Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Bijan (Ashkanian)بیژن

bee-ZHAHN

A Pahlevan of Turk-Khan's line at Samarkand, whom Mahwi calls in after Yazdegard's murder and who turns on him, captures him and has him mutilated; also an Ashkanian king of Kayanian descent.

In the poem: First at D6.2, The Tribal Kings; last at E10.14, The Death of Mahwi of Sur
Named: 21 times, in 5 sections
Main stories: E10 Yazdegard (20); D6 The Ashkanian Dynasty (1)
Plates: Vol III: IX, Vol III: II

Genealogical plate: The Last Reigns and the Fall — Volume III, Plate IX: The Last Reigns and the Fall. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 5 sections that name Bijan (Ashkanian) most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Bijan (Ashkanian). Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

D6.2

The Tribal Kings

With Iskandar gone, no one rules the whole world. Princes of Arash’s line hold separate corners of it for two hundred years as the Tribal Kings. Ferdowsi lists the Ashkanians — Ashk, Gudarz, Ardavan, Bahram — and admits he has nothing but their names.

D6.2.12
Gudarz the Ashkanian, brave and bright,And Bijan, a Kayanian of might.

Bijan (Ashkanian) named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E10.9

Yazdegard Hides in the Mill

Mahwi brings Turkish troops from Samarkand against his own Shah and flees the field, leaving him ringed. Yazdegard fights, escapes, and hides in a mill beside the Zark. The miller offers barley bread and cress; the king asks for barsom, and the errand betrays him.

E10.9.1
There was a Pahlevan of Turk-Khan’s line,Bijan by name, whom Fortune made to shine.
E10.9.8
Bijan considered what the letter meant,And saw Mahwi on winning empire bent.
E10.9.14
Bijan replied, “It is well; I will not go;Barsam shall lead the force against the foe.”

Bijan (Ashkanian) named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E10.12

Mahwi of Sur Takes the Throne

Ferdowsi breaks off to curse a hailstorm that has ruined his own year, then returns. Mahwi kills the mourners and plunders the land, invents a story that the dying Shah gave him crown and signet, and seizes Khorasan; his captains know the tale is false.

E10.12.57
Against Bijan my sword shall now be drawn;Through him our Shah’s bright Fortune lost its dawn.”

Bijan (Ashkanian) named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E10.13

Bijan Marches against Mahwi

Bijan of Samarkand hears that Mahwi has taken the throne. Barsam tells how Mahwi used his troops at Marv, abandoned his own Shah in the field and then murdered him. Told that the royal line is finished, Bijan waits for Mahwi’s army to cross and meets it near Paykand.

E10.13.1
In time the news to mighty Bijan came:“Mahwi has seized the throne and royal name.
E10.13.4
“Who gave the crown to him?” then Bijan said;The speaker told how Mahwi ruled instead.
E10.13.24
When Bijan heard, he gathered for the fightHis Turkish horsemen, warriors of might.

Bijan (Ashkanian) named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E10.14

The Death of Mahwi of Sur

Barsam runs Mahwi down on the desert near Farab and brings him in alive. Bijan has his hand, then his feet, ears and nose cut off, leaves him bound on the hot sand, and burns him with his three sons. The age of Umar begins.

E10.14.1
When Bijan had arrayed his troops to fight,He planned to ambush Iran’s force outright.
E10.14.3
Bijan looked forth, beheld his flag, and knewThat Mahwi from the open fight withdrew.
E10.14.15
He answered, “No; Bijan has not yet heardThat I have trapped this faithless, evil bird.”