Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II, III

Farhadفرهاد

far-HAHD

An Iranian commander of the Sasanian era, given the left wing of Anooshirvan's army.

In the poem: First at B5.8, Kavus’s Letter to Mazandaran; last at D13.11, Anooshirvan Marches against Caesar
Named: 38 times, in 32 sections
Main stories: C2 The Tale of Bijan and Manijeh (7); C3 The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs (7); B5 The Seven Labors of Rostam (6)

In the poem’s own words

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

B5.8

Kavus’s Letter to Mazandaran

Kavus sends Farhad with a letter calling on the king of Mazandaran to submit. The king’s champions try to crush the envoy’s hand, but Farhad does not flinch. The king refuses in fury, and Kavus decides to send Rostam with a second letter.

B5.8.17
Farhad, known among the nobles for his skill,Was charged to bear the Shah’s commanding will.
B5.8.30
Yet Farhad held his ground beneath the strain;His face showed neither pallor nor the pain.
B5.8.39
For three full days Farhad remained his guest,Among his chiefs and comrades, taking rest.

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

B5.10

Kavus Wars with Mazandaran

The armies meet, and Rostam spears the boasting champion Juya out of the saddle. After a week of battle Kavus prays; Rostam then spears the sorcerer-king, who turns himself into a rock. Rostam carries it to camp, the king emerges and is killed, and Ulad receives Mazandaran.

B5.10.72
With Farhad, Kharrad, Barzin pressing near,They surged once more with vengeance sharp and clear.

Farhad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B6.1

Kavus Wars with Hamavaran

Kavus tours his empire from Turan and Chin to Makran, defeats the king of Barbar, receives homage at Mount Kaf and feasts with Rostam in Zabul. When Mesr and Sham rebel, he crosses the sea and defeats the allied kings; Hamavaran submits.

B6.1.59
With Gudarz, Giv and Shidush formed array,And Farhad cast restraint and fear away.

Farhad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B7.2

Rostam Battles the Turanians

Giv rides to hold the bridge, but Afrasiab’s army has already crossed. Rostam and the champions charge. Afrasiab sends Piran with ten thousand men, and Rostam cuts them down until Afrasiab thinks of retreat.

B7.2.13
Bahram and Barzin, Farhad joined the band,And Zangeh of Shavaran took his stand.

Farhad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B8.11

Sohrab Takes the White Fortress

At dawn Sohrab finds the fortress empty: its chiefs escaped in the night by a secret tunnel. He searches in vain for Gordafarid, with whom he has fallen in love. Kavus reads Gazhdaham’s letter to his chiefs, who urge him to send Giv for Rostam.

B8.11.17
Tus and Gudarz, Keshvad’s son of fame,With Giv and Gorgin, Bahram, Farhad came.

Farhad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B9.53

Siavash Is Taken by Afrasiab

Siavash rides towards Iran but meets Afrasiab’s army. He refuses to fight his king, and the Turanians kill his thousand Iranians. Wounded by arrows, he is bound by Gurvi. Pilsam urges Afrasiab to wait for Piran, but Garsivaz, Damur and Gurvi urge death, and the king wavers.

B9.53.77
Then Gudarz, Gorgin, Farhad, Tus the bold,Will rise in wrath, a vengeance none can hold.

Farhad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B11.8

Kay Khosrow Inspects the Army

Kay Khosrow reviews the army from a throne on an elephant. Clan after clan passes under its banner: Fariborz, Gudarz and his sons, Gostaham, Ashkash, Farhad, Guraza, Zangeh and Faramarz, whom the Shah sends to Hind with counsel. At the feast Khosrow reflects on the passing world.

B11.8.54
Behind Ashkash rode Farhad, tried and true,Who cared for all the troops the journey through.
B11.8.60
Farhad beheld the youthful king, and prayedThat heaven’s care might be the monarch’s aid.

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

C3.3

Kay Khosrow Sends Gudarz against Turan

Warned that Turan is massing, Kay Khosrow takes counsel, pays and arms his troops, and sends out four armies: Rostam to Sistan and Hind, Lohrasp westward, Ashkash to Khwarazm against Shideh, and Gudarz against Piran, with careful orders on conduct.

C3.3.22
Shidush and Rohham, Farhad, brave and wise,Sat with the chiefs to hear the king’s replies.
C3.3.67
Take Fariborz, Kavus’s son, with you,And Farhad, Giv, Guraza, bold Shapur too.”

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

All 32 sections that name Farhad