Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Barzinبرزین

bar-ZEEN

An Iranian champion.

In the poem: First at B1.12, Zal Hears of Nohzar’s Death; last at C6.3, Zardosht Appears before Goshtasb
Named: 12 times, in 11 sections
Main stories: B7 The Fight of the Seven Warriors (3); B3 Kay Qobad (2); B1 The Crisis after Manuchehr (1)

In the poem’s own words

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

B1.12

Zal Hears of Nohzar’s Death

The Iranians mourn Nohzar and Zal vows vengeance. The captives at Sari beg Aghriras for help, and he promises to withdraw if an Iranian force approaches. Keshvad rides from Zabul, Aghriras pulls back, and Zal welcomes the freed nobles.

B1.12.33
The King of Kabulistan joins the call,With Barzin, battle-ready before all.

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

B3.1

Kay Qobad Takes the Throne

Kay Qobad is crowned and at once leads the army against Afrasiab. The Iranian battle order is set out with Rostam in the van, the Kaviani banner flies, and Gharan cuts through the Turanian ranks and kills Shamasas.

B3.1.2
The chiefs drew near: brave Zal and Gharan bold,With Keshvad, Kharrad, Barzin famed of old.

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

B3.4

Pashang Sues Kay Qobad for Peace

Pashang writes to Kay Qobad offering peace on the basis of Fereydoon’s ancient division of the world, with the Jihun as the frontier. Qobad accepts and the Turanians withdraw. Despite Rostam’s protest, the Shah rewards his champions and gives Rostam the rule of Nimruz.

B3.4.63
To Gharan, Keshvad, Kharrad, Barzin bold,And Pulad too, he gave rich gems and gold.

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

B5.10

Kavus Wars with Mazandaran

The armies meet, and Rostam spears the boasting champion Juya out of the saddle. After a week of battle Kavus prays; Rostam then spears the sorcerer-king, who turns himself into a rock. Rostam carries it to camp, the king emerges and is killed, and Ulad receives Mazandaran.

B5.10.72
With Farhad, Kharrad, Barzin pressing near,They surged once more with vengeance sharp and clear.

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

B7.1

Rostam and the Seven Warriors Go Hunting

At a feast at Nawand, Giv proposes a hunt in Afrasiab’s own preserves. Rostam and the champions hunt across the Turanian border for a week, with Guraza as lookout. Afrasiab sends thirty thousand men to trap them, and Rostam, warned, calls for more wine.

B7.1.9
There blazed the Fire of Barzin, clear and bright,Its sacred flame gave Nawand’s halls their light.
B7.1.13
Then Barzin and Guraza joined the throng,The crown and glory of that gathering strong.

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

B7.2

Rostam Battles the Turanians

Giv rides to hold the bridge, but Afrasiab’s army has already crossed. Rostam and the champions charge. Afrasiab sends Piran with ten thousand men, and Rostam cuts them down until Afrasiab thinks of retreat.

B7.2.13
Bahram and Barzin, Farhad joined the band,And Zangeh of Shavaran took his stand.

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

B11.5

The Mustering of the Pahlevans

When the sun enters Virgo, Kay Khosrow has a new army register drawn up, clan by clan: the kin of Kavus under Fariborz, Nohzar’s line, the sons of Gudarz and the other great houses. He orders the army out to the plain to await the new month.

B11.5.20
The kin of Barzin numbered seventy men,Fierce lions in the shock of battle then.

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

B13.9

The Second Battle of Iran and Turan

At dawn both armies deploy. Houman orders a close-quarters charge, while Tus and Gudarz, greatly outnumbered, put their trust in God. The chiefs are paired off in single combats, and Tus leads his footmen forward.