Character · The Shahnameh · Volume II

Bitlqunبیطقون

beet-el-GHOON

Iskandar's minister, who sits on Iskandar's throne as king while Iskandar poses as one of his train.

In the poem: First at D5.19, Iskandar Captures King Faryan’s Fortress; last at D5.23, Iskandar and Kaydafa Reach an Agreement
Named: 15 times, in 4 sections
Main stories: D5 The Iskandar Cycle (15)
Plates: Vol II: VII

Genealogical plate: The Houses beyond Iran — Volume II, Plate VII: The Houses beyond Iran. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

D5.19

Iskandar Captures King Faryan’s Fortress

Iskandar storms King Faryan’s fortress within a week and forbids bloodshed. Among the captives are Kaydafa’s son Qaydrush and his bride. Iskandar sets his minister Bitlqun on the throne to condemn Qaydrush, then pleads for him in the guise of an envoy, and wins the prince’s gratitude.

D5.19.15
The minister was Bitlqun, wise of mind,A counselor to whom fate had been kind.
D5.19.21
Bitlqun grew troubled, for he could not knowWhat hidden purpose lay beneath the show.
D5.19.25
Bitlqun replied, “I shall obey your will,And practice every craft with secret skill.”

Bitlqun named 7 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D5.20

Iskandar Plays Envoy and Is Recognized

Calling himself Bitlqun, Iskandar rides with Qaydrush to Kaydafa’s court, marvels at her crystal halls, and delivers his own demand for tribute. Taken aside, he is confronted with the silk portrait and named. Cornered, he regrets having no blade and threatens bloodshed.

D5.20.2
He said, “Call me Bitlqun upon the way;Let none reveal the part I mean to play.”
D5.20.64
“Why stare at this, O Bitlqun?” asked the queen.“Has Rum no palace such as you have seen?”
D5.20.74
Bitlqun am I, steward of all you see;No son of Faylaqus should you call me.”

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

D5.21

Kaydafa Counsels Iskandar

Kaydafa reproves Iskandar for risking his life, explains the gallery of royal portraits and horoscopes by which she knows every king, and promises secrecy if he swears to spare her kin. He swears by his faith and his sword; she warns him against her son Taynush.

D5.21.19
I call you Bitlqun while you stay with me,And set your seat apart, as yours should be.
D5.21.40
Before her lay a posy, musk-sweet, fair;Her sons and Bitlqun stood before her chair.
D5.21.43
Let Bitlqun leave you happy, satisfied,And give him one to lead him as his guide.

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

D5.23

Iskandar and Kaydafa Reach an Agreement

Iskandar swears a Christian oath never to return in arms. Kaydafa’s chiefs counsel peace, and she sends him off with her father’s crown, a seventy-part throne and a vast inventory of gifts. He then rings Taynush’s ambush with armed men, spares him, and reveals himself.