Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Barzinبرزین

bar-ZEEN

Azar Barzin, one of the three great sacred fires of Iran. Also the name of several men: the old dehqan whose three daughters marry Bahram Goor, Ram Barzin (Mobad and general of Qobad and Anooshirvan), and the father of Kharrad Barzin.

In the poem: First at D9.6, Yazdegard Jails Bahram, but He Escapes; last at E6.35, Khosrow Writes to the Khan of Bahram
Named: 43 times, in 24 sections
Main stories: D10 The Bahram Goor Cycle: Justice, Foreign Adventures, and End of a Reign (13); E5 Hormizd, Son of Anooshirvan (10); E6 Khosrow Parviz (8)

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.

D9.6

Yazdegard Jails Bahram, but He Escapes

Caught dozing after a day’s service, Bahram is stripped of cap and girdle and confined a year. He persuades Caesar’s envoy Taynush to obtain his release and rides back to Yemen. Yazdegard’s star-readers then foretell his death near Tus, at the spring of Sav.

D9.6.41
The Shah swore by Kharrad of high renown,By Barzin and the yellow sun’s bright crown:

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

D9.11

Bahram Goor Approaches with Monzer’s Army

Monzer levies thirty thousand Arab spearmen and camps on dry ground near Jahram. He advises Bahram to feast the Iranian chiefs and hear them out before fighting. Bahram sets an ivory throne on the plain, Numan beside him with a naked blade, and receives Iran’s nobles.

D9.11.5
The potentates, all sunk in deep concern,Went to Barzin’s fire-temple in their turn.

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

D10.13

Bahram Weds the Daughters of Noble Barzin

Bahram rides to the sea with elephants, hawks and cheetahs. His black falcon Toghri carries off a crane; following its bells he finds Barzin’s garden and three harping daughters, drinks, and asks for all three as brides. Later he transfixes a mating pair of Gur-e-Khars with one shaft.

D10.13.37
A wise old man was he, Barzin by name,Whose heart grew troubled when the monarch came.
D10.13.41
Yet if the Shah takes pleasure in my land,Barzin’s own glory rises at your hand.”
D10.13.44
Barzin replied, “I saw a sable bird,With golden bells, whose ringing I had heard.

Barzin named 10 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D10.19

The Khan of Chin Invades Iran

Word spreads that Bahram neglects his frontiers, and the Khan of Chin invades. The nobles rage while the Shah keeps hunting and secretly arms. He leaves Narsi as regent and rides toward Azargashasp, and the frightened nobles send the Khan a letter of submission.

D10.19.26
Then Mehr Pirooz Kharzad came to standWith Mehr Barzin Farhad at his command.
D10.19.29
Their hearts grew glad upon the battle day;Dad Barzin ruled; Zabul would all obey.
D10.19.30
Gharan and Burzmehr joined the gathered band;Grim Rad Barzin came too at his command.

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

D13.19

The Death of Nushzad

Ram Barzin marches from Madain; Nushzad arrays the Christians and the men of Rum under Shammas. Old Pirooz pleads with him in vain. An arrow strikes the prince; dying, he asks for Christian burial and sends word to his mother, and Ram Barzin weeps over him.

D13.19.1
He handed Ram Barzin the Shah’s command,Which told him how to deal with Nushzad’s band.
D13.19.5
From Madain’s gates a mighty army came,And Ram Barzin led on to war and fame.
D13.19.11
When Ram Barzin beheld their rising cloud,He blew the karnays, and his ranks stood proud.

Barzin named 6 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E5.7

Bahram Chubin Rides against Saveh

Bahram asks for a recorder of deeds and marches from Tisfoon. He takes a sheep’s head from a seller’s basket as an omen of Saveh’s beheading. The Shah, warned he will one day turn, tries to recall him and is refused. A horseman is executed for stealing straw.

E5.7.62
One moonrise night he spoke to Barzin’s son,Kharrad, and said, “Prepare; this must be done.
E5.7.72
Kharrad, son of Barzin, made ready then,And left as ordered by the king of men.
E5.7.85
Kharrad, son of Barzin, answered then:“The force before you is a few stray men.

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

E5.22

Bahram Chubin Claims Royal Title

Bahram holds court on an ivory throne, wearing Siavash’s crown. The chief scribe warns Kharrad, and the two flee Balkh by night. Horsemen bring the scribe back; Bahram, hearing that he fled in fear, pays him for his losses and returns him to his desk.

E5.22.8
Kharrad, son of Barzin, was racked with pain,And saw that patient counsel had proved vain.
E5.22.18
Though Barzin’s crafty son outstripped the chase,The burdened scribe was halted in his race:

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

E6.14

Caesar’s Horseman Comes to Khosrow

A Roman horseman brings Caesar’s welcome and a promise of arms. Khosrow briefs his envoys for the Roman court — to win at polo and archery, to write few words for philosophers to weigh — and sends them. Kharrad delivers the letter standing, and Caesar weeps.

E6.14.9
Kharrad, Barzin’s son, stood among the rest,To these the Shah his royal charge addressed:
E6.14.17
The Shah then said to Kharrad, Barzin’s heir:“Bring silk from Chin and black musk, with due care.

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

All 24 sections that name Barzin