New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Arrows Rain on Bahram's White Elephant

Arrows Rain on Bahram's White Elephant

From E6.25, Soroush Saves Khosrow from Bahram. It illustrates E6.25.25–33:

  • E6.25.25
    Bahram heard Khosrow’s words and knew the snare;Wrath seized his heart; his shame blazed to a flare.
  • E6.25.26
    In fury he would fight without his men,The usurper trusted sword and strength again.
  • E6.25.27
    Upon his elephant he charged the heartOf Khosrow’s center, breaking rank apart.
  • E6.25.28
    The Shah to Andiyan cried, “Lion of might,Make bows a storm and darken all his sight.
  • E6.25.29
    Pour arrows on that elephant like rain;Make springtime clouds of bows across the plain.”
  • E6.25.30
    Iran’s men, blessed by Fortune, strung their bows,And arrow-clouds flew thick against their foes.
  • E6.25.31
    The elephant’s trunk was riddled through and through;Its wounds had turned its hide to indigo-blue.
  • E6.25.32
    Bahram, down from his wounded beast, decreedA helm, and kingly arms, and a fresh steed.
  • E6.25.33
    The arrows showered on his horse like rain;His fury mounted on the battle plain.

In the picture

Woodcut panels, identity sheets and banners © 2026 New Naqqali LLC, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0: share and adapt them for non-commercial use, with credit to New Naqqali. Rights & permissions.