Character · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Farangisفرنگیس

fa-ran-GEES

Afrasiab‘s daughter, Siavash’s wife and mother of Kay Khosrow.

In the poem: First at B9.35, Piran Proposes Farangis to Siavash; last at B14.7, Rostam Exhorts the Troops
Named: 57 times, in 31 sections
Main stories: B9 The Story of Siavash (34); B10 Vengeance for Siavash and the Retrieval of Kay Khosrow (18); B13 Mount Hamavan and the Kamus Campaign (2)
Parents: Afrasiab
Children: Kay Khosrow
Plates: Vol I: V, Vol I: VI, Vol II: II, Vol II: III

Genealogical plate: The Kayanian House — Volume I, Plate V: The Kayanian House. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

B9.37

The Marriage of Siavash and Farangis

Piran and his wife Golshahr prepare a vast dowry of cloth, jewels, gold and servants. Afrasiab gives his daughter in marriage before witnesses, and Farangis is brought to Siavash by night. Seven nights of celebration follow.

B9.37.24
They brought the gifts to Farangis with praise,And blessed her for the fortune of her days.
B9.37.29
“Go now and seek the bride without delay;Bring Farangis to Siavash today.”
B9.37.30
She went to Farangis and made it known:“Tonight, like moonlight, you adorn his throne.”

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

B9.43

Piran Visits Siavash-Gard

Returning from his campaign, Piran visits Siavash-Gard, marvels at the city and at Farangis, and feasts there for a week. At Afrasiab’s court he reports the tribute he has gathered and praises Siavash’s city in glowing terms, to the king’s delight.

B9.43.19
He turned toward Farangis in delight,And reached her palace flourishing and bright.
B9.43.28
For Farangis: a crown and earrings wrought,An armlet, and a jeweled torque he brought.
B9.43.35
And Farangis shone radiant and fair,Like moonlight resting on the evening air.”

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

B9.44

Afrasiab Sends Garsivaz to Siavash

Pleased by Piran’s report, Afrasiab sends his brother Garsivaz with a thousand riders and rich gifts to Siavash-Gard. Siavash rides out to welcome him, receives the gifts gladly and shows him the city.

B9.44.7
For Farangis he raised a palace high,And holds her honored underneath the sky.
B9.44.14
Choose from the treasury the choicest things,Bear a gift to Farangis, child of kings.

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

B9.47

Garsivaz Returns and Slanders Siavash

Envious of Afrasiab’s pleasure at Siavash’s letter, Garsivaz tells the king that Siavash is plotting with Kavus, Rum and Chin. Afrasiab hesitates, unwilling to wrong his son-in-law, but Garsivaz keeps pressing until the king sends him to summon Siavash to court.

B9.47.60
And Farangis you scarcely would know,As though she needs no gift the world can show.
B9.47.83
But since you left, my heart has grieved for you;Come with Farangis; let delight ensue.

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

B9.50

Afrasiab Marches against Siavash

Enraged, Afrasiab marches from Gang. Siavash tells Farangis that he is disgraced and trapped. She tears her hair and cheeks, and warns him that there is nowhere to flee, but he still trusts that Garsivaz will calm the king.

B9.50.6
Siavash sought Farangis in her room,His body trembling, face bereft of bloom.
B9.50.7
Then Farangis cried out, “O lion bold,Why has your face grown pale, your color cold?”
B9.50.11
Then Farangis in grief tore at her hair,And gashed her cheeks in anguish and despair.

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

B9.56

Piran Shields Farangis

Warned by his brothers, Piran rides for two days and nights and arrives as Farangis is being dragged to her death. He halts the guards, rebukes Afrasiab for following a Div’s counsel, and wins her life, promising to bring the child to the king. He takes her to Khutan.

B9.56.5
There by the gate he saw the guards of death,And Farangis dragged on with failing breath.
B9.56.10
To strike down Farangis in such a wayWill break the crown and sweep its rule away.”
B9.56.12
When Farangis beheld him through her fears,Her moon-bright face was lost in blood and tears.

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

B10.20

Kay Khosrow, Giv, and Farangis Flee to Iran

The three ride secretly for Iran. Piran learns of the flight and sends Kulbad and Nastihan with three hundred riders to kill Giv and bring back Khosrow. While mother and son sleep, Giv keeps armed watch.

B10.20.2
Fair Farangis placed a helmet on her head,Then all three mounted, and like wind they sped.
B10.20.6
He found the prince, and he has fled our ground,With Khosrow and Farangis, homeward bound.”
B10.20.13
Set Giv’s head high upon a lifted spear;Beneath the dust make Farangis disappear.

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

B10.26

Afrasiab Comes upon Piran

Afrasiab rides to the battlefield and hears that Giv alone routed his men. Piran arrives bound on his saddle and tells his story. Afrasiab drives him away and swears to kill Khosrow, Giv and Farangis.

B10.26.12
One man alone exhausted all our band;Then Giv, the Shah, and Farangis left the land.”
B10.26.35
He raised his sword to end my life in shame,But Farangis stepped forth and stayed his aim.
B10.26.48
Farangis, once she falls within my sight,Shall find her world grown narrow, dark as night.