New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Horse · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Behzadبهزاد

beh-ZAHD

Siavash’s black horse, which waits in the wild for Kay Khosrow.

In the poem
First at B9.52, Siavash’s Farewell to Farangis; last at C6.17, Nastur and Esfandiyar Slay Bidarfesh
Named
6 times, in 4 sections (including 3 where the name may belong to another Behzad)
Main stories
C6 Goshtasb, Zardosht, and the War with Arjasp (3); B9 The Story of Siavash (2); C4 The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow (1)
Pictures
5 panels · identity sheets

How we draw Behzad

The identity sheet the illustrator works from. Tap to open full size. More in the Art section.
Behzad (Shabrang Behzad), identity sheet: War-horse
War-horse

In the pictures

Behzad in 5 woodcut panels of the illustrated poem, in story order. Tap one to see it with the couplets it illustrates.
Siavash's Farewell to BehzadB9.52Siavash's Farewell to BehzadBehzad Knows Siavash's SaddleB10.19Behzad Knows Siavash's SaddleFarangis Weeps against Behzad's ManeB10.19Farangis Weeps against Behzad's ManeKhosrow Rides Behzad across the JihunB10.28Khosrow Rides Behzad across the JihunArrows Rain on the Divs in DarknessB10.35Arrows Rain on the Divs in Darkness

In the poem’s own words

The 4 sections that name Behzad most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Behzad. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.
B9.52

Siavash’s Farewell to Farangis

Siavash tells Farangis his fate: he will be beheaded, she will be saved by Piran and bear a son, Kay Khosrow, who will one day avenge him. He frees his black horse Behzad for his son, hamstrings his other horses, burns his treasure, and leaves.

  • B9.52.39
    He sought the stables of his noble steeds,And led out Behzad, famed for battle deeds.
  • B9.52.40
    Night-colored Behzad, swifter than the gale,On vengeance day would leave the wind to fail.
Behzad named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C4.8

Kay Khosrow Battles Shideh

At dawn Shideh calls Khosrow out. The Shah arms despite his soldiers’ protest, leaves Rostam in command if he falls, and rides with Shideh to a waste in Khwarazm. They fight with lance, gorz and sword until noon, and then Shideh proposes wrestling on foot.

  • C4.8.23
    He urged Behzad, his charger black as night;The wind fell back before his headlong flight.
Behzad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C6.12

The Opening of the Battle

The armies close under a storm of arrows. Goshtasb watches from the mountain on armored Behzad. Ardeshir rides out and is shot through the waist; Hormizd avenges him and falls; Shidasp unhorses a Turkish champion and is killed by an arrow in turn.

  • C6.12.4
    He called for black Behzad, that mighty horse,Like Mount Bistoon in stature and in force.
Behzad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C6.17

Nastur and Esfandiyar Slay Bidarfesh

Mounted on Behzad, Nastur challenges Bidarfesh, who is riding Zarir’s horse in Zarir’s armor. As they fight Esfandiyar arrives; Bidarfesh flees, hurls his poisoned weapon, and Esfandiyar catches it in flight and drives it through him, then recovers Zarir’s arms, horse and banner.

  • C6.17.1
    The Shah gave Behzad, jowshan, helm of steel,To young Nastur, of firm, unfailing zeal.
  • C6.17.6
    When no reply came back, he urged his steed,Night-colored Behzad, through the ranks at speed.
Behzad named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

On the maps

Story maps that show Behzad or tell a part of the story that names Behzad.
B10.15–B10.29Giv’s Seven-Year Quest and the Flight Home across the Jihun

Where it appears

Named mentions by book, from the Universe Registry, the index behind this site. Titles and epithets are not counted.
B9The Story of Siavash2C4The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow1C6Goshtasb, Zardosht, and the War with Arjasp3

More in the Glossary, all the characters and the Art.