Fereydoon and His Sons · A6.1

Fereydoon Gains the Throne

Public renewal, Faranak’s gratitude and the founding of a royal landscape introduce a reign whose apparent harmony will prove fragile.

F&R English · 48 couplets · 5 commentary entries

Parallel text ↓Commentary ↓

The chapter in five texts

Text	Chapter treatment and distinctive choices
F&R English	Forty-eight couplets retain the accession, maternal gift cycle and northern royal seat, with extensive redistribution within the equal total.
Moscow	Accession and the gift cycle lead into the establishment of the royal residence; the printed opening supplies a check against the digital reference.
Mohl	The inspected pp 58–60 support the narrative sequence and the local spelling Kus. The injunction بکوش remains a local difference from “Seek ease.”
Ganjoor	Sh1 has 48 couplets. Its Gush reading differs from the English place-name; an equal count conceals combinations and expansions.
Khaleghi	The opening reign and maternal benefaction are present in the main text; the critical apparatus must not be treated as an additional continuous narrative.

Parallel text

English left · Persian right. Ganjoor is the reference except where a row names a printed source. Select a number to open the relevant note. G identifiers distinguish digital sections across chapter boundaries.

1–7+

When Fereydoon had made the world his own,

He saw no other Shah on any throne.

By Kayanian custom he arrayed

The crown and throne, and royal state displayed.

On Mehr’s first day, auspicious, bright, and clear,

He set the Kayanian cap with royal cheer.

The age was freed from evil, grief, and pain;

The people sought God’s path throughout the reign.

They emptied hearts of quarrel and of blame,

And founded then a feast of lasting fame.

The sages gathered, joyful in their place,

Each held a ruby cup before his face.

Bright wine was poured; the new Shah’s face now shone,

And justice made the world seem newly grown.

فریدون چو شد بر جهان کامگار

ندانست جز خویشتن شهریار

به رسم کیان تاج و تخت مهی

بیاراست با کاخ شاهنشهی

به روز خجسته سر مهر‌ماه

به سر بر نهاد آن کیانی کلاه

زمانه بی‌اندوه گشت از بدی

گرفتند هر کس ره ایزدی

دل از داوری‌ها بپرداختند

به آیین یکی جشن نو ساختند

نشستند فرزانگان شادکام

گرفتند هر یک ز یاقوت جام

می روشن و چهرهٔ شاه نو

جهان نو ز داد و سر ماه نو

Ganjoor · f1:1-7

8–14+

He ordered fires kindled all around;

The people lit them over town and ground.

On every fire they burned with festive care

Sweet ambergris and saffron, rich and rare.

Thus Mehrgan took its root in joyful cheer,

With rest and feasting marking Mehr each year.

His name lives on in Mehr, held ever dear;

Seek ease, and turn your face away from fear.

For five full centuries his kingship ran;

No day did evil enter in his plan.

Yet even Fereydoon could not keep this place;

So worship greed no more, nor grief embrace.

Know well the world will stay with none for long;

The joy it grants is fleeting all along.

بفرمود تا آتش افروختند

همه عنبر و زعفران سوختند

پرستیدن مهرگان دین اوست

تن‌آسانی و خوردن آیین اوست

اگر یادگار‌ است از او ماه مهر

بکوش و به رنج ایچ منمای چهر

ورا بد جهان سالیان پانصد

نیفکند یک روز بنیاد بد

جهان چون برو بر نماند ای پسر

تو نیز آز مپرست و انده مخور

نماند چنین دان جهان بر کسی

درو شادکامی نیابی بسی

Ganjoor · f1:8-13

15–23+

Now Faranak knew nothing of her son,

Nor that Zahhak’s long sovereignty was done.

At last the news reached her of his renown,

And how her son now wore the royal crown.

She washed her head and body, bowed in awe,

Before the Judge who gives the world its law.

She bowed her head to dust, cursed Zahhak’s reign,

And praised the Creator for joy after pain.

She sought the needy out with secret care,

And gave in secret each allotted share.

For one full week her hidden gifts were spread,

Till almost all the needy had been fed.

Another week she feasted nobles all,

And made her banquet-place a garden hall.

Then hidden treasure gathered through the years

She opened freely after grief and tears.

Now that her son was Shah, she prized no store;

Silver seemed cheap; her treasure pleased no more.

فرانک نه آگاه بد زین نهان

که فرزند او شاه شد بر جهان

ز ضحاک شد تخت شاهی تهی

سرآمد برو روزگار مهی

پس آگاهی آمد ز فرخ پسر

به مادر که فرزند شد تاجور

نیایش‌کنان شد سر و تن بشست

به پیش جهان‌داور آمد نخست

نهاد آن سرش پست بر خاک بر

همی‌خواند نفرین به ضحاک بر

همی آفرین خواند بر کردگار

بر آن شادمان گردش روزگار

وزان پس کسی را که بودش نیاز

همی‌داشت روز بد خویش راز

نهانش نوا کرد و کس را نگفت

همان راز او داشت اندر نهفت

یکی هفته زین گونه بخشید چیز

چنان شد که درویش نشناخت نیز

دگر هفته مر بزم را کرد ساز

مهانی که بودند گردن فراز

بیاراست چون بوستان خان خویش

مهان را همه کرد مهمان خویش

وزان پس همه گنج آراسته

فراز آوریده نهان خواسته

همان گنج‌ها را گشادن گرفت

نهاده همه رای دادن گرفت

گشادن در گنج را گاه دید

درم خوار شد چون پسر شاه دید

Ganjoor · f1:14-27

24–36+

She chose rich royal garments, jewels bright,

And gifts befitting majesty and might.

Arabian steeds with golden bridles came,

Their cheekpieces flashed bright with golden flame.

She sent him jowshan, helmets, javelins keen,

The finest martial gear that could be seen.

With sword and cap and girdle fit for kings,

She gathered up the treasury’s finest things.

She loaded camels with the gathered store,

And turned to God, then sent it from her door.

The king received her gifts with joyful face,

And blessed his mother in the royal place.

The army’s chiefs, when word had reached their ear,

Came swiftly to the Shah and gathered near.

They said: “O mighty Shah, who knows God’s way,

Give thanks to Him who brought this blessed new day.

May fortune shine upon you, ever true,

And every foe’s dark hope be lost from view.

May heaven grant you victory and fame;

Let justice, goodness ever guide your name.”

The seasoned elders gathered from each side,

In judgment proven, tested far and wide.

They brought him gold and jewels of every kind,

And came with loyal hearts and willing mind.

The nobles of each country came to wait

In joyful ranks before the royal gate.

همان جامه و گوهر شاهوار

همان اسپ تازی به زرین عذار

همان جوشن و خود و زوپین و تیغ

کلاه و کمر هم نبودش دریغ

همه خواسته بر شتر بار کرد

دل پاک سوی جهاندار کرد

فرستاد نزدیک فرزند چیز

زبانی پر از آفرین داشت نیز

چو آن خواسته دید شاه زمین

بپذرفت و بر مام کرد آفرین

بزرگان لشگر چو بشناختند

بر شهریار جهان تاختند

که ای شاه پیروز‌ِ یزدان‌شناس

ستایش مر او را و زویت سپاس

چنین روز روزت فزون باد بخت

بد اندیشگان را نگون باد بخت

تو را باد پیروزی از آسمان

مبادا به جز داد و نیکی گمان

و زآن پس جهان‌دیدگان سوی شاه

ز هر گوشه‌ای برگرفتند راه

همه زرّ و گوهر برآمیختند

به تاج سپهبد فرو ریختند

همان مهتران از همه کشور‌ش

بدان خرمی صف زده بر درش

Ganjoor · f1:28-39

37–48+

They raised their hands to heaven and prayed as one:

“Bless crown and throne beneath the turning sun.

Bless royal cap and signet; let them last,

And keep this flourishing age firm and fast.”

As time went on, he journeyed through the earth,

To judge each region, weigh its state and worth.

He saw what lay revealed and what lay veiled,

And learned where every province thrived or failed.

Where lawless custom governed any place,

He marked the wrong and rooted out its trace.

Wherever lands lacked flourishing and ease,

He made them prosper, bringing greater peace.

Through goodness he restrained each evil deed,

As wisdom asks of rulers fit to lead.

He made the world a Paradise restored;

Where grass had grown, the rose bloomed, cypress soared.

From Amol toward Tammisheh then he came,

And reached the grove that bore a famous name.

Within that famous grove the Shah would stay,

And settled in its shelter from that day.

Men called that famous region Kus alone;

No other name for it was ever known.

There Fereydoon established royal state,

His world restored beneath a kinder fate.

ز یزدان همی‌خواستند آفرین

بر آن تاج و تخت و کلاه و نگین

همه دست برداشته بآسمان

همی خواندندش به نیکی گمان

که جاوید بادا چنین شهریار

برومند بادا چنین روزگار

و زآن پس فریدون به گرد جهان

بگردید و دید آشکار و نهان

هر آن چیز کز راه بیداد دید

هر آن بوم و بر کآن نه آباد دید

به نیکی ببست از همه دست بد

چنانک از ره هوشیاران سزد

بیاراست گیتی بسان بهشت

به جای گیا سرو گلبن بکشت

از آمل گذر سوی تمیشه کرد

نشست اندر آن نامور بیشه کرد

کجا کز جهان گوش خوانی همی

جز این نیز نامش ندانی همی

Ganjoor · f1:40-48

Narrative and poetic form

The chapter’s strength lies in making restoration visible through communal celebration, discreet charity and the movement of gifts. Its abundance has narrative work to do: it establishes the prosperity that the later family catastrophe will undo.

Couplet commentary

Quoted text · evidence · interpretation

1–7Justice makes the world new

1–7

When Fereydoon had made the world his own,

He saw no other Shah on any throne.

By Kayanian custom he arrayed

The crown and throne, and royal state displayed.

On Mehr’s first day, auspicious, bright, and clear,

He set the Kayanian cap with royal cheer.

The age was freed from evil, grief, and pain;

The people sought God’s path throughout the reign.

They emptied hearts of quarrel and of blame,

And founded then a feast of lasting fame.

The sages gathered, joyful in their place,

Each held a ruby cup before his face.

Bright wine was poured; the new Shah’s face now shone,

And justice made the world seem newly grown.

فریدون چو شد بر جهان کامگار

ندانست جز خویشتن شهریار

به رسم کیان تاج و تخت مهی

بیاراست با کاخ شاهنشهی

به روز خجسته سر مهر‌ماه

به سر بر نهاد آن کیانی کلاه

زمانه بی‌اندوه گشت از بدی

گرفتند هر کس ره ایزدی

دل از داوری‌ها بپرداختند

به آیین یکی جشن نو ساختند

نشستند فرزانگان شادکام

گرفتند هر یک ز یاقوت جام

می روشن و چهرهٔ شاه نو

جهان نو ز داد و سر ماه نو

Ganjoor · f1:1-7

Textual evidence

The accession, Kayanian insignia, opening of Mehr and collective feast occupy the same opening sequence in Ganjoor. The Persian repeatedly returns to newness in king, world and month.

G f1 1 ↗ G f1 2 ↗ G f1 3 ↗ G f1 4 ↗ G f1 5 ↗ G f1 6 ↗ G f1 7 ↗ Moscow p 79 ↗ Moscow p 80 ↗ Moscow p 81 ↗ Mohl p 58 ↗ Mohl p 59 ↗ Mohl p 60 ↗ Khaleghi p 89 ↗ Khaleghi p 90 ↗ Khaleghi p 91 ↗ Khaleghi p 92 ↗

Interpretation

The English preserves the public character of restoration. “He saw no other Shah” renders the tale’s universal sovereignty; it need not imply a modern census of independent states.

Return to parallel text

8–14Mehrgan and the passing reignLocal semantic difference

8–14

He ordered fires kindled all around;

The people lit them over town and ground.

On every fire they burned with festive care

Sweet ambergris and saffron, rich and rare.

Thus Mehrgan took its root in joyful cheer,

With rest and feasting marking Mehr each year.

His name lives on in Mehr, held ever dear;

Seek ease, and turn your face away from fear.

For five full centuries his kingship ran;

No day did evil enter in his plan.

Yet even Fereydoon could not keep this place;

So worship greed no more, nor grief embrace.

Know well the world will stay with none for long;

The joy it grants is fleeting all along.

بفرمود تا آتش افروختند

همه عنبر و زعفران سوختند

پرستیدن مهرگان دین اوست

تن‌آسانی و خوردن آیین اوست

اگر یادگار‌ است از او ماه مهر

بکوش و به رنج ایچ منمای چهر

ورا بد جهان سالیان پانصد

نیفکند یک روز بنیاد بد

جهان چون برو بر نماند ای پسر

تو نیز آز مپرست و انده مخور

نماند چنین دان جهان بر کسی

درو شادکامی نیابی بسی

Ganjoor · f1:8-13

Textual evidence

The fire and burning perfumes of G 8 become two English couplets. G 10 reads بکوش, “strive,” and speaks of not showing a face to hardship; Mohl p 58 also prints بکوش. English 11 instead says “Seek ease” and “fear.”

G f1 10 ↗ G f1 11 ↗ G f1 12 ↗ G f1 13 ↗ G f1 8 ↗ G f1 9 ↗ Moscow p 79 ↗ Moscow p 80 ↗ Moscow p 81 ↗ Mohl p 58 ↗ Mohl p 59 ↗ Mohl p 60 ↗ Khaleghi p 89 ↗ Khaleghi p 90 ↗ Khaleghi p 91 ↗ Khaleghi p 92 ↗

Interpretation

The rest-and-feasting context explains the direction of the English, but does not make “ease” a literal rendering of بکوش. This is a local shift of injunction, recorded beside an otherwise coherent festival account. The five-hundred-year reign belongs to epic chronology.

Return to parallel text

15–23Faranak’s private generosity

15–23

Now Faranak knew nothing of her son,

Nor that Zahhak’s long sovereignty was done.

At last the news reached her of his renown,

And how her son now wore the royal crown.

She washed her head and body, bowed in awe,

Before the Judge who gives the world its law.

She bowed her head to dust, cursed Zahhak’s reign,

And praised the Creator for joy after pain.

She sought the needy out with secret care,

And gave in secret each allotted share.

For one full week her hidden gifts were spread,

Till almost all the needy had been fed.

Another week she feasted nobles all,

And made her banquet-place a garden hall.

Then hidden treasure gathered through the years

She opened freely after grief and tears.

Now that her son was Shah, she prized no store;

Silver seemed cheap; her treasure pleased no more.

فرانک نه آگاه بد زین نهان

که فرزند او شاه شد بر جهان

ز ضحاک شد تخت شاهی تهی

سرآمد برو روزگار مهی

پس آگاهی آمد ز فرخ پسر

به مادر که فرزند شد تاجور

نیایش‌کنان شد سر و تن بشست

به پیش جهان‌داور آمد نخست

نهاد آن سرش پست بر خاک بر

همی‌خواند نفرین به ضحاک بر

همی آفرین خواند بر کردگار

بر آن شادمان گردش روزگار

وزان پس کسی را که بودش نیاز

همی‌داشت روز بد خویش راز

نهانش نوا کرد و کس را نگفت

همان راز او داشت اندر نهفت

یکی هفته زین گونه بخشید چیز

چنان شد که درویش نشناخت نیز

دگر هفته مر بزم را کرد ساز

مهانی که بودند گردن فراز

بیاراست چون بوستان خان خویش

مهان را همه کرد مهمان خویش

وزان پس همه گنج آراسته

فراز آوریده نهان خواسته

همان گنج‌ها را گشادن گرفت

نهاده همه رای دادن گرفت

گشادن در گنج را گاه دید

درم خوار شد چون پسر شاه دید

Ganjoor · f1:14-27

Textual evidence

The Persian moves from delayed news and ritual washing to secret help for those who concealed their poverty, a week of giving, a second feast and treasure sent to the king. Several Persian couplets combine in the English.

Interpretation

Faranak acts in her own right. Confidential giving protects the recipients’ dignity; this is more precise than calling the scene merely royal largesse. The English’s quicker pacing retains the transition from private relief to public thanksgiving.

Return to parallel text

24–36Gifts, blessing and royal distribution

24–36

She chose rich royal garments, jewels bright,

And gifts befitting majesty and might.

Arabian steeds with golden bridles came,

Their cheekpieces flashed bright with golden flame.

She sent him jowshan, helmets, javelins keen,

The finest martial gear that could be seen.

With sword and cap and girdle fit for kings,

She gathered up the treasury’s finest things.

She loaded camels with the gathered store,

And turned to God, then sent it from her door.

The king received her gifts with joyful face,

And blessed his mother in the royal place.

The army’s chiefs, when word had reached their ear,

Came swiftly to the Shah and gathered near.

They said: “O mighty Shah, who knows God’s way,

Give thanks to Him who brought this blessed new day.

May fortune shine upon you, ever true,

And every foe’s dark hope be lost from view.

May heaven grant you victory and fame;

Let justice, goodness ever guide your name.”

The seasoned elders gathered from each side,

In judgment proven, tested far and wide.

They brought him gold and jewels of every kind,

And came with loyal hearts and willing mind.

The nobles of each country came to wait

In joyful ranks before the royal gate.

همان جامه و گوهر شاهوار

همان اسپ تازی به زرین عذار

همان جوشن و خود و زوپین و تیغ

کلاه و کمر هم نبودش دریغ

همه خواسته بر شتر بار کرد

دل پاک سوی جهاندار کرد

فرستاد نزدیک فرزند چیز

زبانی پر از آفرین داشت نیز

چو آن خواسته دید شاه زمین

بپذرفت و بر مام کرد آفرین

بزرگان لشگر چو بشناختند

بر شهریار جهان تاختند

که ای شاه پیروز‌ِ یزدان‌شناس

ستایش مر او را و زویت سپاس

چنین روز روزت فزون باد بخت

بد اندیشگان را نگون باد بخت

تو را باد پیروزی از آسمان

مبادا به جز داد و نیکی گمان

و زآن پس جهان‌دیدگان سوی شاه

ز هر گوشه‌ای برگرفتند راه

همه زرّ و گوهر برآمیختند

به تاج سپهبد فرو ریختند

همان مهتران از همه کشور‌ش

بدان خرمی صف زده بر درش

Ganjoor · f1:28-39

Textual evidence

The inventory, mounted delivery, reception, praise and subsequent distribution are redistributed across the English. Gift lists move between jewels, textiles, horses, weapons and insignia.

Interpretation

The catalog builds political reciprocity: the mother sends wealth, the king receives it gratefully, and wealth moves outward again. The English’s rhymed units give the list audible progression rather than converting it into an inventory footnote.

Return to parallel text

37–48A royal seat and a geographical caution

37–48

They raised their hands to heaven and prayed as one:

“Bless crown and throne beneath the turning sun.

Bless royal cap and signet; let them last,

And keep this flourishing age firm and fast.”

As time went on, he journeyed through the earth,

To judge each region, weigh its state and worth.

He saw what lay revealed and what lay veiled,

And learned where every province thrived or failed.

Where lawless custom governed any place,

He marked the wrong and rooted out its trace.

Wherever lands lacked flourishing and ease,

He made them prosper, bringing greater peace.

Through goodness he restrained each evil deed,

As wisdom asks of rulers fit to lead.

He made the world a Paradise restored;

Where grass had grown, the rose bloomed, cypress soared.

From Amol toward Tammisheh then he came,

And reached the grove that bore a famous name.

Within that famous grove the Shah would stay,

And settled in its shelter from that day.

Men called that famous region Kus alone;

No other name for it was ever known.

There Fereydoon established royal state,

His world restored beneath a kinder fate.

ز یزدان همی‌خواستند آفرین

بر آن تاج و تخت و کلاه و نگین

همه دست برداشته بآسمان

همی خواندندش به نیکی گمان

که جاوید بادا چنین شهریار

برومند بادا چنین روزگار

و زآن پس فریدون به گرد جهان

بگردید و دید آشکار و نهان

هر آن چیز کز راه بیداد دید

هر آن بوم و بر کآن نه آباد دید

به نیکی ببست از همه دست بد

چنانک از ره هوشیاران سزد

بیاراست گیتی بسان بهشت

به جای گیا سرو گلبن بکشت

از آمل گذر سوی تمیشه کرد

نشست اندر آن نامور بیشه کرد

کجا کز جهان گوش خوانی همی

جز این نیز نامش ندانی همی

Ganjoor · f1:40-48

Textual evidence

The source closes with order throughout the realm and the journey from Amol toward Tammisheh, its palace, and a local name. Mohl p 60 prints کوس, Kus; Ganjoor’s closing line has گوش, Gush. English 47 therefore has printed support for Kus. English 48 gives a concluding settlement rather than an extra Ganjoor couplet.

G f1 40 ↗ G f1 41 ↗ G f1 42 ↗ G f1 43 ↗ G f1 44 ↗ G f1 45 ↗ G f1 46 ↗ G f1 47 ↗ G f1 48 ↗ Moscow p 79 ↗ Moscow p 80 ↗ Moscow p 81 ↗ Mohl p 58 ↗ Mohl p 59 ↗ Mohl p 60 ↗ Khaleghi p 89 ↗ Khaleghi p 90 ↗ Khaleghi p 91 ↗ Khaleghi p 92 ↗

Interpretation

The northern place-names should remain in their literary geography. The attested spelling difference supports retaining Kus in the English. The closing synthesis is distinguished from a separate line of Persian narrative.

Return to parallel text

Chapter source record

English original ↗ Ganjoor f1 ↗ Moscow p 79 ↗ Moscow p 80 ↗ Moscow p 81 ↗ Mohl p 58 ↗ Mohl p 59 ↗ Mohl p 60 ↗ Khaleghi p 89 ↗ Khaleghi p 90 ↗ Khaleghi p 91 ↗ Khaleghi p 92 ↗