Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Ardavanاردوان

ar-da-VAHN

The last great Ashkanian king, ruling from Rey, whom Ardeshir overthrows and kills.

In the poem: First at D6.2, The Tribal Kings; last at E6.23, The Intercepted Letter of Bahram Chubin
Named: 46 times, in 11 sections
Main stories: D6 The Ashkanian Dynasty (38); D7 The Early Sasanians (6); E6 Khosrow Parviz (2)
Plates: Vol III: II, Vol III: III

Genealogical plate: The Rise of the House of Sasan — Volume III, Plate II: The Rise of the House of Sasan. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

D6.2

The Tribal Kings

With Iskandar gone, no one rules the whole world. Princes of Arash’s line hold separate corners of it for two hundred years as the Tribal Kings. Ferdowsi lists the Ashkanians — Ashk, Gudarz, Ardavan, Bahram — and admits he has nothing but their names.

D6.2.14
Next, Ardavan is named upon the page:A just king, bright of soul, in counsel sage.
D6.2.16
They called him Ardavan the Great, who toreThe wolf’s claws from the sheep they gripped before.

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

D6.4

Ardeshir Babakan and His Rival

Babak’s grandson Ardeshir is summoned to Ardavan’s court at Rey and treated like a son. On a hunt he shoots a Gur-e-Khar and contradicts the prince who claims the shot. Ardavan banishes him to the stables, where he lives quietly on his grandfather’s gold.

D6.4.8
News of his learning reached the royal ear;King Ardavan heard praise of Ardeshir:
D6.4.18
He said, “Now read what Ardavan has penned,And weigh each word; let all your wits attend.
D6.4.28
The youth left his grandfather on his way,And rode to Ardavan’s great court at Rey.

Ardavan named 10 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D6.5

Golnar Falls in Love with Ardeshir

Ardavan’s favorite slave Golnar sees Ardeshir from the palace roof and climbs down to him by kamand. Babak dies. Golnar overhears the astrologers predict that a man now held low will flee and become king, and she agrees to escape with Ardeshir, taking jewels from the treasury.

D6.5.1
Now Ardavan possessed a palace tall,Where dwelt his cherished slave within its wall.
D6.5.19
When news reached Ardavan, his grief was deep;His darkened soul had only grief to keep.
D6.5.25
Then Ardavan called in his learned seers,Wise men who traced the planets through their spheres.

Ardavan named 6 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D6.6

Ardavan Pursues Ardeshir and Golnar

Ardavan learns that Golnar has fled with Ardeshir and gives chase. Villagers report a ram running behind the riders; his minister says it is Ardeshir’s farr and the pursuit is hopeless. Two strangers at a pool warn Ardeshir on. Ardavan gives up and turns back.

D6.6.5
Then Ardavan knew she had left his sideTo flee with Ardeshir upon that ride.
D6.6.13
Then Ardavan asked, turning to his aide,“Why does this ram pursue the tracks they made?”
D6.6.16
There Ardavan dismounted for a stayTo eat and rest, then hurried on his way.

Ardavan named 7 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D6.7

Ardavan Writes to His Son to Capture Ardeshir

Ardavan orders his son Bahman to hunt Ardeshir down in secret. Ardeshir reaches the water, is recognized as Kayanian by the old boatman, and gathers the scattered kin of Babak and Dara. He claims the throne as Esfandiyar’s heir, founds a city, and rides for Istakhr.

D6.7.22
I spring from Esfandiyar’s exalted line,Yet Ardavan holds what is rightly mine.
D6.7.38
Then turn on Ardavan while you are strong,And fortune young; to you these days belong.
D6.7.43
News reached Bahman, Ardavan’s eldest son;His heart grew dark with grief at what was done.

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

D6.9

Ardavan Fights Ardeshir and Falls

Ardavan brings up his armies; after forty days of fighting a black storm breaks his men’s nerve, and he is captured and cut in two at Ardeshir’s order. Two sons are imprisoned, two flee to Hindustan. Ardeshir marries Ardavan’s daughter and founds Khorra-e-Ardeshir.

D6.9.1
When news reached Ardavan, dread seized his heart,And gloom obscured his judgment’s better part.
D6.9.17
Then Ardavan’s men, shaken through with dread,Agreed as one upon the words they said:
D6.9.21
Amid the fighting Ardavan was caught;His crown would cost the life for which he fought.

Ardavan named 8 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D7.2

Ardeshir and the Daughter of Ardavan

Ardeshir marries Ardavan’s daughter. Her brother in Hind sends poison; she mixes it into a cup, the cup breaks, and hens fed the spilled food die. Ardeshir orders her killed, but she is pregnant, and his minister hides her, gelding himself and sealing the proof in a casket.

D7.2.1
When Shah Ardeshir made proud Ardavan fall,The world was his; he stood above them all.
D7.2.3
Two sons of Ardavan to Hind had flown,To share whatever good or ill was shown.
D7.2.34
The Shah commanded, “Take the woman’s head;Let Ardavan’s proud daughter join the dead.”

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

D7.3

The Daughter of Ardavan Bears a Son

The hidden queen bears Shapur, raised in secret for seven years. Grieving that he has no heir, Ardeshir is told the truth and picks his son out of a hundred matched boys at polo. He showers Shapur with gems, pardons the mother, and honors the minister on his coins.

D7.3.2
The daughter of proud Ardavan gave birthTo one of royal mien and ardent worth.
D7.3.28
You gave me Ardavan’s own daughter then,And charged me that she never rise again.
D7.3.73
He bade the daughter of Ardavan goBack to the palace free from fear and woe.