Being · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Bidبید

BEED

A Div chieftain of Mazandaran, named with Pulad Ghandi as a guardian of the White Div’s country.

In the poem: First at B4.4, Kay Kavus Writes to Zal and Rostam; last at C8.15, Rostam Defends His Race and Deeds
Named: 10 times, in 8 sections
Main stories: B5 The Seven Labors of Rostam (4); B4 The War with Mazandaran (1); B6 The Folly of Kay Kavus (1)

In the poem’s own words

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

B4.4

Kay Kavus Writes to Zal and Rostam

The blinded Kavus sends word to Zal, admitting his folly. Zal sends Rostam to rescue him by the shorter and more dangerous of two roads. Rostam swears to destroy the Divs, puts on his Babr-e Bayan and rides off on Rakhsh while Rudabeh weeps.

B4.4.48
No Arzhang, Sanja, White Div shall I spare;Nor Pulad Ghandi, Bid, this much I swear.

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

B5.5

Rostam Takes Ulad Captive

Rostam crosses a land of total darkness and lets Rakhsh graze in a planted field. He tears off the ears of the angry watchman, routs the local lord Ulad and his men, catches Ulad with his kamand and forces him to guide him to Kavus and the White Div.

B5.5.53
Where Pulad Ghandi and Bid make their lair,And where the Shah lies bound in grim despair;
B5.5.62
The house of Bid, the White Div’s secret place,I shall reveal if mercy grants me grace.
B5.5.68
Pulad Ghandi commands that dreadful band,While Bid and Sanja guard the outer land.

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

B5.8

Kavus’s Letter to Mazandaran

Kavus sends Farhad with a letter calling on the king of Mazandaran to submit. The king’s champions try to crush the envoy’s hand, but Farhad does not flinch. The king refuses in fury, and Kavus decides to send Rostam with a second letter.

B5.8.38
He grieved for Bid and Pulad Ghandi’s plight,Both stricken in the ruin of that fight.

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

B6.5

Rostam’s Message to Hamavaran

Rostam sends comfort to Kavus and a warning to the king of Hamavaran, who defies him. Rostam crosses by sea and routs the first army. The king calls in the kings of Barbar and Mesr, and Kavus secretly tells Rostam to fight without regard for his safety.

B6.5.13
How Pulad Ghandi, Bid, were struck aside,And how the White Div perished in his pride.”

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

B10.8

The Death of Pilsam

Piran’s young brother Pilsam asks leave to fight Rostam, and Afrasiab promises him a crown and his daughter. He holds off Giv and Faramarz together. Rostam rides out, lifts him from the saddle and hurls him dead before Afrasiab.

B10.8.25
He cried to Iran’s troops in challenge clear:“Where is your Rostam? Bid him now draw near.
B10.8.26
Bid your field-dragon face me in the fray;My claws are sharpened for the fight today.”

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

B14.22

Afrasiab Writes to Puladvand

Afrasiab has a letter written to Puladvand, lord of the mountains of Chin, promising half his kingdom for Rostam’s death, and sends Shideh with it. Puladvand arrives with his army. Wary of Rostam, he advises cunning, then boasts over his wine that he will cut him to pieces.

B14.22.56
Who rent the White Div’s flank and tore awayThe vitals of Pulad Ghandi and Bid that day,

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

C4.57

Zal Petitions Khosrow for Rostam

Zal recites Rostam’s services — Mazandaran, Hamavaran, Sohrab, Kamus — and asks what reward the departing Shah will leave him. Kay Khosrow grants a sealed patent making Rostam lord of Nimruz, from Zabulistan to Sind, and gives robes and gold to Zal’s companions.

C4.57.9
He tore the White Div’s flank and, in the fray,Ripped Pulad Ghandi’s guts and Bid’s away.

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

C8.15

Rostam Defends His Race and Deeds

Rostam answers with his pedigree: Nariman, Kariman, Hushang, and Sahm who killed a dragon and a Div. He claims descent through his mother from Zahhak, recounts his own wars, including the killing of Sohrab, and turns back to his wine.