New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Character · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Ashkabusاشکبوس

ash-ka-BOOS

A Kashani champion whom Rostam, on foot, kills with one arrow.

In the poem
First at B13.28, Rostam Battles Ashkabus; last at B14.27, Rostam’s Return to Court
Named
12 times, in 5 sections
Main stories
B13 Mount Hamavan and the Kamus Campaign (10); B14 The Great Battle with the Khan of Chin (2)

In the poem’s own words

The 5 sections that name Ashkabus most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Ashkabus. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.
B13.28

Rostam Battles Ashkabus

Ashkabus of Kashan beats Rohham in single combat. Rostam comes out on foot, mocks him and shoots his horse, then kills him with one arrow through the chest. The Khan, seeing the huge arrow, accuses Piran of hiding the enemy’s strength.

  • B13.28.1
    A warrior named Ashkabus came forth,His koust-like voice rolled thunder south and north.
  • B13.28.9
    Then Ashkabus raised iron gorz on high;Earth turned to iron, ebony the sky.
  • B13.28.12
    Tus at the center saw this, hot with wrath,And spurred to meet Ashkabus on the path.
Ashkabus named 8 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B13.29

Piran Reckons with Rostam’s Coming

Piran insists that the unknown archer cannot be Rostam, who never fights on foot, and describes Rostam’s strength, arms, tiger-skin and horse. Kamus, far from afraid, swears by God not to rest until he has avenged Ashkabus.

  • B13.29.13
    Ashkabus lies dead upon the ground,While Tus and Giv rejoice with cries around.
Ashkabus named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B13.30

Iran and Turan Prepare for Battle

The allied kings hold a war council by night and resolve on an all-out attack, the Khan refusing further delay. Rostam encourages the Iranians, promises spoils, and arms himself in mail, jowshan, Babr-e Bayan and helmet before mounting Rakhsh.

  • B13.30.25
    With faces ebony-dark, Turan withdrew,When Ashkabus was slain before their view.
Ashkabus named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B14.6

Turan’s Counsel before Battle

Piran warns his kinsmen and the Khan that Rostam has come for vengeance, while the kin of Kamus and Chingish swear to burn Sistan. Shangul, king of Hind, mocks the fear of ‘one Sagzi’ and promises to lead the attack. Houman foresees disaster.

  • B14.6.33
    The kin of Ashkabus and Chingish came;Their drum-like clamor rose in grief and flame.
Ashkabus named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B14.27

Rostam’s Return to Court

The army returns laden with Turanian treasure. Kay Khosrow rides out in festive state, embraces Rostam and brings him to the palace, where Gudarz tells the story of the war over wine. The Shah praises Rostam, and the court feasts for a month.

  • B14.27.33
    Of Khan, Kamus, and Ashkabus he said,Of elephants, of kousts, and ranks they led.
Ashkabus named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

Where the name appears

Named mentions by book, from the Universe Registry, the index behind this site. Titles and epithets are not counted.
B13Mount Hamavan and the Kamus Campaign10B14The Great Battle with the Khan of Chin2

More in the Glossary and the index of characters.