Being · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Akvanاکوان دیو

ak-VAHN

A Div who haunts the royal herds in the form of a wild ass, hurls the sleeping Rostam into the sea, and is slain by him. His huge stone later seals Bijan's pit.

In the poem: First at B14.28, Rostam Returns to Sistan; last at C2.24, Rostam Rescues Bijan from the Pit
Named: 14 times, in 9 sections
Main stories: C1 Rostam and the Div Akvan (10); C2 The Tale of Bijan and Manijeh (3); B14 The Great Battle with the Khan of Chin (1)

In the poem’s own words

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

B14.28

Rostam Returns to Sistan

After a month, Rostam asks leave to visit Zal. Kay Khosrow loads him with gifts and rides two stages beside him before Rostam goes home to Zabul. The poet closes the long tale of Kamus and announces the story of Rostam and Akvan Div.

B14.28.15
I am glad: Puladvand adds no steel-bound woe;Now hear how Rostam met Akvan, his foe.

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

C1.2

Rostam Is Summoned to Fight Akvan

At Kay Khosrow’s court a herdsman reports a golden Gur-e-Khar killing horses in the royal pasture. The Shah knows it for the Div Akvan, and when no champion volunteers he summons Rostam from Zabul by letter. Rostam comes and accepts the hunt.

C1.2.14
That there the Div named Akvan made his lair,And filled the world with clamor and despair;

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

C1.3

Rostam’s Quest for the Div

Rostam rides to the pasture and on the fourth day finds the golden creature. His kamand and then his arrow fall on empty ground, and he knows it is Akvan in a gur’s skin. Worn out with searching, he waters Rakhsh at a spring and lies down armed.

C1.3.12
This is Akvan himself, concealed by art;A breath of steel must pierce his hidden heart.

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

C1.4

Akvan Flings Rostam into the Sea

Akvan digs out the ground beneath the sleeping Rostam, lifts him into the air, and asks whether he would rather fall on mountains or into the sea. Rostam asks for the mountains; the Div throws him into the water. He swims ashore, recovers Rakhsh, and scatters Afrasiab’s herdsmen.

C1.4.1
When from afar Akvan saw Rostam sleep,He came like wind across the meadow’s sweep.
C1.4.6
If he destroys me, all my strength outdone,The world will grieve, for Akvan’s will has won.
C1.4.10
Then Akvan said to Rostam in his plight:“O Piltan, name your wish from this great height.

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

C1.5

Rostam Slays Akvan the Div

Afrasiab rides out to view his herds and finds them driven off. Rostam routs the pursuit and takes four elephants, then meets Akvan, catches him with the kamand, crushes him with the gorz and cuts off his head. Ferdowsi closes by warning who is really a Div.

C1.5.21
Then Akvan came before him, fierce and proud,And challenged him with bitter words aloud:
C1.5.36
To call Akvan a Div would shame the name;Let Akvan stand alone and bear his fame.

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

C1.6

Rostam Returns to Iran

Rostam brings home the herds, the spoils and four elephants. Khosrow rides out to meet him, and over two weeks of feasting Rostam describes the Div’s true shape. He then asks leave for Zabul, is loaded with treasure, and the poet turns to Bijan.

C1.6.24
There Rostam, seated with the Shah at wine,Recounted Akvan’s shape and dark design:
C1.6.53
Thus ends the tale of Akvan and his bane;And Bijan’s grief awaits a later strain.

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

C2.10

Bijan Is Put in Bonds

Bijan is riveted in chains and cast headfirst into a pit sealed with Akvan’s stone. Manijeh’s palace is stripped and she is driven barefoot to the pit-mouth, where she scrapes a small opening, begs bread from door to door, and feeds him.

C2.10.4
Shut sun and moon forever from his eyes;Take elephants where Akvan’s great stone lies.

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

C2.20

Rostam Arms His Men

Khosrow offers troops and treasure. Rostam answers that this task needs craft, not weapons: they will travel as merchants. He takes ten camel-loads of minted gold and a hundred of goods, a thousand horsemen for the caravan, and names seven chiefs to guard it.