Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Barmanبارمان

bahr-MAHN

A Turanian champion who kills Qobad in single combat; he is later slain by Rohham in the Battle of the Twelve Rokhs.

In the poem: First at B1.2, Pashang Hears of Manuchehr’s Death; last at C3.33, Rohham Battles Barman
Named: 30 times, in 14 sections
Main stories: B1 The Crisis after Manuchehr (15); B8 The Tragedy of Rostam & Sohrab (4); C3 The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs (4)
Parents: Viseh
Plates: Vol I: VI, Vol II: IV

Genealogical plate: The House of Tur — Volume I, Plate VI: The House of Tur. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

B1.2

Pashang Hears of Manuchehr’s Death

Hearing that Manuchehr is dead and Nohzar’s rule is faltering, Pashang of Turan resolves to avenge Tur and Salm. He summons his son Afrasiab, who eagerly takes command, although his brother Aghriras counsels caution.

B1.2.7
Aghriras came, with Barman, strong of hand;Garsivaz too, and Kulbad joined the band.

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

B1.4

Barman and Qobad in Single Combat

The Turk Barman challenges the Iranians, and only old Qobad answers him. Qobad falls. Gharan leads a furious charge against the Turanian ranks and fights Afrasiab until sorcerous darkness ends the day.

B1.4.3
A Turk named Barman rode to scout the field,Who roused the sleeping brave to sword and shield.
B1.4.9
But wise Aghriras spoke with guarded care:“If harm should come to Barman, chiefs despair.
B1.4.12
At this Afrasiab’s anger filled his breast;He turned to Barman with a sharp behest:

Barman named 9 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B1.6

Nohzar’s Third Battle with Afrasiab

In the third battle Shapur falls and Nohzar retreats into the fortress of Dehestan. When Afrasiab sends Kurukhan to seize the royal women in Pars, Gharan and the chiefs slip away by night against the Shah’s wishes, and Gharan kills Barman on the road.

B1.6.53
Across the fortress Barman blocked the way,With elephants and warriors in array.
B1.6.57
Then Barman came, like lion fierce and grim,To meet the storm that now advanced on him.
B1.6.61
Then Gharan drove his spear through Barman’s belt,And broke the frame beneath the blow he dealt.

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

B1.7

Nohzar Is Taken by Afrasiab

Nohzar rides after Gharan but is overtaken and captured with twelve hundred nobles. Afrasiab orders a search for Gharan, learns that Gharan has killed Barman, and sends Barman’s grieving father, Viseh, after him.

B1.7.20
“Let Barman go,” he said, “with lion’s might,And seize the chief before he leaves our sight.”
B1.7.21
They told him then how Barman had been slain,And from his horse was cast upon the plain.

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

B3.3

Afrasiab Goes to His Father

Afrasiab returns to Pashang and blames him for the war. He describes Rostam’s terrifying strength, lists the Turanian champions lost, confesses the shame of killing Aghriras, and urges his father to make peace and keep to Fereydoon’s old frontiers.

B3.3.42
Kulbad is gone, and Barman, lion’s bane,And Khazarvan, whom Zal’s great gorz has slain.

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

B8.7

Afrasiab Sends Envoys to Sohrab

Afrasiab hears of Sohrab’s army and sees his chance. He sends Houman and Barman with twelve thousand men and rich gifts, secretly ordering them to keep father and son from recognizing each other. Sohrab welcomes them and marches on Iran, burning as he goes.

B8.7.8
Houman and Barman, battle-tempered pair,Who faced the lions and would never spare.
B8.7.24
No chiefs in Turan match the men I send;Houman and Barman shall your cause attend.
B8.7.31
With Barman, he presented every prize,The letter, arms, and gear before his eyes.

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

B9.16

Siavash Leads the Army

Kavus equips twelve thousand horsemen and twelve thousand foot under the Kaviani banner and parts from Siavash in tears. After a month in Zabulistan, Siavash and Rostam march by Herat to Balkh, defeat the forces of Garsivaz and take the city.

B9.16.38
Then Garsivaz and Barman moved in force,Like rushing wind they drove along their course.
B9.16.39
With Barman in the van and in the rearSipahram marched, alert as news drew near.

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

C3.33

Rohham Battles Barman

Rohham and Barman shatter their bows, then fight with spears and swords. Rohham’s spear takes Barman in the thigh and unhorses him; a second thrust goes through his back. He drags the body head-down for Siavash, binds it on the horse and claims the height.

C3.33.1
Fifth, Rohham, son of Gudarz, took his placeAnd met bold Barman on the field, face to face.
C3.33.6
His spear struck Barman’s thigh with forceful might,And brought him from his horse amid the fight.
C3.33.7
Like dust, then Barman parted from his foe;Rohham came on to deal another blow.