Being · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Arzhang Divارژنگ دیو

ar-ZHANGalso Arzhangalso Div Arzhang

A Div commander of Mazandaran, killed by Rostam in the Seven Trials.

In the poem: First at B4.3, Kay Kavus Ventures to Mazandaran; last at B13.8, Tus and Houman Meet in Combat
Named: 16 times, in 8 sections
Main stories: B5 The Seven Labors of Rostam (6); B4 The War with Mazandaran (5); B13 Mount Hamavan and the Kamus Campaign (3)

In the poem’s own words

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

B4.3

Kay Kavus Ventures to Mazandaran

Kavus leaves Milad to guard Iran and marches to Mazandaran. Giv sacks a city of dazzling wealth, but the king of Mazandaran summons the White Div, who blinds the Shah and his army with sorcerous darkness, takes them captive and sends their treasure to the king.

B4.3.67
He gave to Arzhang, captain of that land,And charged him thus to act at his command:
B4.3.73
Then Arzhang went before his sovereign lord,With royal spoils and all the gathered hoard.

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

B4.4

Kay Kavus Writes to Zal and Rostam

The blinded Kavus sends word to Zal, admitting his folly. Zal sends Rostam to rescue him by the shorter and more dangerous of two roads. Rostam swears to destroy the Divs, puts on his Babr-e Bayan and rides off on Rakhsh while Rudabeh weeps.

B4.4.30
Let Arzhang and the White Div lose all hope;No life remains where your great weapons cope.
B4.4.48
No Arzhang, Sanja, White Div shall I spare;Nor Pulad Ghandi, Bid, this much I swear.
B4.4.50
Till Arzhang’s hands are bound and held secure,A halter round his neck made fast and sure;

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

B5.5

Rostam Takes Ulad Captive

Rostam crosses a land of total darkness and lets Rakhsh graze in a planted field. He tears off the ears of the angry watchman, routs the local lord Ulad and his men, catches Ulad with his kamand and forces him to guide him to Kavus and the White Div.

B5.5.95
For Arzhang Div is there; when cries arise,His roaring tumult shakes the darkened skies.”

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

B5.6

Rostam Fights the Div Arzhang

Rostam storms Arzhang Div’s camp, tears off his head and scatters the Divs. Guided by Ulad, he reaches the blinded, captive Kavus, who tells him the way to the White Div’s cave and that only that Div’s blood can cure their blindness.

B5.6.1
In royal helm and Babr-e Bayan sweat-stained,He sought out Arzhang where the Divs all reigned.
B5.6.5
Like Azargashasp, Rostam spurred ahead,And closed on Arzhang with a lightning tread.
B5.6.30
If White Div learns that Arzhang has been slain,And you are here, the male Divs flood the plain.

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

B5.8

Kavus’s Letter to Mazandaran

Kavus sends Farhad with a letter calling on the king of Mazandaran to submit. The king’s champions try to crush the envoy’s hand, but Farhad does not flinch. The king refuses in fury, and Kavus decides to send Rostam with a second letter.

B5.8.15
But if defiance is the path you tread,Join Arzhang and White Div among the dead.”
B5.8.35
When he heard tell of Arzhang fallen low,And of the White Div struck by fatal blow,

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

B12.17

The Iranians Battle Tazhav

Giv offers Tazhav, an Iranian by birth, safe conduct if he submits. Tazhav refuses; Bijan starts the battle, routs the Turanians and snatches Tazhav’s crown. Tazhav flees with Espanoye behind him, then leaves her when his horse tires. Bijan brings her to camp, and the Iranians seize Tazhav’s herds.

B12.17.36
Beside him rode brave Arzhang fierce in fight,And Mardvi, lion-hearted in his might.
B12.17.38
Brave Arzhang soon withdrew himself from strife;Most Turanians there were robbed of life.

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

B13.7

Tus Slays Arzhang

The Turanian champion Arzhang, son of Zereh, challenges the Iranians. Tus rides out and kills him with one blow. Houman steadies the dismayed Turanians and advises single combat first and a massed attack the next day.

B13.7.1
Among Turan was Arzhang, famed in fight,Whose battle-name had climbed the clouds’ full height.
B13.7.5
He said: “Arzhang am I, renowned in fight,A steadfast lion, patient in his might.

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

B13.8

Tus and Houman Meet in Combat

Houman and Tus exchange insults and offers of peace, and Giv angrily urges an end to talk. The two commanders fight with gorz, sword and bow. Tus kills Houman’s horse, but night separates them before either wins.