Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Aghrirasاغریرث

agh-ree-RAHS

Afrasiab’s gentle brother, killed by Afrasiab for sparing Iranian captives.

In the poem: First at B1.2, Pashang Hears of Manuchehr’s Death; last at C4.42, Afrasiab Escapes from Hohm
Named: 21 times, in 11 sections
Main stories: B1 The Crisis after Manuchehr (11); B9 The Story of Siavash (4); B2 Garshasp and the Transition to Kayanian Kingship (2)
Parents: Pashang of Turan
Plates: Vol I: VI

Genealogical plate: The House of Tur — Volume I, Plate VI: The House of Tur. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Aghriras most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Aghriras. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

B1.2

Pashang Hears of Manuchehr’s Death

Hearing that Manuchehr is dead and Nohzar’s rule is faltering, Pashang of Turan resolves to avenge Tur and Salm. He summons his son Afrasiab, who eagerly takes command, although his brother Aghriras counsels caution.

B1.2.7
Aghriras came, with Barman, strong of hand;Garsivaz too, and Kulbad joined the band.
B1.2.30
When all was ready for the coming fray,Aghriras entered, thoughtful in his way.

Aghriras named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B1.4

Barman and Qobad in Single Combat

The Turk Barman challenges the Iranians, and only old Qobad answers him. Qobad falls. Gharan leads a furious charge against the Turanian ranks and fights Afrasiab until sorcerous darkness ends the day.

B1.4.9
But wise Aghriras spoke with guarded care:“If harm should come to Barman, chiefs despair.

Aghriras named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B1.11

Nohzar Falls to Afrasiab

Enraged by his losses, Afrasiab has Nohzar dragged before him and beheads him with his own hand. Aghriras saves the other captives, who are sent in chains to Sari, and Afrasiab rides to Rey and sets the Kayanian crown on his own head.

B1.11.23
Then wise Aghriras saw them bound in fear;His heart flared up like fire as he drew near.

Aghriras named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B1.12

Zal Hears of Nohzar’s Death

The Iranians mourn Nohzar and Zal vows vengeance. The captives at Sari beg Aghriras for help, and he promises to withdraw if an Iranian force approaches. Keshvad rides from Zabul, Aghriras pulls back, and Zal welcomes the freed nobles.

B1.12.31
They sent to wise Aghriras their plea:“O chief, your judgment may yet set us free!
B1.12.41
Wise Aghriras replied: “I cannot dare;To free you now would lay my purpose bare.
B1.12.49
“Our God has shown us mercy in this hour;Aghriras stands our friend against his power.

Aghriras named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B1.13

Aghriras Is Slain by His Brother

Afrasiab rebukes Aghriras for sparing the captives, and when his brother answers with a plea for mercy, he cuts him in two. Zal marches to avenge Aghriras, and the two armies fight for two weeks near Khar of Rey.

B1.13.1
From Amol back to Rey Aghriras came,The king learned all and held his deeds to blame:
B1.13.6
Aghriras answered: “Modesty must stand;Some sense of honor must restrain the hand.
B1.13.13
When Zal received the news, his fury blazed;His wrath for famed Aghriras now was raised.

Aghriras named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B2.1

Afrasiab Invades after Garshasp’s Death

Zav’s son Garshasp reigns briefly and dies. Pashang, still estranged from Afrasiab over Aghriras, orders him to invade again. The Iranians turn to Zal, who is too old to fight and offers instead his young son Rostam, arming him with Sahm’s ancestral gorz.

B2.1.6
For Aghriras, his son, unjustly slain,Had filled his soul with bitterness and pain.
B2.1.9
“Whatever king may rise to rule the land,Aghriras was fit support at his right hand.

Aghriras named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B3.3

Afrasiab Goes to His Father

Afrasiab returns to Pashang and blames him for the war. He describes Rostam’s terrifying strength, lists the Turanian champions lost, confesses the shame of killing Aghriras, and urges his father to make peace and keep to Fereydoon’s old frontiers.

B3.3.46
Though I slew wise Aghriras, known to fame,That virtuous death still burdens all my name.

Aghriras named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B9.48

Garsivaz Returns to Siavash

Garsivaz tells Siavash not to ride out to greet him, then weeps false tears and warns that Afrasiab has turned murderous, like the king who killed his own brother Aghriras. He urges Siavash to write instead of going to court, and to be ready to flee. Siavash trusts him.

B9.48.44
First judge him by the brother once he knew,Aghriras, royal-born, whom he then slew.
B9.48.45
At his own hand Aghriras met his end,No law or mercy moved him toward his friend.
B9.48.73
Your bond with him is no more close or dearThan Aghriras’s blood-bond once was here.