Character · The Shahnameh · Volume II

Bidarfeshبیدرفش

bee-dar-FESH

A Turanian warlock and champion, Gorgsar's brother and Arjasp's envoy, who kills Zarir and is slain by Esfandiyar.

In the poem: First at C6.5, Arjasp’s Letter to Goshtasb; last at C6.17, Nastur and Esfandiyar Slay Bidarfesh
Named: 15 times, in 7 sections
Main stories: C6 Goshtasb, Zardosht, and the War with Arjasp (15)
Plates: Vol II: VI

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

In the poem’s own words

The 7 sections that name Bidarfesh most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Bidarfesh. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

C6.5

Arjasp’s Letter to Goshtasb

Arjasp chooses two sorcerers, Bidarfesh and Namkhast, as envoys and writes to Goshtasb. The letter flatters his lineage, blames an aged mage for misleading him, offers treasure and slaves if he recants, and promises fire, slaughter and slavery if he does not.

C6.5.2
One was Bidarfesh, fierce and strong and bold,A warrior versed in spells, a warlock old.

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

C6.6

Arjasp Sends Envoys to Goshtasb

Arjasp drills his envoys in court etiquette and sends them to Balkh. Goshtasb reads the letter in fury and summons Jamasp, the Mobadan, Zardosht and Zarir, spreads the Zand-Avesta open, and asks his council how to answer.

C6.6.9
Then vengeful Bidarfesh went on his way,And bore his banner toward Balkh that day.

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

C6.8

The Envoys Bear Goshtasb’s Answer

The envoys return in disgrace and Arjasp has the reply read aloud: Goshtasb boasts of his lineage, his lions, Zarir and Esfandiyar, and throws back the musk. Arjasp musters Turan, dividing the army among Kuhram, Andariman, Gorgsar, Bidarfesh, Khashash and Hushdiv.

C6.8.54
To Bidarfesh, old Gorgsar’s brother bold,He gave the wolf-marked banner, his to hold.

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

C6.10

Goshtasb Hears Jamasp’s Prophecy

At the Jihun, Goshtasb makes Jamasp read the stars. Under oath of safety, the sage foretells the whole battle: Ardeshir, Shidasp, his own son Girami, Nivzar and finally Zarir will fall, Esfandiyar will kill Bidarfesh and Arjasp will flee. Goshtasb faints with grief.

C6.10.67
Then Bidarfesh approaches, drawing nearThe violet banner lifted on a spear.
C6.10.73
His charger and his saddle, seized as prey, Bidarfesh to the Turks will bear away.
C6.10.85
Then Bidarfesh, that miscreant in war, Will rush like ravening wolf to slaughter more.

Bidarfesh named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.11

Goshtasb and Arjasp Prepare for Battle

Scouts report the Turks encamped nearby. Goshtasb gives Zarir the standard and the center, sets Esfandiyar and another son on the wings and Nastur in the rear, then watches from a height. Arjasp arrays his hundred-thousands under Bidarfesh, Gorgsar, Namkhast and Kuhram.

C6.11.21
A hundred thousand Khallokh horsemen, triedIn many wars, stood on Bidarfesh’s side.

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

C6.14

Zarir Is Slain by Bidarfesh

After two weeks Zarir breaks the Turkish ranks. Arjasp three times offers his daughter and treasure for the man who will face him, and is answered by silence until Bidarfesh accepts, kills Zarir from ambush with a poisoned javelin and strips him. Goshtasb offers Homahyi for vengeance; nobody moves.

C6.14.29
At last strong Bidarfesh stepped from the throng,That foul old wolf, whose sorcery was strong.
C6.14.42
Woe for that royal horseman, young and dear!Foul Bidarfesh came down and stripped Zarir.
C6.14.55
For that chief warlock, Bidarfesh, in warHas struck him down and seized the flag he bore.”

Bidarfesh named 3 times 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.

C6.17.5
Where is that warlock Bidarfesh, whose handStill holds the Kaveh standard in this land?”
C6.17.12
He rode against me in this very way;Where now is Bidarfesh? Bring him today.”
C6.17.13
Then Bidarfesh came forward at the cry,The violet banner lifted toward the sky.