Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes II, III

Daraدارا

dah-RAH

King of Iran, son of Darab, whose realm falls to Iskandar.

In the poem: First at D3.4, Darab Rejects His Wife, and Two Births; last at E6.11, Bahram Chubin Claims the Throne
Named: 74 times, in 26 sections
Main stories: D4 Dara and Iskandar (43); D5 The Iskandar Cycle (23); D3 Darab (2)
Parents: Darab
Children: Roshanak, Sasan (who flees to Hindustan)
Plates: Vol II: I, Vol II: IX, Vol III: II

Genealogical plate: The Crown in Volume II — Volume II, Plate I: The Crown in Volume II. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

D4.2

Faylaqus Dies and Iskandar Gains the Throne

Iskandar succeeds Faylaqus and takes the sage Arastatilis as his counselor. He refuses Dara’s tribute, calls his legions to cross the world, beats Mesr in eight days, and arms for Iran. Dara musters at Istakhr and lines the Farat with troops.

D4.2.18
From Dara came this envoy to demandThe tribute owed him by that prosperous land.
D4.2.20
Caesar said, “Tell Dara we pay no more;His claim no longer binds us as before.
D4.2.41
When Dara heard the troops from Rum had stirred,And reached his land, he acted on the word.

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

D4.3

Iskandar Visits Dara Disguised as an Ambassador

Iskandar rides into Dara’s camp as his own envoy, delivers his master’s defiance, and is nearly recognized. He pockets the gold cups, claiming envoys keep them, until a returned tribute-seeker names him. He leaves at dusk and outruns a thousand pursuers.

D4.3.1
When news of Dara’s troops came down the way,Iskandar marched to meet its vast array.
D4.3.3
They spoke at length of Dara’s force and state,And told his story as they held debate.
D4.3.10
When he approached Shah Dara’s royal place,He then dismounted, bowed with courtly grace.

Dara named 9 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D4.5

Dara Fights Iskandar a Second Time

Dara pays and re-musters, crosses the river, and loses three more days of battle. Iskandar proclaims the civil population safe, rests four months, and gathers the spoil. Dara reaches Jahram, then Istakhr, and asks his chiefs to stand with him or lose everything.

D4.5.1
When Dara fled before the Roman might,He sent swift riders out to left and right.
D4.5.8
Great numbers of Iran’s brave warriors died,And fortune turned from Dara’s royal side.
D4.5.9
Dara withdrew in anguish and dismay,The sun and moon had turned their aid away.

Dara named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D4.6

Iskandar Fights Dara and Dara Flees

A third battle breaks Dara, who withdraws to Kerman. Iskandar enters Istakhr and proclaims protection for all who submit. Dara finds two-thirds of his chiefs gone, and the survivors advise him to write for peace, since the wheel will turn on Iskandar too.

D4.6.1
Iskandar learned that Dara’s royal mightHad crowned the moon from his enthroned height.
D4.6.3
His army’s midst and bounds no eye could trace;And Dara’s fortune lost its youthful grace.
D4.6.10
Night fell, and Dara broke beneath attack;Iskandar girded, set to drive him back.

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

D4.8

Dara Is Slain by His Chiefs

Dara appeals to Foor of Hind for help. Iskandar learns of it and attacks at once; Iran’s worn army gives way and Dara flees with three hundred riders. His counselors Janusiyar and Mahiyar judge him finished, and Janusiyar puts a khanjar through his breast.

D4.8.1
When Dara read the answer sent that day,He marveled at the world’s capricious way.
D4.8.18
Iskandar learned what Dara had designed,And knew what help from Hind he hoped to find.
D4.8.23
When Dara’s weary army came in view,No thirst for further battle stirred his crew.

Dara named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D4.9

Dara Tells His Last Wishes to Iskandar and Dies

Iskandar reaches the dying Dara, lifts off his crown and jowshan, and weeps. Dara preaches on fortune, asks him to guard his family, to marry his daughter Roshanak, and to keep the fire and the faith. He dies; Iskandar buries him royally and hangs the murderers.

D4.9.6
He came to Dara, pale of face and weak,His breast all blood, his face like fenugreek.
D4.9.9
He watched to see if Dara still could speak,And rubbed both hands across the royal cheek.
D4.9.19
Then Dara heard his words and softly said,“May perfect wisdom guard your heart and head.

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

D5.2

Iskandar Proposes Marriage to Dara’s Daughter

Iskandar writes to Roshanak’s mother Dalaray: he buried Dara as a king, had sought peace before the war, and now claims the bride Dara promised him. She may keep Isfahan and its officials. A second letter invites Roshanak as his first lady.

D5.2.11
The world is yours; the witnesses attestTo Dara’s counsel and his last request:
D5.2.12
How Dara gave fair Roshanak as bride,And said, ‘She is fit to be at your side.’
D5.2.16
Keep every honest governor secure,Whom Dara named to office, just and pure.

Dara named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D5.3

Dalaray Answers Iskandar’s Letter

Dalaray weeps for Dara, then has a scribe write Iskandar a gracious answer: she accepts his rule, blesses the betrothal to Roshanak, and pledges the obedience of the chiefs. She loads the envoy with gifts, and Iskandar puts on the Kayanian crown.

D5.3.3
For Dara, buried now beneath the clay,She shed red tears of blood in her dismay.
D5.3.8
We sought for Dara glory and acclaim,And graced our tongues by speaking of his name.
D5.3.13
I heard of Dara’s tomb, the gallows high,Where Mahiyar and Janusiyar came to die.