Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Fariborzفریبرز

fa-ree-BORZ

Son of Kavus, uncle of Kay Khosrow; he perishes in the snow after Kay Khosrow vanishes.

In the poem: First at B5.7, Rostam Slays the White Div; last at C4.63, The Pahlevans Are Lost in the Snow
Named: 109 times, in 52 sections
Main stories: B13 Mount Hamavan and the Kamus Campaign (29); B12 Forood and the Snowstorm Campaign (23); B14 The Great Battle with the Khan of Chin (16)
Parents: Kavus
Plates: Vol I: V, Vol II: II, Vol II: IV

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

B10.34

Bahman Castle Defies Tus and Fariborz

Tus leads the army with the Kaviani banner in Fariborz’s name. At Bahman the ground burns, armor becomes unbearably hot, and no gate can be found. After seven days they withdraw defeated.

B10.34.2
Then Fariborz and Tus, of Nohzar’s line,Came before Kavus; Tus spoke his design:
B10.34.5
By Fariborz’s farr and Kayan might,I will bind on my Kayan girdle tight.”
B10.34.7
If Fariborz consents to take the field,Then muster all; let no man idle yield.”

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

B12.20

Kay Khosrow Recalls Tus

Grieving for Forood and the army, Kay Khosrow writes to Fariborz, giving him command with Gudarz as adviser, and recalls Tus. Tus hands over the banner and returns. The Shah curses him, spares his life only for his royal blood, and imprisons him.

B12.20.7
It went to Fariborz, Kavus’s son,And to the army’s chiefs, renowned each one.
B12.20.41
He placed the royal letter in his hand;Fariborz took the Shah’s own sealed command.
B12.20.46
Then Tus brought Fariborz the Kaviani sign,The koust, elephants, and golden shoes in line.

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

B12.21

Fariborz Asks Piran for a Truce

Fariborz sends Rohham to Piran to protest the night attack and offer peace. Piran blames Tus’s ravages but grants a month’s truce, after which the Iranians must leave Turan or fight. Fariborz uses the month to pay and equip the army.

B12.21.1
Prince Fariborz, a Pahlevan of might,King Kavus’s son put on his helm to fight.
B12.21.9
Brave Rohham, whom Prince Fariborz had sent,Rode hard, and with the letter onward went.
B12.21.12
I bear to Piran words upon this field,From Fariborz, King Kavus’s son, revealed.”

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

B12.22

The Turanians Defeat the Iranians

The armies meet. Houman breaks the Iranian center and Fariborz flees. Giv shames Gudarz into standing firm; Bijan cuts the Kaviani banner in two to bring half of it back. Rivniz son of Kavus is killed, and Bahram saves his crown, but the Iranians are routed with terrible losses.

B12.22.9
Before the central standard’s royal flameStood Fariborz, prince of Kavus by name.
B12.22.10
Fariborz told his warriors on the field:“Till now our honar has remained concealed.
B12.22.29
If Fariborz is driven from the field,The center breaks; the right wing soon must yield.

Fariborz named 11 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B13.16

Fariborz Asks for Farangis’s Hand

Fariborz, Kavus’s son, asks Rostam to win him Siavash’s widow Farangis. Rostam persuades Khosrow, who asks his mother. She weeps but consents out of respect for Rostam and the Shah, and the marriage is made before the army marches.

B13.16.1
Fariborz came to Rostam, heart intent,And spoke the secret wish his purpose meant:
B13.16.17
Among the chiefs, Fariborz leads the rest;No prince surpasses him in valor’s test.
B13.16.34
Fariborz shall then lead the vanguard line,While Rostam makes the field with valor shine.

Fariborz named 11 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B13.23

Fariborz Reaches Mount Hamavan

Fariborz’s vanguard arrives. Gudarz rides to meet him, and the two embrace and weep for the dead. Gudarz describes the vast enemy army. Fariborz says Rostam is close behind and has ordered them to hold their ground.

B13.23.6
He reached the van; amid the marching train,He saw Fariborz’s standard on the plain.
B13.23.7
Fariborz, chosen leader of the band,The new Shah’s kinsman, rode at their command.
B13.23.8
Old Gudarz then dismounted from his steed;Wise Fariborz dismounted with all speed.

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

B13.24

Piran Consults the Khan of Chin

Kamus scorns Piran’s five months of failure and boasts that he will kill Rostam. The Khan backs him. Piran is relieved to hear that the new arrival is only Fariborz. Tus rouses his men with Rostam’s coming, but they urge him to wait for Rostam.

B13.24.33
They say it is Fariborz, Kavus’s son,A loyal warrior, noble, proven one.”
B13.24.39
This blood and dust are Fariborz’s own sign;No trace of Rostam comes along the line.”
B13.24.48
With Fariborz and troops from Iran’s side,The elephantine hero comes in stride.”

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

B14.18

The Shah Replies to Rostam

Kay Khosrow meets Fariborz, sees the captives and spoil, and lies in the dust to thank God rather than the victors. He writes Rostam a letter of praise, sends lavish robes and gifts for him and the chiefs, and urges him to pursue Afrasiab.

B14.18.2
Then word was brought before the Shah to say:“Kavus’s son, Fariborz, comes this way.”
B14.18.4
When Fariborz beheld the monarch’s face,He kissed the dust before that royal place.
B14.18.38
For Fariborz, gold sword and flag were laid,A gorz, gold crown, and golden boots well made.