustem, and offered battle with the men who were with them, and Afrasiyab fled. The Deev, thinking he was weary, attacked, and Rustem crushed and killed him. The Shah was so impressed he tried to keep him there, but Rustem wanted to go create an army to avenge Saiawush....again.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part XI)
Firoud
All goes well for a while, until Kai Kaous holds a feast to honor his champion, and then he gets maudlin. Praises Saiawush, curses Afrasiyab, etc, then tells Kai Khosrau that he must swear to always be filled with hatred of Afrasiyab, and only mediate with sword and mace. It was even written and entrusted to Rustem on a royal scroll. After eight days, seven of which were spent gorging themselves, Kai Khosrau called his nobles and all the armies go to war, Kai Khosrau on an elephant instead of his horse. Kai Khosrau charges Tus with not hurting anyone who doesn’t fight against them, and avoiding the land of Kelat, where Kai Khosrau’s brother Firoud lives. Tus vows to remember and obey.
Problem is, as the armies go to Turan, Tus decides to detour out of the desert into Kelat to get water, and laughs off Gudarz’s warning. Firoud, of course, isn’t terribly pleased, and talked to Tokhareh, his counselor, who warns that he doesn’t know where the battle will take place. So Firoud talks to his mother, who’s still crying over Saiawush, who tells him that there is a new Shah, and he should go serve as vanguard, and seek out Bahram to be his stay in battle, for he was a friend and foster-brother of Saiawush.
Tokhareh went to a high place to look over the army with Firoud and told him who everyone was. Tus spotted them and was suspicious, and sends Bahram to find out who they are. Bahram demands to see the mark of the Kaianides and Firoud shows him, and takes the message that Firoud would like to join them back to Tus. He warned before leaving that Tus was vain and an idiot, and might not listen, and that if someone else was sent, not to listen or confide in that person.
Of course, Tus gets angry and tells his warriors to go chop off their heads, but Bahram warns them that the shah will be angry if they kill his brother. Tus gave the order again, and his son in law Rivniz rode out to do it. Tokhareh recommends shooting at the man rather than the horse so that Tus might repent, and Firoud shoots the man (ed. – with an arrow. Just to be clear.). Tus gets angrier, and sends his son Zerasp to avenge Rivniz. Firoud shoots him, too (ed. do you think they might have figured out at this point that the guy has a bow and lots of arrows? Oh, do read on). Tus finally goes himself and they bicker. Tokhareh recommends that since Tus is a prince and the shah might be angered at his brother, to shoot the horse, because a prince will not fight on foot. Except that angers the nobles, and Gew son of Gudarz comes, and they shoot the horse again. All nobles are happy he returns, except his only son Byzun, who upbraids him for leaving and swears to avenge Rivniz and Zerasp.
This time, Tokhareh recommends that Firoud shoot the horse because Byzun’s wearing Saiawush’s armor. Byzun, however, will fight on foot and charges the mountain. Firoud throws stones after retreating into his castle and is taunted a second time.
Tus vows to raze the castle. Firoud’s mother dreams a bad dream and speaks of evil stars. So they fight on the mountain, and there’s great havoc on both sides, and when Firoud goes to go back to his castle, he finds Rehham (later note: son of Gudarz) and Byzun are waiting in ambush. Firoud would have killed Byzun if Rehham hadn’t clubbed him over the head. Somehow he got back to mommy and told her to lay waste to everything. So she burns the treasure, kills the horses, and impales herself on a sword.
Tus finally realizes what an idiot he’s been, and builds a royal tomb, and then they go off to Turan again against Afrasiyab, who tells Piran to ready his army. When suddenly, it snows, and the Iranians nearly starve, and then the snow melts and they’re in the middle of a lake of melted snow. But they still fight and win, so they stupidly celebrate and leave a nice opening for Piran to attack, and only Gudarz the wise is sober. The Iranians lose, and Tus is woebegone, and Gudarz sends a messenger to Kai Khosrau, who really is shah now and decides to put Friburz in charge of the army instead of Tus. Kai Khosrau also states that he no longer knows friend from foe.
Tus goes back to the shah, and got chewed out, and throws him in the dungeon. Shah would have chopped head off if Tus hadn’t had a white beard.
In the meantime, Friburz asked Piran for a truce, but Piran told him that he had to leave Turan for that to happen, since the Iranians were the aggressors. So they fought, and many on both sides died – it seems all the Turans and the only Iranians who survived had fled the fighting (ed. - confusing wording). Piran is happy that the Iranians have left. Afrasiyab is also, but counsels Piran to watch Rustem’s land, for he is the only threat left.
All goes well for a while, until Kai Kaous holds a feast to honor his champion, and then he gets maudlin. Praises Saiawush, curses Afrasiyab, etc, then tells Kai Khosrau that he must swear to always be filled with hatred of Afrasiyab, and only mediate with sword and mace. It was even written and entrusted to Rustem on a royal scroll. After eight days, seven of which were spent gorging themselves, Kai Khosrau called his nobles and all the armies go to war, Kai Khosrau on an elephant instead of his horse. Kai Khosrau charges Tus with not hurting anyone who doesn’t fight against them, and avoiding the land of Kelat, where Kai Khosrau’s brother Firoud lives. Tus vows to remember and obey.
Problem is, as the armies go to Turan, Tus decides to detour out of the desert into Kelat to get water, and laughs off Gudarz’s warning. Firoud, of course, isn’t terribly pleased, and talked to Tokhareh, his counselor, who warns that he doesn’t know where the battle will take place. So Firoud talks to his mother, who’s still crying over Saiawush, who tells him that there is a new Shah, and he should go serve as vanguard, and seek out Bahram to be his stay in battle, for he was a friend and foster-brother of Saiawush.
Tokhareh went to a high place to look over the army with Firoud and told him who everyone was. Tus spotted them and was suspicious, and sends Bahram to find out who they are. Bahram demands to see the mark of the Kaianides and Firoud shows him, and takes the message that Firoud would like to join them back to Tus. He warned before leaving that Tus was vain and an idiot, and might not listen, and that if someone else was sent, not to listen or confide in that person.
Of course, Tus gets angry and tells his warriors to go chop off their heads, but Bahram warns them that the shah will be angry if they kill his brother. Tus gave the order again, and his son in law Rivniz rode out to do it. Tokhareh recommends shooting at the man rather than the horse so that Tus might repent, and Firoud shoots the man (ed. – with an arrow. Just to be clear.). Tus gets angrier, and sends his son Zerasp to avenge Rivniz. Firoud shoots him, too (ed. do you think they might have figured out at this point that the guy has a bow and lots of arrows? Oh, do read on). Tus finally goes himself and they bicker. Tokhareh recommends that since Tus is a prince and the shah might be angered at his brother, to shoot the horse, because a prince will not fight on foot. Except that angers the nobles, and Gew son of Gudarz comes, and they shoot the horse again. All nobles are happy he returns, except his only son Byzun, who upbraids him for leaving and swears to avenge Rivniz and Zerasp.
This time, Tokhareh recommends that Firoud shoot the horse because Byzun’s wearing Saiawush’s armor. Byzun, however, will fight on foot and charges the mountain. Firoud throws stones after retreating into his castle and is taunted a second time.
Tus vows to raze the castle. Firoud’s mother dreams a bad dream and speaks of evil stars. So they fight on the mountain, and there’s great havoc on both sides, and when Firoud goes to go back to his castle, he finds Rehham (later note: son of Gudarz) and Byzun are waiting in ambush. Firoud would have killed Byzun if Rehham hadn’t clubbed him over the head. Somehow he got back to mommy and told her to lay waste to everything. So she burns the treasure, kills the horses, and impales herself on a sword.
Tus finally realizes what an idiot he’s been, and builds a royal tomb, and then they go off to Turan again against Afrasiyab, who tells Piran to ready his army. When suddenly, it snows, and the Iranians nearly starve, and then the snow melts and they’re in the middle of a lake of melted snow. But they still fight and win, so they stupidly celebrate and leave a nice opening for Piran to attack, and only Gudarz the wise is sober. The Iranians lose, and Tus is woebegone, and Gudarz sends a messenger to Kai Khosrau, who really is shah now and decides to put Friburz in charge of the army instead of Tus. Kai Khosrau also states that he no longer knows friend from foe.
Tus goes back to the shah, and got chewed out, and throws him in the dungeon. Shah would have chopped head off if Tus hadn’t had a white beard.
In the meantime, Friburz asked Piran for a truce, but Piran told him that he had to leave Turan for that to happen, since the Iranians were the aggressors. So they fought, and many on both sides died – it seems all the Turans and the only Iranians who survived had fled the fighting (ed. - confusing wording). Piran is happy that the Iranians have left. Afrasiyab is also, but counsels Piran to watch Rustem’s land, for he is the only threat left.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part X)
The Return of Kai Khosrau
Ferangis has a baby, and Piran vows it will not be killed by Afrasiyab, who’s sorrowful and has repented. So even though everyone tells him the kid will just grow up to take vengeance upon him, he says he won’t interfere with the stars’ decree anymore. However, he wants the kid raised by shepherds so he never knows who his father is or what Afrasiyab did.
After a while, the shepherds started protesting to Piran that they couldn’t restrain the valiant Kai Khosrau, who was like a king. Piran is fascinated, and tells the shepherds of his birth, and takes him away. Bad news, though – Afrasiyab isn’t repentant anymore and feels weak for having kept the kid alive, so he’s got to go. Piran thinks quickly and tells the king that the kid’s an idiot, but the king wants to see him. So after warning, Kai Khosrau goes and acts like an idiot, and Afrasiyab is pleased.
In the meantime, Kai Kaous hears of his son’s death, and the whole nation mourns. Rustem is struck down for a week, then on the eighth goes to the Shah to demand revenge and the shah is shamed. He should have said something, because then Rustem went and killed Sudaveh, who he blamed for Saiawush’s death. The Shah was now scared.
Rustem goes off with an avenging army to confront Afrasiyab, who sends his “best beloved” son Sarkha to lead the Turan army, but doesn’t want to lose him to Rustem. In that case, he shouldn’t have sent him, because Rustem killed him deliberately. Let the conflict begin again, for now Afrasiyab can’t let it go and goes after Rustem and his army.
Pilsam, Piran’s younger brother, challenges Rustem to single combat. Rustem chucks him back to the Turan army and Pilsam dies. How sad. However, Piran still doesn’t want Kai Khosrau killed when Afrasiyab asks him what he should do. So Kai Khosrau is sent to Khoten and is hidden from the sight of the Iranians. Rustem takes over Afrasiyab’s throne (Afrasiyab himself flees to China) for seven years, until messengers come from Iran saying what an idiot Kai Kaous is being, and Rustem goes home. Afrasiyab comes back and is mad about the damage and destruction, so they attack Iran, and for seven year Iran’s fortunes sink.
Then Gudarz, who had helped talk Rustem into fighting for the Shah again and sent healers for his son, and was also descended from Kawah the smith, had a dream. In the dream, God told him to send Gew to seek Kai Khosrau, “for such is the will of Ormuzd.”
Gew wanders through Turan looking for Kai Khosrau for seven years, and was unhappy. Finally he finds him in a forest wearing a flower crown, and Kai Khosrau somehow knows his name and asks for tidings of the shah and others (he got it from his mother). Gew does demand that Kai Khosrau prove himself, and on Kai Khosrau’s arm is the mark of all those from the royal house. So they go home to the city of Gangdis. Ferangis is happy to see them and happy she’s about to become a royal mother, but shoos them on their way before Afrasiyab can hear. She tells them to go to a mountain and fetch a horse from the meadow-top (ed. - how does a mountain have a meadow on top?) where Saiawush’s herds are. The horse is named Behzah and will save him from Afrasiyab. So they do that, and come back, and then Ferangis puts on chainmail and they all flee.
Piran’s not so happy, because his honor is impinged by this, and fears the anger of Afrasiyab. So he sends Kelbad and three hundred knights to go get them. Gew is on guard while the others sleep and routs Kelbad and the 300 somehow, without waking the others, and then they all flee again while the 301 bad guys run away. Piran gets mad, and chases after with an army, and Gew fights alone again after Ferangis wakes him up. Piran gets captured and invokes blessings on Kai Khosrau. Ferangis pleads to spare his life, but Gew has vowed to spill Piran’s blood, and so Kai Khosrau tells him to pierce the guy’s ear so he can retain honor while not killing their prior refuge. Then they tie Piran to his horse and make him promise that only his wife Gulshehr will release him.
In the meantime, Afrasiyab is getting impatient, so he leads an army just to find out what Kai Khosrau’s up to. He hears of Gew, and is afraid, then finds Piran, and is angry and sends him away. Vows to destroy Gew and take the heads of Kai Khosrau and his mother. The three escape over the Jihun, a boundary river, into Iran before he can catch up, though. They have to deal with a greedy boatman who demands exorbitant prices since they’re in a hurry, and so Gew basically dares Kai Khosrau to cross the river because Feridoun did. Afrasiyab gives up as he reaches the other bank and interrogates the boatman as to what happens just as they get to the other side, and accepts his fate.
Kai Kaous is happy that Kai Khosrau has shown up, and declares him heir, and Tus is the only one sorrowful, and says he will only pay homage to Friburz, another son of the Shah. Strife began, until one asked the Shah to resolve the quarrel. Shah says that Kai Khosrau and Friburz will have to go to Bahman, a fortress on the border that has never been conquered because it’s infested with Deevs. Kai Khosrau let Friburz take the lead, but after a week of trying fails. Kai Khosrau perfumes a letter saying “give me this place in the name of Ormuzd” and flings it into the fortress. The Deevs vanish and Kai Khosrau gets the throne.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part IX)
Saiawush
Tus – knight of Iran
Tus, Gew, Gudarz, and other knights go to chase donkeys in the forests of Daghoui and came upon a woman descended from Feridoun. Gew and Tus both wanted her, and argued, until someone said to let the shah decide. Except the shah wanted her for himself, and she eventually gave him a son named Saiawush.
Saiawush was welcomed as a son, but his horoscope gave bad signs – his virtues above all would lead him into destruction. He was fostered under Rustem, who roused from his mourning of Sohrab in order to ask for the child. Eventually they went back to the shah to show off what a little man he’d become, and for seven years he had to prove his spirit. In the eighth he was found worthy enough for a crown and throne. But the day of ill fortune was drawing near.
Turns out, Sudaveh wanted him, and complained to the shah that he was putting off her requests. So the shah ordered Saiawush to go, and she kept trying to trap him alone. He refused, and she spread rumors and got the shah irritated with his son. Kai Kaous wanted to believe her, but was afraid of guile. So the shah built a giant fire and told his son to ride through it to prove his innocence. Sudaveh, watching, wished for him to die. Also, the nobles were pissed. He survived, was favored again by the shah, let the feasting begin. Then Sudaveh is condemned to death by the shah, still spewing venom, but Saiawush knows the shah’s love for her and asks for her pardon. She turned the shah against him, though, and controlled him well, and he knew not what truth was.
Afrasiyab AGAIN decides that he must invade Iran, because he doesn’t learn from what happened the last four times. A Mubid tells him not to go and that he’s already endangered his kingdom twice, but that didn’t go over well, and he wanted to go all the more. Saiawush decided he wanted to go and talked Daddy into letting him, with Rustem as guardian.
Afrasiyab eventually loses again. Idiot. Gersiwaz, Afrasiyab’s brother, was leading the army, and didn’t give him good news. Afrasiyab goes to sleep, then has crazy possessed dreams and refuses to be comforted, because he’s convinced that Kai Kaous and some boy who stood beside him on the throne (i.e., Saiawush) will bring evil to him. And it turns out once the Mubids are convinced to speak, that Saiawush is destined to bring destruction to Turan, and even if killed by Afrasiyab, it would happen anyway. Counseled to stop his actions before it’s too late.
So Gersiwaz gets to take a trip to give Saiawush gifts and a peace treaty. Saiawush and Rustem consult for a week while distracting Gersiwaz with revelry. Eventually an answer is demanded, and the answer is to send a hundred warriors related to Afrasiyab by blood, so that they could be used as hostages. And seeing it as the only way to prevent the “evil”, he does it.
Rustem goes to tell the Shah, who’s unhappy even though Saiawush was wise. Rustem tells shah that he won’t have Saiawush breaking his word, which just makes him angrier. So Saiawush has to choose between obeying his king and father and breaking his oath. So he sends back the men, with a note that he hasn’t broken the treaty but that his father has, and would he kindly allow him to pass through his lands so he can hide from Daddy?
Afrasiyab does, but calls for Piran, the leader of his hosts, for advice. Piran recommends that he marry into the family so that the old hate can be quenched. So he made the offer, and Saiawush was glad of escape yet troubled by the offer since he was making friends with a foe.
Tus shows up and is confounded; Kai Kaous hears and is struck down with dismay and his anger is renewed. But he does not speak of war. Saiawush, meanwhile, is in Turan and is gifted with lots of valuable items, including white elephants (unknown if same connotation as in India). Afrasiyab is in awe of Saiawush, who eventually marries Piran’s daughter. This lasts over a year, possibly two, and Piran recommended that since this was home now, he might as well ask Afrasiyab if he could marry his daughter, Ferangis, too.
This goes over well, and he’s gifted with a province. In a year, he’s built a city that he calls Gangdis, a place of famed beauty, but one that is foretold to cause his destruction. However, that’s hard to believe when it’s all going so well. But lo! Gersiwaz gets jealous and plots to destroy him. He goes to request permission to visit Gangdis, and receives it. Rather than bearing Afrasiyab’s words of love, Gersiwaz tells Saiawush that the king plans to invade Iran and has changed personalities totally. Since of course Saiawush volunteers to go fight if that’s his king’s will, and Gersiwaz knows that’ll be his undoing, he decides to tell him that Afrasiyab is angry with him, then makes it true upon his return.
So Afrasiyab’s army marches against Saiawush, but Saiawush didn’t want to fight. And he ordered his men not to fight either, so they were all cut down except Saiawush, who was bound with cords and the order came to take him to the desert and cut off his head.
Ferangis speaks up and reminds her father that if this happens, someone from the Kaianides will show up to avenge Saiawush. But he throws her into the dungeon instead. When they execute him, a great storm arises, and Ferangis’ cries can be heard, so Afrasiyab decides to kill her as well. Piran stops him, though, and offers to get her out of his sight. Eventually Afrasiyab, who’s sorrowful, repents what he has done.
Tus – knight of Iran
Tus, Gew, Gudarz, and other knights go to chase donkeys in the forests of Daghoui and came upon a woman descended from Feridoun. Gew and Tus both wanted her, and argued, until someone said to let the shah decide. Except the shah wanted her for himself, and she eventually gave him a son named Saiawush.
Saiawush was welcomed as a son, but his horoscope gave bad signs – his virtues above all would lead him into destruction. He was fostered under Rustem, who roused from his mourning of Sohrab in order to ask for the child. Eventually they went back to the shah to show off what a little man he’d become, and for seven years he had to prove his spirit. In the eighth he was found worthy enough for a crown and throne. But the day of ill fortune was drawing near.
Turns out, Sudaveh wanted him, and complained to the shah that he was putting off her requests. So the shah ordered Saiawush to go, and she kept trying to trap him alone. He refused, and she spread rumors and got the shah irritated with his son. Kai Kaous wanted to believe her, but was afraid of guile. So the shah built a giant fire and told his son to ride through it to prove his innocence. Sudaveh, watching, wished for him to die. Also, the nobles were pissed. He survived, was favored again by the shah, let the feasting begin. Then Sudaveh is condemned to death by the shah, still spewing venom, but Saiawush knows the shah’s love for her and asks for her pardon. She turned the shah against him, though, and controlled him well, and he knew not what truth was.
Afrasiyab AGAIN decides that he must invade Iran, because he doesn’t learn from what happened the last four times. A Mubid tells him not to go and that he’s already endangered his kingdom twice, but that didn’t go over well, and he wanted to go all the more. Saiawush decided he wanted to go and talked Daddy into letting him, with Rustem as guardian.
Afrasiyab eventually loses again. Idiot. Gersiwaz, Afrasiyab’s brother, was leading the army, and didn’t give him good news. Afrasiyab goes to sleep, then has crazy possessed dreams and refuses to be comforted, because he’s convinced that Kai Kaous and some boy who stood beside him on the throne (i.e., Saiawush) will bring evil to him. And it turns out once the Mubids are convinced to speak, that Saiawush is destined to bring destruction to Turan, and even if killed by Afrasiyab, it would happen anyway. Counseled to stop his actions before it’s too late.
So Gersiwaz gets to take a trip to give Saiawush gifts and a peace treaty. Saiawush and Rustem consult for a week while distracting Gersiwaz with revelry. Eventually an answer is demanded, and the answer is to send a hundred warriors related to Afrasiyab by blood, so that they could be used as hostages. And seeing it as the only way to prevent the “evil”, he does it.
Rustem goes to tell the Shah, who’s unhappy even though Saiawush was wise. Rustem tells shah that he won’t have Saiawush breaking his word, which just makes him angrier. So Saiawush has to choose between obeying his king and father and breaking his oath. So he sends back the men, with a note that he hasn’t broken the treaty but that his father has, and would he kindly allow him to pass through his lands so he can hide from Daddy?
Afrasiyab does, but calls for Piran, the leader of his hosts, for advice. Piran recommends that he marry into the family so that the old hate can be quenched. So he made the offer, and Saiawush was glad of escape yet troubled by the offer since he was making friends with a foe.
Tus shows up and is confounded; Kai Kaous hears and is struck down with dismay and his anger is renewed. But he does not speak of war. Saiawush, meanwhile, is in Turan and is gifted with lots of valuable items, including white elephants (unknown if same connotation as in India). Afrasiyab is in awe of Saiawush, who eventually marries Piran’s daughter. This lasts over a year, possibly two, and Piran recommended that since this was home now, he might as well ask Afrasiyab if he could marry his daughter, Ferangis, too.
This goes over well, and he’s gifted with a province. In a year, he’s built a city that he calls Gangdis, a place of famed beauty, but one that is foretold to cause his destruction. However, that’s hard to believe when it’s all going so well. But lo! Gersiwaz gets jealous and plots to destroy him. He goes to request permission to visit Gangdis, and receives it. Rather than bearing Afrasiyab’s words of love, Gersiwaz tells Saiawush that the king plans to invade Iran and has changed personalities totally. Since of course Saiawush volunteers to go fight if that’s his king’s will, and Gersiwaz knows that’ll be his undoing, he decides to tell him that Afrasiyab is angry with him, then makes it true upon his return.
So Afrasiyab’s army marches against Saiawush, but Saiawush didn’t want to fight. And he ordered his men not to fight either, so they were all cut down except Saiawush, who was bound with cords and the order came to take him to the desert and cut off his head.
Ferangis speaks up and reminds her father that if this happens, someone from the Kaianides will show up to avenge Saiawush. But he throws her into the dungeon instead. When they execute him, a great storm arises, and Ferangis’ cries can be heard, so Afrasiyab decides to kill her as well. Piran stops him, though, and offers to get her out of his sight. Eventually Afrasiyab, who’s sorrowful, repents what he has done.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part VIII)
Rustem and Sohrab
Rustem was restless and foreboding one day, so he went hunting and camped out overnight. Seven Turkish knights came by that night and stole Rakush (though he killed several by biting off heads and trampling) and Rustem was very sad. He followed the tracks to the city and demanded his horse back or he’d start killing people. The King of Samengan tried to soothe him and started a search, and meanwhile he stayed with the king. Then Tahmineh, the King’s daughter, came into Rustem’s room at night and told him how she’d heard of his deeds and was impressed. She also promised to return his horse. So there’s an alliance, and all is well, and he takes and onyx that was “known to all the world” from his arm and tells his wife it’ll protect a daughter and make a son like his father.
Rustem gets his horse back and he leaves, leaving Tahmineh behind. Nine months later, Tahmineh has a son called Sohrab, who smiled all the time. Really intelligent and strong. When ten, threatened to kill his mother if she didn’t tell him his father’s name. She did, but cautioned him to be quiet about it since they were in Turan under Afrasiyab’s rule (except he already knows), plus she didn’t want Rustem coming back to claim his son.
Sohrab decides this can’t happen, and he’s going to go cast off Kai Kaous, install his father, then come back and get rid of Afrasiyab for himself. Wants Mommy to be Queen of Iran. But he needs a horse, and of course finds one sired by Rakush. So Sohrab goes to war, with the King of Samengan’s support. Afrasiyab hears of this, and tells everyone to support the war but not let it be known to anyone that Rustem will be fighting his son in order to rid the land of threats while causing grief.
So with Afrasiyab’s support Sohrab goes into Iran wreaking destruction, until he gets to the White Castle, which is not a burger joint, but the fortress “in which Iran put its trust.” Guardian is called Hujir, whose daughter Gurdafrid is a warrior maid. Hujir taunts Sohrab but succumbs easily, so Gurdafrid in her shame and fear decides to go to war as a man, and she does well when she challenges to single combat. Except then she loses, and Sohrab’s impressed by Iranian women. She points out that he’ll get made fun of to have been beaten by a woman, so offers a peace treaty, including the castle. So rather than being a captive, he takes her back and when she steps inside she slams the door in his face. Then she jeers him from the battlements, which further angers him.
Gustahem the aged calls a scribe to write to the shah about all of this, and to ask for help. In the meantime, Sohrab goes to attack, but everyone’s fled through underground tunnels. Gew is sent to summon Rustem at all speed, but Rustem delays and holds back Gew as well. Finally they go, but he’s denying that all this could possibly be done by his son the Turk, since he’s still a child.
Kai Kaous is angry about the delay, wants to hang Rustem and Gew. Rustem breaks away from Tus (gallows-man?) and lectures him about how he’s nothing without Rustem himself and that he is the servant of God alone. Nobles blame shah for Rustem leaving and are dismayed and doomed. Sent Gudarz the aged to rationalize with Shah about ingratitude and so Gudarz is sent to find and apologize to Rustem. Eventually he’s talked into it for the good of all Iran.
And so Rustem returned to the shah, said how glorious he was, and they got drunk together.
And then the armies of Persia marched and Sohrab got warning, and drank to their destruction. Rustem wanted to go see who it could be who was so powerful and disguised himself as a Turk. Unfortunately, Zindeh, Rustem’s uncle (and only one who knew who Rustem was and was there to point him out) saw Rustem and was killed when he questioned who he was. And Sohrab was unhappy but continued the feast.
The next day Sohrab questioned Hujir as to whose tent was whose, but Hujir was afraid to tell him about Rustem’s tent because he was afraid Sohrab would want to destroy him, and claimed he was still in Zaboulistan because of the feast of the roses. Sohrab did not believe that Kai Kaous would go to battle without Rustem, though, and demanded again and again to know. Hujir finally told him that he’d be beaten in battle against him and would know him then. Hujir died, and battle began.
They went off together, and Rustem said he didn’t want to strike him down. Sohrab was filled with wistfulness and asked if he was Rustem, but Rustem replied that he was but a slave. Sohrab’s hopes were shattered, and they all fought. Rustem came off the worse but was filled with anger at the destruction Sohrab’s men had caused, and prayed for his victory the following day (it being nearly night, the single combat a second time was put off). Sohrab talked to Human, whoever that is, other than someone sent by Afrasiyab to lead Sohrab into destruction, comparing Rustem (unknowing if it was) to Rustem his father, and Human said it was not.
So they fight. Rustem again comes off worse but talks Sohrab into not killing him by vow of honor. Rustem prays that Ormuzd that he will grant him power, but it’s too much, so he asked Ormuzd to take it back. When Sohrab realized he’d been tricked, he came running back, so Rustem wants the power back (ed. If I was Ormuzd, I’d be irritated at this point.). But Rustem breaks Sohrab’s back, and goes to “sever his body” and then finds out that Sohrab is his son. Rustem cries out for his name to be stricken from the rolls, and Sohrab yells at him for being so obstinate as to not tell him. Rustem goes to fulfill Sohrab’s dying wish of not destroying the Turks and sends Gudarz to the Shah to try to get healers for his son. But the shah’s heart is hardened, Rustem tried to go himself, but before he can get there, Sohrab dies. So he mourns, and the army with him, and they all go marching home again.
Tahmineh mourns as well, as do the Turks, and she destroys all of his or gives it away. After a year of bitterness, she dies.
Rustem was restless and foreboding one day, so he went hunting and camped out overnight. Seven Turkish knights came by that night and stole Rakush (though he killed several by biting off heads and trampling) and Rustem was very sad. He followed the tracks to the city and demanded his horse back or he’d start killing people. The King of Samengan tried to soothe him and started a search, and meanwhile he stayed with the king. Then Tahmineh, the King’s daughter, came into Rustem’s room at night and told him how she’d heard of his deeds and was impressed. She also promised to return his horse. So there’s an alliance, and all is well, and he takes and onyx that was “known to all the world” from his arm and tells his wife it’ll protect a daughter and make a son like his father.
Rustem gets his horse back and he leaves, leaving Tahmineh behind. Nine months later, Tahmineh has a son called Sohrab, who smiled all the time. Really intelligent and strong. When ten, threatened to kill his mother if she didn’t tell him his father’s name. She did, but cautioned him to be quiet about it since they were in Turan under Afrasiyab’s rule (except he already knows), plus she didn’t want Rustem coming back to claim his son.
Sohrab decides this can’t happen, and he’s going to go cast off Kai Kaous, install his father, then come back and get rid of Afrasiyab for himself. Wants Mommy to be Queen of Iran. But he needs a horse, and of course finds one sired by Rakush. So Sohrab goes to war, with the King of Samengan’s support. Afrasiyab hears of this, and tells everyone to support the war but not let it be known to anyone that Rustem will be fighting his son in order to rid the land of threats while causing grief.
So with Afrasiyab’s support Sohrab goes into Iran wreaking destruction, until he gets to the White Castle, which is not a burger joint, but the fortress “in which Iran put its trust.” Guardian is called Hujir, whose daughter Gurdafrid is a warrior maid. Hujir taunts Sohrab but succumbs easily, so Gurdafrid in her shame and fear decides to go to war as a man, and she does well when she challenges to single combat. Except then she loses, and Sohrab’s impressed by Iranian women. She points out that he’ll get made fun of to have been beaten by a woman, so offers a peace treaty, including the castle. So rather than being a captive, he takes her back and when she steps inside she slams the door in his face. Then she jeers him from the battlements, which further angers him.
Gustahem the aged calls a scribe to write to the shah about all of this, and to ask for help. In the meantime, Sohrab goes to attack, but everyone’s fled through underground tunnels. Gew is sent to summon Rustem at all speed, but Rustem delays and holds back Gew as well. Finally they go, but he’s denying that all this could possibly be done by his son the Turk, since he’s still a child.
Kai Kaous is angry about the delay, wants to hang Rustem and Gew. Rustem breaks away from Tus (gallows-man?) and lectures him about how he’s nothing without Rustem himself and that he is the servant of God alone. Nobles blame shah for Rustem leaving and are dismayed and doomed. Sent Gudarz the aged to rationalize with Shah about ingratitude and so Gudarz is sent to find and apologize to Rustem. Eventually he’s talked into it for the good of all Iran.
And so Rustem returned to the shah, said how glorious he was, and they got drunk together.
And then the armies of Persia marched and Sohrab got warning, and drank to their destruction. Rustem wanted to go see who it could be who was so powerful and disguised himself as a Turk. Unfortunately, Zindeh, Rustem’s uncle (and only one who knew who Rustem was and was there to point him out) saw Rustem and was killed when he questioned who he was. And Sohrab was unhappy but continued the feast.
The next day Sohrab questioned Hujir as to whose tent was whose, but Hujir was afraid to tell him about Rustem’s tent because he was afraid Sohrab would want to destroy him, and claimed he was still in Zaboulistan because of the feast of the roses. Sohrab did not believe that Kai Kaous would go to battle without Rustem, though, and demanded again and again to know. Hujir finally told him that he’d be beaten in battle against him and would know him then. Hujir died, and battle began.
They went off together, and Rustem said he didn’t want to strike him down. Sohrab was filled with wistfulness and asked if he was Rustem, but Rustem replied that he was but a slave. Sohrab’s hopes were shattered, and they all fought. Rustem came off the worse but was filled with anger at the destruction Sohrab’s men had caused, and prayed for his victory the following day (it being nearly night, the single combat a second time was put off). Sohrab talked to Human, whoever that is, other than someone sent by Afrasiyab to lead Sohrab into destruction, comparing Rustem (unknowing if it was) to Rustem his father, and Human said it was not.
So they fight. Rustem again comes off worse but talks Sohrab into not killing him by vow of honor. Rustem prays that Ormuzd that he will grant him power, but it’s too much, so he asked Ormuzd to take it back. When Sohrab realized he’d been tricked, he came running back, so Rustem wants the power back (ed. If I was Ormuzd, I’d be irritated at this point.). But Rustem breaks Sohrab’s back, and goes to “sever his body” and then finds out that Sohrab is his son. Rustem cries out for his name to be stricken from the rolls, and Sohrab yells at him for being so obstinate as to not tell him. Rustem goes to fulfill Sohrab’s dying wish of not destroying the Turks and sends Gudarz to the Shah to try to get healers for his son. But the shah’s heart is hardened, Rustem tried to go himself, but before he can get there, Sohrab dies. So he mourns, and the army with him, and they all go marching home again.
Tahmineh mourns as well, as do the Turks, and she destroys all of his or gives it away. After a year of bitterness, she dies.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part VII)
Kai Kaous Committeth More Follies (ed. – why did they let this guy rule?)
Shah decides to visit his empire, but rebellion’s in the works. Egypt revolts, plus the King of Hamaveran. Shah’s army seems invincible, so he lays down arms, but someone tells the shah of the king’s daughter, who again is ridiculously beautiful.
Sudaveh – the ridiculously beautiful daughter.
King of Hamaveran asks for Sudaveh’s counsel because he doesn’t want to give her to the shah. After a week, he was depressed enough that he sent a messenger to the shah to ask if he’d come and feast at his place instead, and his daughter was suspicious. Kai Kaous was not, and after lulling for many days into complacency, chained them up. Then he sends for Sudaveh, who’s not happy, ‘cause for once that whole arranged marriage thing worked. So she’s sent to the dungeon with her husband.
Afrasiyab again decides he’ll try for the throne while it’s empty, and lays waste to Iran. Yet again, the people go to Zal, who yet again, sends his son. Rustem’s irritated with the idiot shah, but will do what he can. Armies prepare and march, Hamaveranian army flees, so he tries again with allies. Rustem exhorts his troops to rest their hopes in God. So all’s well, everyone’s dead or allied with Shah now, and Shah and Sudaveh are released.
Only problem is, Afrasiyab’s on the throne, so Shah sends him a letter telling him to get out. It doesn’t work, so they fight, Afrasiyab’s ousted, and tells his warriors that he’ll give them a kingdom, an umbrella (yes, really – sign of nobility, most likely, way of saying will be ennobled), and the hand of his daughter....IF they can bring Rustem alive to him.
Of course, that didn’t work, because Rustem is named Jahani Pehliva, which means champion of the world, and there is peace. Of course, Ahriman the Evil isn’t happy and talks to the Deevs. One goes and tricks Kai Kaous into thinking he should be able to control the heavens as well as all the earth – he wants to fly among the stars and ask their secrets. So he builds a flying throne powered by eagles, which nearly kills him and gets him nowhere in his quest. Plus, he lands in the desert of Cathay, and he didn’t think to bring food or water for him. Rustem finally snaps and chews him out, Kai Kaous says it’s true, and he avoided his throne until he decided God had forgiven him his presumption. And it seems he finally learned not to be so damn stupid.
Shah decides to visit his empire, but rebellion’s in the works. Egypt revolts, plus the King of Hamaveran. Shah’s army seems invincible, so he lays down arms, but someone tells the shah of the king’s daughter, who again is ridiculously beautiful.
Sudaveh – the ridiculously beautiful daughter.
King of Hamaveran asks for Sudaveh’s counsel because he doesn’t want to give her to the shah. After a week, he was depressed enough that he sent a messenger to the shah to ask if he’d come and feast at his place instead, and his daughter was suspicious. Kai Kaous was not, and after lulling for many days into complacency, chained them up. Then he sends for Sudaveh, who’s not happy, ‘cause for once that whole arranged marriage thing worked. So she’s sent to the dungeon with her husband.
Afrasiyab again decides he’ll try for the throne while it’s empty, and lays waste to Iran. Yet again, the people go to Zal, who yet again, sends his son. Rustem’s irritated with the idiot shah, but will do what he can. Armies prepare and march, Hamaveranian army flees, so he tries again with allies. Rustem exhorts his troops to rest their hopes in God. So all’s well, everyone’s dead or allied with Shah now, and Shah and Sudaveh are released.
Only problem is, Afrasiyab’s on the throne, so Shah sends him a letter telling him to get out. It doesn’t work, so they fight, Afrasiyab’s ousted, and tells his warriors that he’ll give them a kingdom, an umbrella (yes, really – sign of nobility, most likely, way of saying will be ennobled), and the hand of his daughter....IF they can bring Rustem alive to him.
Of course, that didn’t work, because Rustem is named Jahani Pehliva, which means champion of the world, and there is peace. Of course, Ahriman the Evil isn’t happy and talks to the Deevs. One goes and tricks Kai Kaous into thinking he should be able to control the heavens as well as all the earth – he wants to fly among the stars and ask their secrets. So he builds a flying throne powered by eagles, which nearly kills him and gets him nowhere in his quest. Plus, he lands in the desert of Cathay, and he didn’t think to bring food or water for him. Rustem finally snaps and chews him out, Kai Kaous says it’s true, and he avoided his throne until he decided God had forgiven him his presumption. And it seems he finally learned not to be so damn stupid.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part VI)
The March into Mazinderan
Kai Kaous – son of Kai Kobad. Rules as king. Is plotted against by Ahriman himself, who’s angry that Iran’s escaped being under evil’s power for so long.
Ahriman plots and sends Deev disguised as singer to Shah. Song went on about how the land of Mazinderan was great and caused Shah to want it. Comparison to Jemshid. All of a sudden he wants to go to war against the Deevs, and nobles are scared crapless, so of course they send for Zal again. Zal will only interfere because of duty to God and Iran, otherwise would leave to fail in Kai Kaous’ folly. Tried to petition not to go into Mazinderan, land of the Deevs, but it didn’t work.
So they all go to Mazinderan, and Kai Kaous orders Gew (war commander?) to take a city, sparing not even women and children because “they too are children of Deevs.”
They plunder for a week, but on the eighth day the King of Mazinderan hears about it and sends word to the White Deev, who is powerful and strong and thinks Iranians will run when he comes in the night. Covered them in dark clouds and couldn’t see anything even when morning came.
So the Iranians remain in Mazinderan under guard of the White Deev, who gives the King of Mazinderan back all his booty, and sings praises to Ahriman. They’re blind and captive, and Kai Kaous finally sees what an idiot he’s been, and somehow he gets a letter to Zal (how does he write when he and everyone else is blind?).
But Zal is 200 years old at this point and so he sends Rustem upon Rakush, even though Mommy doesn’t want him to go. They make great time, Rustem kills a donkey for dinner, and the horse kills a lion who wanted to eat both of them in the middle of the night and is reproached by Rustem for not waking him.
Next day, they almost die of thirst, eat another wild ass, and make camp in the domain of a dragon. Rakush wakes Rustem up three times (getting yelled at each time) before Rustem finally sees the dragon. And they kill it. Poor dragon.
Next day, he finds a table all set for dinner in the middle of the wilderness, and finds nothing suspicious about this. So he eats, drinks, and decides to sing. Too bad that the table was set by magicians and a witch hears his song. But he tells her to drink to Ormuzd, and then she is revealed.
So he finally makes it into Mazinderan, and it’s very dark still. Correction. They wander through a land of blackness. Who knows where they are exactly. The horse is driving. So they get through the dark, which seems a good time for Rustem to take a nap, and Rakush eats someone’s sown field at Rustem’s direction, and the owner gets a bit upset. Problem is, he pissed off Rustem, who rips off his ears. Other problem is, Earless Guy takes this issue to Aulad, the ruler of the land.
Aulad wants to know what Rustem is doing, why he disturbed the peace, and swears to destroy him. Rustem brags about how indestructible he is, then lives up to it by slaughtering the whole army. Aulad runs crying, but Rustem lassoes him and gets information on where the Shah and his men are being held, plus the location of the White Deev. Aulad is taken with Rustem as a guide.
Arzang – commander of army of Mazinderan, who charges at Rustem when he gets there. Rustem chops off his head, hangs it on his saddle, and this causes everyone to be faint of spirit and kill themselves by accident as they fight each other in the confusion rather than the enemy. How nice to have the problem solved so easily.
Still on the way to rescue Kai Kaous....everyone thinks the shah’s lost it when he says he hears Rustem, until Tehemten, “the stout of limb” (NFI) shows up and verifies somehow. Kai Kaous tells him to straightaway get off and kill the White Deev before he hears and has time to bring backups that even Rustem can’t defeat.
Aulad gives him the secret of defeating Deevs, in that they sleep during the brightest part of they day. So Rustem goes in, shouting his name like an idiot rather than killing each one quietly, but it works and the guards die. He gets to the White Deev, who’s also sleeping and somehow didn’t hear all the noise prior and wake up. Rustem gets a boulder thrown at him, they wrestle, and then Rustem chops his head off, cut his heart out, and apparently saved all the blood, because pouring the White Deev’s blood in the eyes of the blind is apparently the cure. Then the men kill their jailers, who apparently weren’t already dead.
Kai Kaous wants peace and sends a message to the king of Mazinderan. Peace, it seems, involves Mazinderan paying tribute to Iran. This doesn’t go over so well. So Rustem takes another message, and the whole Mazinderanian army comes to greet him. So Rustem uproots a giant tree and chucks it javelin-style. A giant tries to crush his hand and fails. So a knight tries and actually gets through with some pain, but then Rustem decides he can’t be weak and crushes the guy’s hand entirely.
Rustem claims to be a slave, perhaps in order to intimidate, and the King of Mazinderan sends him away – tries to send gifts, but Rustem’s mad now and refuses them. Battle ensues. Battle rages for a week, Kai Kaous decides to pray to Ormuzd to win for the glory of Iran itself, and Rustem goes to strike down the King of Mazinderan, who calls upon magic to turn himself into a rock. So he takes the rock to the shah. Aulad gets the throne of Mazinderan instead for helping Rustem, and swears allegiance to Shah.
Kai Kaous – son of Kai Kobad. Rules as king. Is plotted against by Ahriman himself, who’s angry that Iran’s escaped being under evil’s power for so long.
Ahriman plots and sends Deev disguised as singer to Shah. Song went on about how the land of Mazinderan was great and caused Shah to want it. Comparison to Jemshid. All of a sudden he wants to go to war against the Deevs, and nobles are scared crapless, so of course they send for Zal again. Zal will only interfere because of duty to God and Iran, otherwise would leave to fail in Kai Kaous’ folly. Tried to petition not to go into Mazinderan, land of the Deevs, but it didn’t work.
So they all go to Mazinderan, and Kai Kaous orders Gew (war commander?) to take a city, sparing not even women and children because “they too are children of Deevs.”
They plunder for a week, but on the eighth day the King of Mazinderan hears about it and sends word to the White Deev, who is powerful and strong and thinks Iranians will run when he comes in the night. Covered them in dark clouds and couldn’t see anything even when morning came.
So the Iranians remain in Mazinderan under guard of the White Deev, who gives the King of Mazinderan back all his booty, and sings praises to Ahriman. They’re blind and captive, and Kai Kaous finally sees what an idiot he’s been, and somehow he gets a letter to Zal (how does he write when he and everyone else is blind?).
But Zal is 200 years old at this point and so he sends Rustem upon Rakush, even though Mommy doesn’t want him to go. They make great time, Rustem kills a donkey for dinner, and the horse kills a lion who wanted to eat both of them in the middle of the night and is reproached by Rustem for not waking him.
Next day, they almost die of thirst, eat another wild ass, and make camp in the domain of a dragon. Rakush wakes Rustem up three times (getting yelled at each time) before Rustem finally sees the dragon. And they kill it. Poor dragon.
Next day, he finds a table all set for dinner in the middle of the wilderness, and finds nothing suspicious about this. So he eats, drinks, and decides to sing. Too bad that the table was set by magicians and a witch hears his song. But he tells her to drink to Ormuzd, and then she is revealed.
So he finally makes it into Mazinderan, and it’s very dark still. Correction. They wander through a land of blackness. Who knows where they are exactly. The horse is driving. So they get through the dark, which seems a good time for Rustem to take a nap, and Rakush eats someone’s sown field at Rustem’s direction, and the owner gets a bit upset. Problem is, he pissed off Rustem, who rips off his ears. Other problem is, Earless Guy takes this issue to Aulad, the ruler of the land.
Aulad wants to know what Rustem is doing, why he disturbed the peace, and swears to destroy him. Rustem brags about how indestructible he is, then lives up to it by slaughtering the whole army. Aulad runs crying, but Rustem lassoes him and gets information on where the Shah and his men are being held, plus the location of the White Deev. Aulad is taken with Rustem as a guide.
Arzang – commander of army of Mazinderan, who charges at Rustem when he gets there. Rustem chops off his head, hangs it on his saddle, and this causes everyone to be faint of spirit and kill themselves by accident as they fight each other in the confusion rather than the enemy. How nice to have the problem solved so easily.
Still on the way to rescue Kai Kaous....everyone thinks the shah’s lost it when he says he hears Rustem, until Tehemten, “the stout of limb” (NFI) shows up and verifies somehow. Kai Kaous tells him to straightaway get off and kill the White Deev before he hears and has time to bring backups that even Rustem can’t defeat.
Aulad gives him the secret of defeating Deevs, in that they sleep during the brightest part of they day. So Rustem goes in, shouting his name like an idiot rather than killing each one quietly, but it works and the guards die. He gets to the White Deev, who’s also sleeping and somehow didn’t hear all the noise prior and wake up. Rustem gets a boulder thrown at him, they wrestle, and then Rustem chops his head off, cut his heart out, and apparently saved all the blood, because pouring the White Deev’s blood in the eyes of the blind is apparently the cure. Then the men kill their jailers, who apparently weren’t already dead.
Kai Kaous wants peace and sends a message to the king of Mazinderan. Peace, it seems, involves Mazinderan paying tribute to Iran. This doesn’t go over so well. So Rustem takes another message, and the whole Mazinderanian army comes to greet him. So Rustem uproots a giant tree and chucks it javelin-style. A giant tries to crush his hand and fails. So a knight tries and actually gets through with some pain, but then Rustem decides he can’t be weak and crushes the guy’s hand entirely.
Rustem claims to be a slave, perhaps in order to intimidate, and the King of Mazinderan sends him away – tries to send gifts, but Rustem’s mad now and refuses them. Battle ensues. Battle rages for a week, Kai Kaous decides to pray to Ormuzd to win for the glory of Iran itself, and Rustem goes to strike down the King of Mazinderan, who calls upon magic to turn himself into a rock. So he takes the rock to the shah. Aulad gets the throne of Mazinderan instead for helping Rustem, and swears allegiance to Shah.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part V)
Rustem
Rudabeh had issues with pregnancy, so Zal burned the feather (see Simurgh, previous posting) and called the nifty giant bird to him to help nurse his new son.
Rustem – son of Rudabeh and Zal, nursed by Simurgh. Name translates as delivered, because Rudabeh was delivered of her pains.
Saum (father of Zal, see previous postings) comes to visit and is so astonished by his son’s greatness that he stays a month. Rustem beats to death an elephant that had gone nuts, and was proclaimed a hero. They’re living in Zaboulistan now, in Zal’s house. It seems he’s no longer filling in for Daddy.
Nauder – may be same as Nuder in previous posts. Son of Minuchihr. Was counseled by father before he died to be wise and follow the example of Saum and Zal, but he forgot and turned to cruelty. Saum was asked to deposed him and refused, but did go to him and ask that he turn from evil. Nauder listened. Problem was, word spread of Minuchihr’s death and Poshang, a descendant of Tur, was happy and decided to revenge his father.
Poshang – descendant of Tur, declared war on Iran once Minuchihr was dead, but sent his son Afrasiyab to do it for him. Nice guy.
Afrasiyab – son of Poshang. Went to war for Daddy.
Word spreads that Saum’s dead, too. Zal is busy building a tomb. Unfortunately, this encouraged Afrasiyab and his followers. Nauder falls to the Turan army with the Iranian army, and gets his head chopped off. Afrasiyab takes over, but no one really listens. The people send messengers to Seistan (where Zal is back to?) and Zal tells them to put Zew on the throne of Kaianides.
Zew – son of Thamasp, of the blood of Feridoun, of wisdom in speech. Placed into power (throne of the Kaianides) by Zal. Took back land from Afrasiyab and demanded a peace treaty (and got it – the “Jihun,” whoever they are, divided the lands).
Garshasp – Zew’s son. Took over when Zew died, but he didn’t live long either.
Afrasiyab comes back, and he’s just as feared by the people again. Zal’s still alive, so they asked him what to do with the throne of Kianides again....but also blamed him for not predicting it. He tells them to look to Rustem, who is still young but enjoys war rather than “pleasures” and requests a “steed of strength and the mace of Suam” before he goes to fight. Afrasiyab, by the way, is seen as evil – Rustem talks of meeting “the hosts of Ahriman.”
Rustem, however, has so much valor that he’s way too heavy for most horses (sarcasm). A mare from Cabul is finally found with a colt. Chest and shoulders of lion, strength of elephant, color of rose leaves that have been scattered on saffron. Rustem lassoes it but the mare defends. Keeper comes by and tells him to pick another than the one called “Rakush of Rustem,” because the mare will never permit her colt to be ridden. Except she does, and he gets the horse for free because he’s Rustem and is supposed to “retrieve the sorrows of Iran.”
Rakush means lightning, and off they go to war with a bunch of other people. Sounds like day of judgment. Afrasiyab’s not intimidated – boy is young, father is old. And right when they’re about to get into it, Zal tells his son to go to Mount Alberz and get a descendent of Feridoun for the throne of Kaianides.
Kai Kobad – new shah. Rules for 100 years. Has a son, Kai Kaous. Is crowned right before battle and is retrieved from Mount Alberz by Rustem.
Rustem gets there, is offered wine by a bunch of knights who just happen to be lounging in this great paradise-like garden, and is asked to tell his mission. He does, and is told of Kai Kobad by a random youth who turns out to be Kai Kobad, and there is much bowing and prostration. New king, yay, all hail the Shah, may he live forever.
Kai Kobad comes back with Rustem and they sneak past the enemy’s outposts, and only the Mubids and Zal know he has been brought back until eight days later when they crown him.
Now the battle finally gets on, and the Iranians win over the Turans. Rustem does well, and is called Tehemten (the strong-limbed) for his actions. Afrasiyab flees while the Iranians feast and enjoy their new king. Afrasiyab goes and whines to Daddy about how bad it was to start this war and how great Rustem is. Poshang writes a letter to Kai Kobad blaming Afrasiyab for the war (“followed in the footsteps of Tur his father”, except he’s nto his father, Poshang is), and life is well.
Rudabeh had issues with pregnancy, so Zal burned the feather (see Simurgh, previous posting) and called the nifty giant bird to him to help nurse his new son.
Rustem – son of Rudabeh and Zal, nursed by Simurgh. Name translates as delivered, because Rudabeh was delivered of her pains.
Saum (father of Zal, see previous postings) comes to visit and is so astonished by his son’s greatness that he stays a month. Rustem beats to death an elephant that had gone nuts, and was proclaimed a hero. They’re living in Zaboulistan now, in Zal’s house. It seems he’s no longer filling in for Daddy.
Nauder – may be same as Nuder in previous posts. Son of Minuchihr. Was counseled by father before he died to be wise and follow the example of Saum and Zal, but he forgot and turned to cruelty. Saum was asked to deposed him and refused, but did go to him and ask that he turn from evil. Nauder listened. Problem was, word spread of Minuchihr’s death and Poshang, a descendant of Tur, was happy and decided to revenge his father.
Poshang – descendant of Tur, declared war on Iran once Minuchihr was dead, but sent his son Afrasiyab to do it for him. Nice guy.
Afrasiyab – son of Poshang. Went to war for Daddy.
Word spreads that Saum’s dead, too. Zal is busy building a tomb. Unfortunately, this encouraged Afrasiyab and his followers. Nauder falls to the Turan army with the Iranian army, and gets his head chopped off. Afrasiyab takes over, but no one really listens. The people send messengers to Seistan (where Zal is back to?) and Zal tells them to put Zew on the throne of Kaianides.
Zew – son of Thamasp, of the blood of Feridoun, of wisdom in speech. Placed into power (throne of the Kaianides) by Zal. Took back land from Afrasiyab and demanded a peace treaty (and got it – the “Jihun,” whoever they are, divided the lands).
Garshasp – Zew’s son. Took over when Zew died, but he didn’t live long either.
Afrasiyab comes back, and he’s just as feared by the people again. Zal’s still alive, so they asked him what to do with the throne of Kianides again....but also blamed him for not predicting it. He tells them to look to Rustem, who is still young but enjoys war rather than “pleasures” and requests a “steed of strength and the mace of Suam” before he goes to fight. Afrasiyab, by the way, is seen as evil – Rustem talks of meeting “the hosts of Ahriman.”
Rustem, however, has so much valor that he’s way too heavy for most horses (sarcasm). A mare from Cabul is finally found with a colt. Chest and shoulders of lion, strength of elephant, color of rose leaves that have been scattered on saffron. Rustem lassoes it but the mare defends. Keeper comes by and tells him to pick another than the one called “Rakush of Rustem,” because the mare will never permit her colt to be ridden. Except she does, and he gets the horse for free because he’s Rustem and is supposed to “retrieve the sorrows of Iran.”
Rakush means lightning, and off they go to war with a bunch of other people. Sounds like day of judgment. Afrasiyab’s not intimidated – boy is young, father is old. And right when they’re about to get into it, Zal tells his son to go to Mount Alberz and get a descendent of Feridoun for the throne of Kaianides.
Kai Kobad – new shah. Rules for 100 years. Has a son, Kai Kaous. Is crowned right before battle and is retrieved from Mount Alberz by Rustem.
Rustem gets there, is offered wine by a bunch of knights who just happen to be lounging in this great paradise-like garden, and is asked to tell his mission. He does, and is told of Kai Kobad by a random youth who turns out to be Kai Kobad, and there is much bowing and prostration. New king, yay, all hail the Shah, may he live forever.
Kai Kobad comes back with Rustem and they sneak past the enemy’s outposts, and only the Mubids and Zal know he has been brought back until eight days later when they crown him.
Now the battle finally gets on, and the Iranians win over the Turans. Rustem does well, and is called Tehemten (the strong-limbed) for his actions. Afrasiyab flees while the Iranians feast and enjoy their new king. Afrasiyab goes and whines to Daddy about how bad it was to start this war and how great Rustem is. Poshang writes a letter to Kai Kobad blaming Afrasiyab for the war (“followed in the footsteps of Tur his father”, except he’s nto his father, Poshang is), and life is well.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part IV)
Zal and Rudabeh
Zal – see previous postings. Decided to wander kingdom with a giant baggage train. Went to Cabul (Kabul?), met King Mihrab, praised his beauty, and was tempted by stories of even more beautiful daughter Rudabeh. Fell in love without even seeing, lots of mushy stuff, but forbidden love. Romeo and Juliet situation – forbidden because of her descent from Serpent-King Zohak. Discouraged by father Saum from romance, but horoscope from Mubids seemed okay, so agreed to plead his cause to the Shah. Bad move. Shah ordered Cabul razed and all of Serpent-King’s descent killed....by Saum. Zal pled injustice to his father for throwing him literally to the birds, and Saum bought it. Ordered by Minuchihr to come answer riddles to see if he was worthy. He was. Married Rudabeh and went back to Seistan after wedding to administer kingdom while father was away.
Saum – Father of Zal (see previous postings). Tried to discourage Zal from romance, but horoscope from Mubids seemed okay, so agreed to plead his cause to the Shah. Bad move. Shah ordered Cabul razed and all of Serpent-King’s descent killed....by Saum. Zal pled injustice to his father for throwing him literally to the birds, and Saum bought it. Sindokht (see below) took him lots of gifts and then told him all her secrets. He agreed not to raze Cabul because of her.
Minuchihr – the king of kings, of all Iran (see previous postings). Vehemently against Zal and Rudabeh’s romance due to her descent from serpent-king. Originally ordered Cabul razed by Saum, who didn’t do it. Consulted Mubids, who said it’d be great for the kingdom, but forbade them from speaking of this decision. Brought Zal to him and had Mubids give him riddles. Zal answered well, marriage approved.
Mihrab – ruler of Cabul (Kabul?) and descendent of Zohak Serpent-King, but was worthy, prudent, wise. Husband of Sindokht and father of Rudabeh. Threatened to kill own daughter to allay Minuchihr’s anger at the forbidden romance between Zal and Rudabeh.
Sindokht – wife of Mihrab. Talked Saum out of razing Cabul after Zal had already done so (I don’t quite get this).
Rudabeh – ridiculously beautiful daughter of Mihrab and Sindokht. Heard praise of Zal and fell in love without even meeting the guy. Told secret to slaves, who sort of helped them get together. Romeo and Juliet situation – forbidden because of her descent from Serpent-King Zohak.
Zal – see previous postings. Decided to wander kingdom with a giant baggage train. Went to Cabul (Kabul?), met King Mihrab, praised his beauty, and was tempted by stories of even more beautiful daughter Rudabeh. Fell in love without even seeing, lots of mushy stuff, but forbidden love. Romeo and Juliet situation – forbidden because of her descent from Serpent-King Zohak. Discouraged by father Saum from romance, but horoscope from Mubids seemed okay, so agreed to plead his cause to the Shah. Bad move. Shah ordered Cabul razed and all of Serpent-King’s descent killed....by Saum. Zal pled injustice to his father for throwing him literally to the birds, and Saum bought it. Ordered by Minuchihr to come answer riddles to see if he was worthy. He was. Married Rudabeh and went back to Seistan after wedding to administer kingdom while father was away.
Saum – Father of Zal (see previous postings). Tried to discourage Zal from romance, but horoscope from Mubids seemed okay, so agreed to plead his cause to the Shah. Bad move. Shah ordered Cabul razed and all of Serpent-King’s descent killed....by Saum. Zal pled injustice to his father for throwing him literally to the birds, and Saum bought it. Sindokht (see below) took him lots of gifts and then told him all her secrets. He agreed not to raze Cabul because of her.
Minuchihr – the king of kings, of all Iran (see previous postings). Vehemently against Zal and Rudabeh’s romance due to her descent from serpent-king. Originally ordered Cabul razed by Saum, who didn’t do it. Consulted Mubids, who said it’d be great for the kingdom, but forbade them from speaking of this decision. Brought Zal to him and had Mubids give him riddles. Zal answered well, marriage approved.
Mihrab – ruler of Cabul (Kabul?) and descendent of Zohak Serpent-King, but was worthy, prudent, wise. Husband of Sindokht and father of Rudabeh. Threatened to kill own daughter to allay Minuchihr’s anger at the forbidden romance between Zal and Rudabeh.
Sindokht – wife of Mihrab. Talked Saum out of razing Cabul after Zal had already done so (I don’t quite get this).
Rudabeh – ridiculously beautiful daughter of Mihrab and Sindokht. Heard praise of Zal and fell in love without even meeting the guy. Told secret to slaves, who sort of helped them get together. Romeo and Juliet situation – forbidden because of her descent from Serpent-King Zohak.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part III)
Zal
Saum – Presumably the same Saum as the last story. Called the Pehliva, “girt with might and glory." Pehliva means champion. Ruler of Seistan, a province (?) south of Iran. Finally had a son who was beautiful of limb and face but had really old hair (as in like an old man). Saum wanted the “stain” removed, because he could have lost support of superstitious nobility. Left son at Mount Alberz for the Simurgh to eat. Later went back after Simurgh had raised his son for him after a dream. After retrieval and subsequent summons by Minuchihr, was made ruler of lands from Sea of China to Sind and from Zaboulistan to the Caspian sea.
Simurgh – the bird of marvel. Nested on top of Mount Alberz. Saum’s son left there to die. Nearly fed Saum’s son to own children, but then decided to raise him instead. Vowed to come to the rescue if Saum’s son (when being taken back by father) needed him and burned a feather.
Zal – Saum’s son, not named until after his father retrieved him from the Simurgh. Raised by birds. Given a fantastic horoscope by Shah’s Mubids.
Nuder – somebody that Minuchihr sent to fetch Zal when he heard of the return.
Saum – Presumably the same Saum as the last story. Called the Pehliva, “girt with might and glory." Pehliva means champion. Ruler of Seistan, a province (?) south of Iran. Finally had a son who was beautiful of limb and face but had really old hair (as in like an old man). Saum wanted the “stain” removed, because he could have lost support of superstitious nobility. Left son at Mount Alberz for the Simurgh to eat. Later went back after Simurgh had raised his son for him after a dream. After retrieval and subsequent summons by Minuchihr, was made ruler of lands from Sea of China to Sind and from Zaboulistan to the Caspian sea.
Simurgh – the bird of marvel. Nested on top of Mount Alberz. Saum’s son left there to die. Nearly fed Saum’s son to own children, but then decided to raise him instead. Vowed to come to the rescue if Saum’s son (when being taken back by father) needed him and burned a feather.
Zal – Saum’s son, not named until after his father retrieved him from the Simurgh. Raised by birds. Given a fantastic horoscope by Shah’s Mubids.
Nuder – somebody that Minuchihr sent to fetch Zal when he heard of the return.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part II)
Feridoun
Ormuzd – no idea. Later note: it appears he’s God. (ed. - they took long enough to explain that!)
Feridoun – grandson of Jemshid, birth caused by Ormuzd. While Zohak the Serpent King was gone, took throne, killed Deevs, took over Jerusalem where palace was built. When Zohak returned, would have killed Feridoun with mace, but Serosch swooped in, stopped him, and they chained him to a rock to die a horrible death instead. Ruled 500 years. Had cow-headed mace in honor of Purmaieh, then used blacksmith’s apron (Kawanee) as standard.
Purmaieh – cow that raised Feridoun in the woods while he was hiding for first three years of life; thereafter raised by hermit who dwelt on Mount Alberz
Kawah – “a blacksmith and a blameless man” who went to Zohak to plead for his 17th son’s life, got it, then dissed Zohak to his face, told the marketplace how evil he was, and called to start the search for Feridoun
Serv – king of Yemen, whose three daughters Feridoun sent his three unnamed sons to woo and won.
Feridoun's three sons – on way home from Serv in Yemen, were greeted by Feridoun in order to test them....in the shape of a dragon. One ran, one was ready to fight, and the third invoked the name of daddy to get the dragon to move.
Silim – name given to son who ran, for not running would have been foolhardy
Tur – son who went to fight, for he showed courage
Irij – prudent and brave son who chose the middle path, proving himself “bold”
Feridoun read the stars for sons and saw that Irij would have grief. After that he split his kingdom. Silim got Roum and Khaver “of the lands of the setting sun.” Tur got Turan and Turkestan (Turkey and China). Irij got Iran (“throne of might and crown of supremacy”)
Silim – son of Feridoun. Coward, self-interested. Inherited Roum and Khaver of the lands of the setting sun. Turned to evil as he got older, got greedy. Complained to father with Tur that lands had been divided unequally and threatened to war for vengeance.
Tur – son of Feridoun. Brave. Inherited Turan and Turkestan (Turkey and China). Complained to father with Silim (who instigated) that lands had been divided unequally and threatened to war for vengeance. Killed Irij.
Irij – son of Feridoun. The good one. Got Iran and its “throne of might and crown of supremacy.” Conspired against by brothers for unequal division of lands. Father got pissed and called them evil, but Irij rode out to meet them and talk of peace even though they wanted to war. Murdered by Tur, who stabbed with a dagger and then chopped off his head and sent it to Daddy with a nasty note.
Unnamed daughter of Irij – granddaughter of Feridoun. Had a kid who became the new Irij, aka Minuchihr.
Peschen – hero of the race of Jemshid. Married the unnamed daughter.
Minuchihr – Irij 2, essentially. Compared to Tahumers, he “who had bound the Deevs.” Given all treasures and kingdom/kingship by Feridoun after betrayal (and murder) of sons. Caused Silim and Tur to try to fake-reconcile with Feridoun, who didn’t buy it. Ended up going to war against Silim and Tur after they got pissy over favors shown to him. Killed Tur and sent head to Feridoun. Did same with Silim and their armies swore allegiance to Minuchihr. Called king of kings.
Karun – son of Kawah the blacksmith
Guerschasp – the victorious. Honored Minuchihr as king. Treasurer of Minuchihr.
Saum – son of Neriman, whoever that is, other than the unvanquished in fight. Stood next to Shah Minuchihr.
Shahnameh - The Book of Kings (Synopsis, Part I)
Note: This started out as a dramatis personæ (cast of characters) because I couldn't keep all the names straight. As I got further into The Shahnameh, it becomes more coherent - and, as I was clearly influenced by what I was reading, more lyrical as well. Enjoy, whoever actually reads this blog. The synopsis of each tale will be posted separately. No guarantees on spelling, grammar, or punctuation, as I don't worry about them while taking notes. Editorial comments and sarcasm may be evident. I can't help myself sometimes.
Update: I should also note that most versions of the Shahnameh that have been translated to English are highly abridged, this one included. And my Farsi's just not that good yet.
The Shahs of Old
Kaiumers, the first king of Persia, was hated by Ahriman the Evil, who sent his son, a Deev, against Kaiumers. Deevs are some sort of devil or Demon. Kaiumers sent his son Saiamuk to fight the Deev, and his son got killed. Fortunately, Saiamuk had also had a son, named Husheng, who avenged his father and ruled Iran after Kaiumers.
Serosch – angel who helped Persia; “who defendeth men from the snares of the Deevs, and who each night flieth seven times around the earth that he may watch over the children of Ormuzd” (God)
Tahumers – son of Husheng, enlisted aid of Deevs to help Persia, but in a good way.
Jemshid – son of Tahumers, ruled 700 years, built Persepolis, ordered No Ruz celebrations, but corrupted by pride and called himself God. Cast down by God and lost support of nobles, and Ahriman ruled instead.
Mubids – astrologers and wise men, told Zohak of Feridoun
Mirtas – generous and just king of Arabian kingdom of Thasis. Unfortunately, his son Zohak was corrupted by Ahriman, and he killed his father to be king of Thasis. Was both a good and evil ruler, so Ahriman tricked twice and Zohak became the Serpent-King, literally with snakes coming out of his shoulders, and now evil. Jemshid’s followers turned to Zohak and eventually Jemshid was killed, leaving Zohak to rule in fear for 1000 years. He was eventually killed by Feridoun, Jemshid’s grandson, by chaining to a rock in the desert.
Update: I should also note that most versions of the Shahnameh that have been translated to English are highly abridged, this one included. And my Farsi's just not that good yet.
The Shahs of Old
Kaiumers, the first king of Persia, was hated by Ahriman the Evil, who sent his son, a Deev, against Kaiumers. Deevs are some sort of devil or Demon. Kaiumers sent his son Saiamuk to fight the Deev, and his son got killed. Fortunately, Saiamuk had also had a son, named Husheng, who avenged his father and ruled Iran after Kaiumers.
Serosch – angel who helped Persia; “who defendeth men from the snares of the Deevs, and who each night flieth seven times around the earth that he may watch over the children of Ormuzd” (God)
Tahumers – son of Husheng, enlisted aid of Deevs to help Persia, but in a good way.
Jemshid – son of Tahumers, ruled 700 years, built Persepolis, ordered No Ruz celebrations, but corrupted by pride and called himself God. Cast down by God and lost support of nobles, and Ahriman ruled instead.
Mubids – astrologers and wise men, told Zohak of Feridoun
Mirtas – generous and just king of Arabian kingdom of Thasis. Unfortunately, his son Zohak was corrupted by Ahriman, and he killed his father to be king of Thasis. Was both a good and evil ruler, so Ahriman tricked twice and Zohak became the Serpent-King, literally with snakes coming out of his shoulders, and now evil. Jemshid’s followers turned to Zohak and eventually Jemshid was killed, leaving Zohak to rule in fear for 1000 years. He was eventually killed by Feridoun, Jemshid’s grandson, by chaining to a rock in the desert.
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