Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Ardeshir (son of Shiruyeh)اردشیر

ar-da-SHEER

Shiruyeh's young son, who takes the throne after him; Guraz contrives his death.

In the poem: First at E9.1, Ardeshir, Son of Shiruyeh, Takes the Throne; last at E9.3, The Reign of Guraz, Also Called Farayin
Named: 7 times, in 3 sections
Main stories: E9 The Years of Chaos (7)
Parents: Shiruyeh
Plates: Vol III: I, Vol III: VIII, Vol III: IX

Genealogical plate: The Sasanian Succession — Volume III, Plate I: The Sasanian Succession. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 3 sections that name Ardeshir (son of Shiruyeh) most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Ardeshir (son of Shiruyeh). Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

E9.1

Ardeshir, Son of Shiruyeh, Takes the Throne

Shiruyeh’s young son Ardeshir takes the throne and speaks to the assembled chiefs, promising to worship God, keep the former Shahs’ justice and Faith, raise the loyal and cut down oppressors, and naming Pirooz Khosrow to command the army. His hearers are quieted.

E9.1.1
Now I must tell of young Ardeshir’s reign,And once more make the tale of kingship plain.
E9.1.4
Then young Ardeshir spoke before the crowd:“Well-tested warriors, valiant and proud,

Ardeshir (son of Shiruyeh) named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E9.2

Ardeshir Is Slain by Guraz’s Design

Guraz, who helped bring Khosrow Parviz down, writes from Rum denouncing the new Shah and suborns Pirooz Khosrow, the court’s minister and treasurer. At a night drinking party Pirooz clears the hall and smothers the boy king Ardeshir, whose reign has lasted six months.

E9.2.10
When he too passed and Ardeshir took crown,The people all rejoiced in his renown.
E9.2.22
Seek helpers from all quarters of the land,And sweep Ardeshir from royal command.
E9.2.32
Ardeshir sat within his royal hall,Attended by a few, and that was all.

Ardeshir (son of Shiruyeh) named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E9.3

The Reign of Guraz, Also Called Farayin

Guraz marches on Tisfoon, crowns himself as Farayin, and empties Ardeshir’s treasury on his followers. His two sons argue whether gold or royal blood makes a king. Ormozd Shahran Guraz of Istakhr conspires with the nobles and shoots him in the back on a hunt.