Character · The Shahnameh · Volume II

Bishutanپشوتن

bee-shoo-TAN

Son of Goshtasb and brother of Esfandiyar, his wise companion, who keeps his army during the Seven Stages.

In the poem: First at C6.2, Lohrasp Withdraws to Balkh; last at D1.4, Bahman Releases Zal
Named: 61 times, in 27 sections
Main stories: C8 The Tragedy of Rostam and Esfandiyar (34); C7 Esfandiyar’s Seven Stages and the Ruyin Dezh (19); D1 The Reign of Bahman, Son of Esfandiyar (4)
Parents: Goshtasb, Katayun
Plates: Vol II: VI, Vol II: VIII

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

C7.4

The Dragon of the Third Stage

Warned of a dragon whose breath draws fish from the sea, Esfandiyar has a wheeled box built and hung about with swords. The dragon swallows cart and horses, is pinned on the blades, and he hacks it dead, fainting in its venomous fumes.

C7.4.22
When black night’s banner folded up from view,Bishutan came to him as morning grew,
C7.4.24
He left his men in Bishutan’s command,And took his seat within the box as planned.
C7.4.38
Bishutan came; the army too drew near,With tears and grief and hearts consumed by fear.

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

C8.12

Rostam Is Slighted by Esfandiyar

Alone with Bishutan, Esfandiyar decides against inviting his guest and sends no summons to the meal. Bishutan pleads for peace in vain. Rostam waits at home until the hour passes, then orders his own table laid and rides out to confront the prince.

C8.12.2
Then Bishutan, his counselor, drew near,And came into the prince’s tent to hear.
C8.12.7
Then Bishutan replied, “What brother standsLike famed Esfandiyar in all these lands?
C8.12.21
Then Bishutan said, “All advice I knewTo help your soul and body, I gave you.

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

C8.19

Rostam Returns to His Palace

Leaving the tent, Rostam addresses it as the house of Jamshid, Kavus and Kay Khosrow, shamed by its present tenant. Esfandiyar answers with a roll of those who sit in it now. Bishutan pleads once more, and the prince will not hear him.

C8.19.16
Good Bishutan sits facing him; his mindLeaves worldly grief and pleasure far behind.
C8.19.20
He turned to Bishutan: “We cannot hideSuch valor; prowess must not be denied.
C8.19.26
Then Bishutan replied, “Now hear my plea;My brother, stop; this must not come to be.

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

C8.23

Rostam Flees to the Heights

The archery begins. Esfandiyar’s arrows pierce Rostam and Rakhsh while Rostam’s cannot hurt him. Rostam takes to a height on foot, refuses Zavareh’s horse, and crosses the river bleeding. Esfandiyar mourns his sons, sends them home, and marvels at his enemy.

C8.23.60
Then Bishutan came forth, oppressed by grief,For both young princes dead beyond relief.
C8.23.64
Then he told Bishutan, “Rise; weep no more;Let not such tears upon their bodies pour.
C8.23.74
Then he told Bishutan, “A lion drawsAway before a valiant warrior’s claws.

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

C8.27

Rostam Shoots Esfandiyar in the Eyes

Rostam prays, then shoots the tamarisk shaft into Esfandiyar’s eyes. The prince falls, draws the arrow out, and tells the grieving Bishutan and Bahman that the wood, the Simorgh and Zal’s craft, not Rostam’s strength, have killed him. Rostam weeps over him.

C8.27.25
It was to Bishutan that Bahman sped:“Our battle now to bitter pain is wed.
C8.27.29
Then Bishutan cast dust upon his head,And tore his robe, with cries for one near dead.
C8.27.31
Then Bishutan said, “What great man can findThe world’s deep secret, what religious mind?

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

C8.29

Bishutan Brings Esfandiyar Home

Rostam seals the prince in an iron coffin and sends him home with his shorn horse. Goshtasb mourns, but his nobles, his sisters and his mother turn on him, and Bishutan reproaches both the Shah and Jamasp. Iran mourns for a year.

C8.29.10
Before the troops, Bishutan led the steed,Its forelock, tail both shorn; a mournful deed.
C8.29.29
When Bishutan came weeping on his way,The black steed followed with the bier’s array.
C8.29.44
The army’s outcry reached the clouds on high;Then Bishutan approached the Shah nearby.

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

C8.30

Rostam Sends Bahman Back to Iran

Bahman grows up in Zabul under Rostam’s teaching. Rostam writes to Goshtasb and is pardoned. Years later Jamasp urges the Shah to send for his grandson; Rostam loads him with treasure and escorts him on his way, and Goshtasb names him Ardeshir.

C8.30.7
“God is my witness; Bishutan can showHow much I pleaded that he should forgo
C8.30.17
Then Bishutan came forward to attest,And told the truth that burdened Rostam’s breast.
C8.30.23
Brave Bishutan has told me your intent,And by your goodness all my heart is bent.

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

D1.4

Bahman Releases Zal

Bishutan reproaches the Shah: the vengeance is finished, and an old man’s prayer against a lawless king is dangerous. Bahman repents, frees Zal, and has Faramarz entombed. Rudabeh’s mourning curses Esfandiyar’s seed, and at dawn the army leaves Zabul for Iran.

D1.4.1
Wise Bishutan, the minister of state,Grew sick at heart from bloodshed and from hate.
D1.4.17
The Shah heard Bishutan’s wise words; his mindFelt deep remorse for deeds now left behind.
D1.4.21
At Bishutan’s request, within a tombThey laid slain Faramarz amid the gloom.