New NaqqaliFereydoon and His Sons · A6.15
The Birth of Manuchehr
Manuchehr’s birth restores sight, hope and succession. His education and investiture turn private recognition into public kingship.
The chapter in five texts
| Text | Chapter treatment and distinctive choices |
|---|---|
| F&R English | Thirty-three couplets expand the miracle, education, equipment and roll of protectors. |
| Moscow | The birth restores the royal line and prepares the new claimant through nurture and public investiture. |
| Mohl | Pp 84–85 offer the fuller investiture context, distinct from Ganjoor’s compressed close. |
| Ganjoor | Sh12.11–40 provides thirty reference couplets; the key and champion-list details are not identical in English. |
| Khaleghi | The main text links recovered sight, the descendant’s upbringing and renewed sovereignty. |
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.
1–11+
Mark well what wonder heaven’s blue vault concealed,
When nine full months their hidden course revealed.
That virtuous lady brought a son to light,
A child well-formed for crown and kingly right.
Straight from his mother they conveyed the boy,
And brought him to the aged Shah with joy.
The bearer cried, “O crown-wearer, rejoice!
Look on Iraj!” he called with joyful voice.
Fereydoon smiled; his ancient sorrow fled,
As though Iraj had risen from the dead.
He clasped the child and prayed for healing grace:
“Restore my sight, that I may see his face.”
The righteous Lord took pity on his plight,
And gave his darkened eyes restoring light.
He saw once more the shining world arise,
Then fixed upon the child his opened eyes.
He cried, “May blessing crown this joyful day;
Uproot our enemies’ hearts without delay!”
They brought bright wine; the festive cups went round,
And Manuchehr his name was then renowned.
“From mother pure and father pure has sprung
A worthy branch, now fruitful, fair, and young.”
یکی پور زاد آن هنرمند ماه
چگونه سزاوار تخت و کلاه
چو از مادر مهربان شد جدا
سبک تاختندش به نزد نیا
بدو گفت موبد که ای تاجور
یکی شادکن دل به ایرج نگر
جهان‌بخش را لب پر از خنده شد
تو گفتی مگر ایرجش زنده شد
نهاد آن گرانمایه را برکنار
نیایش همی کرد با کردگار
همی گفت کاین روز فرخنده باد
دل بدسگالان ما کنده باد
همان کز جهان آفرین کرد یاد
ببخشود و دیده بدو باز داد
فریدون چو روشن جهان را بدید
به چهر نوآمد سبک بنگرید
چنین گفت کز پاک مام و پدر
یکی شاخ شایسته آمد به بر
می روشن آمد ز پرمایه جام
مر آن چهر دارد منوچهر نام
Ganjoor · f12:11-20
12–16+
He guarded Manuchehr with such great care,
He would not let the wind pass near his heir.
The nurse who bore him never touched the ground;
Pure musk beneath her steps was scattered round.
A silken canopy above him spread,
And moved with nurse and child where they were led.
Years passed, and fortune brought him no ill sign;
The stars withheld all malice from his line.
The aged Shah himself became his school
In every skill a king must know to rule.
چنان پروریدش که باد هوا
برو بر گذشتی نبودی روا
پرستنده‌ای کش به بر داشتی
زمین را به پی هیچ نگذاشتی
به پای اندرش مشک سارا بدی
روان بر سرش چتر دیبا بدی
چنین تا برآمد برو سالیان
نیامدش ز اختر زمانی زیان
هنرها که آید شهان را به کار
بیاموختش نامور شهریار
چو چشم و دل پادشا باز شد
سپه نیز با او هم آواز شد
Ganjoor · f12:21-26
17–24+
A golden throne and heavy gorz of might,
A turquoise crown proclaimed his royal right.
The key to stores of jewels and of gold
He placed within the young prince’s hold.
With crowns and torques, and royal headgear rare,
And kingly belts befitting rank to wear.
Brocaded pavilions gleamed in varied dyes,
With leopard skins and standards to the skies.
Arabian steeds in golden trappings came,
And Indian swords in sheaths of golden flame.
Roman jowshans and helmets stood arrayed,
With bows from Chakh and khadang arrows laid.
With shields from Chin and javelins set in rows,
All gathered through long toil against his foes.
Fereydoon saw those treasures suited well
To Manuchehr; his love no tongue could tell.
نیا تخت زرین و گرز گران
بدو داد و پیروزه تاج سران
سراپردهٔ دیبهٔ هفت‌رنگ
بدو اندرون خیمه‌های پلنگ
چه اسپان تازی به زرین ستام
چه شمشیر هندی به زرین نیام
چه از جوشن و ترگ و رومی زره
گشادند مر بندها را گره
کمانهای چاچی وتیر خدنگ
سپرهای چینی و ژوپین جنگ
برین گونه آراسته گنجها
که بودش به گرد آمده رنجها
سراسر سزای منوچهر دید
دل خویش را زو پر از مهر دید
کلید در گنج آراسته
به گنجور او داد با خواسته
Ganjoor · f12:27-34
25–33+
He called the champions, famed from near and wide,
Who came for vengeance, gathering at his side.
They bowed to Manuchehr with homage due,
And showered zabarjad before his view.
A new feast rose; the world rejoiced in peace,
And sheep beside the wolf saw conflict cease.
There Gharan of the Kaveh line was seen,
With Shirviyeh, the lion fierce and keen.
There Gashasb stood, the champion armed with steel,
And Sahm, Nariman’s son, of fearless zeal.
There Qobad stood, and gold-helmed Keshvad too,
With other famed men, steadfast, brave, and true.
So many renowned protectors gathered near,
That all the army’s purpose now was clear.
When all the army stood in firm array,
The ranks of vengeance closed around that day.
Above the gathered multitude he rose,
Their king and leader, terror to his foes.
همه پهلوانان لشکرش را
همه نامداران کشورش را
بفرمود تا پیش او آمدند
همه با دلی کینه‌جو آمدند
به شاهی برو آفرین خواندند
زبرجد به تاجش برافشاندند
چو جشنی بد این روزگار بزرگ
شده در جهان میش پیدا ز گرگ
سپهدار چون قارن کاوگان
سپهکش چو شیروی و چون آوگان
چو شد ساخته کار لشکر همه
برآمد سر شهریار از رمه
Ganjoor · f12:35-40
Narrative and poetic form
The strongest defense of this chapter is structural: recognition, care, teaching and public assent all precede martial achievement. A scholarly note can retain the English’s fuller ceremony while acknowledging small shifts in the distribution of objects and names.
Couplet commentary
Quoted text · evidence · interpretation1–11Birth, recognition and restored sight
1–11
Mark well what wonder heaven’s blue vault concealed,
When nine full months their hidden course revealed.
That virtuous lady brought a son to light,
A child well-formed for crown and kingly right.
Straight from his mother they conveyed the boy,
And brought him to the aged Shah with joy.
The bearer cried, “O crown-wearer, rejoice!
Look on Iraj!” he called with joyful voice.
Fereydoon smiled; his ancient sorrow fled,
As though Iraj had risen from the dead.
He clasped the child and prayed for healing grace:
“Restore my sight, that I may see his face.”
The righteous Lord took pity on his plight,
And gave his darkened eyes restoring light.
He saw once more the shining world arise,
Then fixed upon the child his opened eyes.
He cried, “May blessing crown this joyful day;
Uproot our enemies’ hearts without delay!”
They brought bright wine; the festive cups went round,
And Manuchehr his name was then renowned.
“From mother pure and father pure has sprung
A worthy branch, now fruitful, fair, and young.”
یکی پور زاد آن هنرمند ماه
چگونه سزاوار تخت و کلاه
چو از مادر مهربان شد جدا
سبک تاختندش به نزد نیا
بدو گفت موبد که ای تاجور
یکی شادکن دل به ایرج نگر
جهان‌بخش را لب پر از خنده شد
تو گفتی مگر ایرجش زنده شد
نهاد آن گرانمایه را برکنار
نیایش همی کرد با کردگار
همی گفت کاین روز فرخنده باد
دل بدسگالان ما کنده باد
همان کز جهان آفرین کرد یاد
ببخشود و دیده بدو باز داد
فریدون چو روشن جهان را بدید
به چهر نوآمد سبک بنگرید
چنین گفت کز پاک مام و پدر
یکی شاخ شایسته آمد به بر
می روشن آمد ز پرمایه جام
مر آن چهر دارد منوچهر نام
Ganjoor · f12:11-20
Textual evidence
The source presents the child to the old king as Iraj returned, restores his sight through divine compassion, and gives the new name. English expands the prayer and the moment of seeing.
G f12 11 ↗ G f12 12 ↗ G f12 13 ↗ G f12 14 ↗ G f12 15 ↗ G f12 16 ↗ G f12 17 ↗ G f12 18 ↗ G f12 19 ↗ G f12 20 ↗ Moscow p 110 ↗ Moscow p 111 ↗ Moscow p 112 ↗ Moscow p 113 ↗ Mohl p 84 ↗ Mohl p 85 ↗ Khaleghi p 124 ↗ Khaleghi p 125 ↗ Khaleghi p 126 ↗ Khaleghi p 127 ↗ Khaleghi p 128 ↗
Interpretation
The miracle completes the earlier loss of sight. It also places recognition before vengeance: the heir is first the return of a beloved likeness, only afterward the instrument of a political claim.
12–16The guarded child and the taught king
12–16
He guarded Manuchehr with such great care,
He would not let the wind pass near his heir.
The nurse who bore him never touched the ground;
Pure musk beneath her steps was scattered round.
A silken canopy above him spread,
And moved with nurse and child where they were led.
Years passed, and fortune brought him no ill sign;
The stars withheld all malice from his line.
The aged Shah himself became his school
In every skill a king must know to rule.
چنان پروریدش که باد هوا
برو بر گذشتی نبودی روا
پرستنده‌ای کش به بر داشتی
زمین را به پی هیچ نگذاشتی
به پای اندرش مشک سارا بدی
روان بر سرش چتر دیبا بدی
چنین تا برآمد برو سالیان
نیامدش ز اختر زمانی زیان
هنرها که آید شهان را به کار
بیاموختش نامور شهریار
چو چشم و دل پادشا باز شد
سپه نیز با او هم آواز شد
Ganjoor · f12:21-26
Textual evidence
The canopy, musk and extraordinary care precede instruction in royal arts. Ganjoor also links the king’s reopened eye and heart to the army’s assent.
G f12 21 ↗ G f12 22 ↗ G f12 23 ↗ G f12 24 ↗ G f12 25 ↗ G f12 26 ↗ Moscow p 110 ↗ Moscow p 111 ↗ Moscow p 112 ↗ Moscow p 113 ↗ Mohl p 84 ↗ Mohl p 85 ↗ Khaleghi p 124 ↗ Khaleghi p 125 ↗ Khaleghi p 126 ↗ Khaleghi p 127 ↗ Khaleghi p 128 ↗
Interpretation
Protective extravagance conveys trauma as well as rank: a father who lost Iraj will not expose the new child even to the wind. The English’s progression from shelter to schooling keeps nurture central to legitimacy.
17–24Wealth and equipment redistributed
17–24
A golden throne and heavy gorz of might,
A turquoise crown proclaimed his royal right.
The key to stores of jewels and of gold
He placed within the young prince’s hold.
With crowns and torques, and royal headgear rare,
And kingly belts befitting rank to wear.
Brocaded pavilions gleamed in varied dyes,
With leopard skins and standards to the skies.
Arabian steeds in golden trappings came,
And Indian swords in sheaths of golden flame.
Roman jowshans and helmets stood arrayed,
With bows from Chakh and khadang arrows laid.
With shields from Chin and javelins set in rows,
All gathered through long toil against his foes.
Fereydoon saw those treasures suited well
To Manuchehr; his love no tongue could tell.
نیا تخت زرین و گرز گران
بدو داد و پیروزه تاج سران
سراپردهٔ دیبهٔ هفت‌رنگ
بدو اندرون خیمه‌های پلنگ
چه اسپان تازی به زرین ستام
چه شمشیر هندی به زرین نیام
چه از جوشن و ترگ و رومی زره
گشادند مر بندها را گره
کمانهای چاچی وتیر خدنگ
سپرهای چینی و ژوپین جنگ
برین گونه آراسته گنجها
که بودش به گرد آمده رنجها
سراسر سزای منوچهر دید
دل خویش را زو پر از مهر دید
کلید در گنج آراسته
به گنجور او داد با خواسته
Ganjoor · f12:27-34
Textual evidence
The source lists throne, crown, textiles, horses, weapons and accumulated treasure, with a key entrusted to the treasurer. The English moves the key earlier and gives it to the prince’s possession in the wider investiture.
G f12 27 ↗ G f12 28 ↗ G f12 29 ↗ G f12 30 ↗ G f12 31 ↗ G f12 32 ↗ G f12 33 ↗ G f12 34 ↗ Moscow p 110 ↗ Moscow p 111 ↗ Moscow p 112 ↗ Moscow p 113 ↗ Mohl p 84 ↗ Mohl p 85 ↗ Khaleghi p 124 ↗ Khaleghi p 125 ↗ Khaleghi p 126 ↗ Khaleghi p 127 ↗ Khaleghi p 128 ↗
Interpretation
The catalog is a transfer of capacity to rule and fight, not simply luxury. Retaining imported equipment and material terms preserves the epic’s broad cultural horizon. The change of immediate key-recipient is a local redistribution of agency, not something to conceal under an identical count.
25–33Public allegiance and a fuller roll of champions
25–33
He called the champions, famed from near and wide,
Who came for vengeance, gathering at his side.
They bowed to Manuchehr with homage due,
And showered zabarjad before his view.
A new feast rose; the world rejoiced in peace,
And sheep beside the wolf saw conflict cease.
There Gharan of the Kaveh line was seen,
With Shirviyeh, the lion fierce and keen.
There Gashasb stood, the champion armed with steel,
And Sahm, Nariman’s son, of fearless zeal.
There Qobad stood, and gold-helmed Keshvad too,
With other famed men, steadfast, brave, and true.
So many renowned protectors gathered near,
That all the army’s purpose now was clear.
When all the army stood in firm array,
The ranks of vengeance closed around that day.
Above the gathered multitude he rose,
Their king and leader, terror to his foes.
همه پهلوانان لشکرش را
همه نامداران کشورش را
بفرمود تا پیش او آمدند
همه با دلی کینه‌جو آمدند
به شاهی برو آفرین خواندند
زبرجد به تاجش برافشاندند
چو جشنی بد این روزگار بزرگ
شده در جهان میش پیدا ز گرگ
سپهدار چون قارن کاوگان
سپهکش چو شیروی و چون آوگان
چو شد ساخته کار لشکر همه
برآمد سر شهریار از رمه
Ganjoor · f12:35-40
Textual evidence
Ganjoor names Gharan, Shirviyeh and Avgan in its short close; the English supplies a longer roster including Sahm and other champions. The royal acclamation and showering of zabarjad are shared.
G f12 35 ↗ G f12 36 ↗ G f12 37 ↗ G f12 38 ↗ G f12 39 ↗ G f12 40 ↗ Moscow p 110 ↗ Moscow p 111 ↗ Moscow p 112 ↗ Moscow p 113 ↗ Mohl p 84 ↗ Mohl p 85 ↗ Khaleghi p 124 ↗ Khaleghi p 125 ↗ Khaleghi p 126 ↗ Khaleghi p 127 ↗ Khaleghi p 128 ↗
Interpretation
The English gives military support named faces. That fuller roll should not be ascribed wholesale to Ganjoor’s six closing couplets. The pastoral peace image marks ideal order at the investiture, even though the army is gathering for vengeance.