Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Faramarzفرامرز

fa-rah-MARZ

Rostam's son, who avenges his father's death and later falls fighting Bahman.

In the poem: First at B9.54, Farangis Pleads before Afrasiab; last at D1.4, Bahman Releases Zal
Named: 58 times, in 28 sections
Main stories: B10 Vengeance for Siavash and the Retrieval of Kay Khosrow (18); C8 The Tragedy of Rostam and Esfandiyar (11); C9 Rostam and Shaghad (9)
Parents: Rostam
Plates: Vol I: VII, Vol II: VIII

Genealogical plate: The House of Sahm — Volume I, Plate VII: The House of Sahm. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

B10.5

Faramarz Slays Varazad

Rostam’s son Faramarz leads the vanguard to the Turanian border. Varazad, lord of Sipanjab, challenges him and demands his name. Faramarz unhorses him, beheads him in Siavash’s name, and burns his land.

B10.5.1
The army’s vanguard Faramarz now led,Brave Rostam’s son, sepahbod at its head.
B10.5.2
At Turan’s border Faramarz drew near,A wary watchman saw his force appear.
B10.5.7
He left his army’s center in a dash,And rode toward Faramarz before the clash.

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

B10.6

Surkha Marches against Rostam

Afrasiab opens his treasuries and sends his son Surkha against Faramarz. Faramarz defeats and captures him. Tus pleads for the young prince’s life, but Rostam has him killed with basin and khanjar, as Siavash was killed.

B10.6.16
For Faramarz is there; bring back his head,But fear the son of Zal, whose name is dread.
B10.6.24
The outposts saw the dust clouds rise and spread,And warned brave Faramarz of troops ahead.
B10.6.31
Then Faramarz broke forward from the line,And met him spear to spear in harsh design.

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

B10.9

Afrasiab Flees before Rostam

Afrasiab breaks the Iranian right. Rostam charges him, kills his horse and nearly seizes him, but Houman strikes Rostam with a gorz and Afrasiab escapes. The Turanians are routed, and Tus teases Rostam about the blow.

B10.9.9
Then Rostam from the center forward pressedWith Faramarz and armored troops abreast;
B10.9.12
He struck down many of that hostile horde,While Tus and Faramarz beside him warred.

Faramarz named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B11.7

Rostam Is Sent to the Land of Hind

Rostam asks Kay Khosrow to win back a border province once held by Tur, which now pays tribute to Turan. The Shah agrees and gives the task, with a strong army, to Rostam’s son Faramarz.

B11.7.2
Great Rostam came before the royal throne,With Faramarz and Zavareh, well known.
B11.7.18
Now give Faramarz warriors proved in war,A mighty force drawn from your finest corps.
B11.7.19
Through Faramarz the venture shall succeed,His hook can reach the nahang’s jaws at need.”

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

C8.22

Zavareh and Faramarz Slay Esfandiyar’s Sons

Zavareh taunts the waiting Iranians and Esfandiyar’s sons answer. Zavareh kills Nush Azar and Faramarz kills Mehr-e-Nush. Rostam swears he gave no order and offers his brother and son for punishment; Esfandiyar refuses the exchange and promises to pin him to his horse.

C8.22.30
Then Faramarz came fiercely to the fight,An Indian sword in hand, with tusker’s might.
C8.22.37
Then Faramarz slew him, now forced to standOn foot; his blood made rubies of the land.
C8.22.54
And Faramarz, his hands bound, I shall bringBefore you, God-revering prince and king.

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

C9.5

Zal Hears of Rostam’s Death

One rider carries the news to Zabul, where Zal mourns Rostam, Zavareh and Rakhsh. Faramarz finds Kabul deserted, has the bodies washed, perfumed and coffined, and brings them home, where Rostam is laid on golden thrones in a garden tomb.

C9.5.16
He sent an army forth to fight the king;And charged Faramarz with this grievous thing:
C9.5.18
When Faramarz before Kabul drew near,No man of name was left who might appear.
C9.5.20
Then Faramarz went to the hunting place,And saw the treacherous pits across its face.

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

C9.6

Faramarz Avenges Rostam

Faramarz arms his father’s treasury and marches on Kabul. He takes the king captive, flays a strip from his back and hangs him head down in the pit, burns forty of his kin and then Shaghad with the plane tree, and installs a new ruler.

C9.6.1
When Faramarz had mourned his father slain,He led his gathered troops onto the plain.
C9.6.11
Then Faramarz advanced before his force,His eyes fixed on the king throughout his course.
C9.6.21
Then Faramarz brought him back to the groundWhere once the fatal pits had all been found.

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

D1.3

Faramarz Fights Bahman

Faramarz marches from Bost to avenge his grandfather. After three days of battle a wind turns against him and his army breaks; he fights on until his horse falls under the arrows. Taken alive, he is hung head-down on a gibbet and shot dead.

D1.3.1
At Bost, Faramarz mourned his grandfather’s plight,And bound himself to vengeance and the fight.
D1.3.11
Against Faramarz now the wind blew strong;The Shah rejoiced to see it sweep along.
D1.3.15
The greatest chiefs lost hope and turned to flight,And left brave Faramarz exposed to fight.