Character · The Shahnameh · Volume II

Bahmanبهمن

bah-MAN

Son of Esfandiyar, entrusted to Rostam's care, who succeeds Goshtasb as Shah and wreaks vengeance on Zabul; father of Homahyi.

In the poem: First at D1.1, Bahman Seeks Vengeance for His Father; last at D1.5, Bahman Marries His Daughter Homahyi
Named: 13 times, in 5 sections
Main stories: D1 The Reign of Bahman, Son of Esfandiyar (13)
Parents: Esfandiyar
Children: Homahyi, Sasan, Homahyi (Bahman)
Plates: Vol II: I, Vol II: VI, Vol II: VIII, Vol II: IX

Genealogical plate: The Crown in Volume II — Volume II, Plate I: The Crown in Volume II. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

D1.1

Bahman Seeks Vengeance for His Father

Bahman takes his grandfather’s throne, pays his troops, and tells the nobles he means to avenge Esfandiyar on Rostam’s family. The court answers that he should do as he wishes. He marches on Sistan with a hundred thousand horsemen.

D1.1.1
Bahman ascended his grandfather’s throne;He donned his belt, and made his bounty known.
D1.1.32
When Bahman heard their words, his anger burned;With sharper zeal to vengeance now he turned.

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

D1.2

Bahman Humiliates Zal

Bahman halts on the Hirmund and sends Zal a threat. Zal pleads Rostam’s long service and offers all his treasure. Bahman comes, hears him out, then has his feet bound, loads the wealth of Sistan onto camels, and gives Zabul over to plunder.

D1.2.1
When Bahman reached the Hirmund’s riverside,His heart was fixed on vengeance as his guide.
D1.2.24
But Bahman spurned the plea that Zal had sent;His heart remained on blood and vengeance bent.
D1.2.32
But Bahman’s fury mounted at the plea;Zal’s former standing ebbed for all to see.

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

D1.3

Faramarz Fights Bahman

Faramarz marches from Bost to avenge his grandfather. After three days of battle a wind turns against him and his army breaks; he fights on until his horse falls under the arrows. Taken alive, he is hung head-down on a gibbet and shot dead.

D1.3.3
When Bahman heard the news upon his throne,His anger rose; his fury now was shown.

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

D1.4

Bahman Releases Zal

Bishutan reproaches the Shah: the vengeance is finished, and an old man’s prayer against a lawless king is dangerous. Bahman repents, frees Zal, and has Faramarz entombed. Rudabeh’s mourning curses Esfandiyar’s seed, and at dawn the army leaves Zabul for Iran.

D1.4.27
Her cries of mourning spread across the plain,And reached both Bishutan and Bahman’s train.
D1.4.28
The minister grew pale to hear her cries,Then spoke to Bahman, prudent still and wise:

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

D1.5

Bahman Marries His Daughter Homahyi

Bahman has a son, Sasan, and a daughter, Homahyi, whom he takes as his wife. Falling ill, he leaves the crown to her and to her unborn child. Sasan flees to Nishapur in shame; his son and namesake grows up there herding the king’s flocks.

D1.5.1
King Bahman had a son, a lion in might;He named him Sasan, dauntless in the fight.
D1.5.5
Fair Homahyi, bright as the moon at night,Conceived a child by Bahman, lord of might.
D1.5.13
When young Sasan had heard what Bahman said,The world grew dark, and hope within him fled.