Character · The Shahnameh · Volume II

Faylaqusفیلقوس

fay-la-GHOOS

King of Rum, whose daughter Darab weds; Iskandar is called his son.

In the poem: First at D3.3, Darab Fights Faylaqus and Weds His Daughter; last at D5.20, Iskandar Plays Envoy and Is Recognized
Named: 15 times, in 9 sections
Main stories: D5 The Iskandar Cycle (7); D3 Darab (6); D4 Dara and Iskandar (2)
Children: Nahid, Nahid (of Rum)
Plates: Vol II: VII, Vol II: IX

Genealogical plate: The Houses beyond Iran — Volume II, Plate VII: The Houses beyond Iran. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

D3.3

Darab Fights Faylaqus and Weds His Daughter

Darab invades Rum. Faylaqus musters Amuriyah’s legions, loses two battles, and shuts himself in his fortress. His envoy sues for peace; Darab’s counselors praise Faylaqus’s daughter, and the king demands her along with the tribute. Nahid is sent to Pars in state.

D3.3.2
Faylaqus ruled the Romans, and his wordWon Sus’s king, who with his will concurred.
D3.3.9
Faylaqus and his fleeing legions sped,No Roman cap or helmet on a head.
D3.3.14
An envoy came from Faylaqus, keen and wise,Who knew how fortunes fall and how they rise.

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

D3.4

Darab Rejects His Wife, and Two Births

A foul breath spoils the wedding night. A healer cures Nahid with the herb eskandar, but Darab’s desire is gone and he sends her home pregnant. She bears Iskandar, named for the herb; Faylaqus claims him as his own son. Darab’s other wife bears Dara.

D3.4.11
He sent her back to Faylaqus, her sire,For nothing could restore the former fire.
D3.4.29
As heir to Faylaqus he took his place;The Caesar’s joy and grief lay in his face.

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

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.

D4.2.1
Some days thereafter old Faylaqus died,And Rum was cast in turmoil far and wide.

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

D4.10

Iskandar Writes to the Chiefs of Iran

A messenger brings Iskandar’s terms to Isfahan: he stands in Dara’s place, mourns him, and lays the blood on the murderers. His letter to the Mobadan orders tribute, coins struck in his name, market guards, border watchmen, bondmaids, and honor for holy mendicants.

D4.10.11
The scroll was from Iskandar, Faylaqus’ son,World-conqueror, whom vengeful foes would shun.

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

D5.9

Nine Sages Are Sent to Inspect the Four Wonders

Iskandar sends nine Roman sages to verify the wonders. Shown Kayd’s daughter enthroned in gold, they are struck motionless and can only agree that each will describe a single feature. Iskandar reads their reports, sends for all four wonders, and guarantees Kayd his kingdom.

D5.9.18
Kayd sent them to the bride, the radiant one,As asked by Iskandar, Faylaqus’ son.

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

D5.12

Iskandar Leads an Army against Foor of Hind

Iskandar brings his army against Foor of Hind and dictates a letter: God gives and removes crowns, earthly days are short, and Foor should exchange his throne for a horse and seek safety, or face legions fierce as spreading fire.

D5.12.2
“From Iskandar Faylaqus, king of kings,Who kindles fire, and joy and sorrow brings.

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

D5.13

Foor Answers Iskandar’s Letter

Foor answers with contempt. Dara’s fall has made Iskandar overbold; Foor is of his own royal line, sent Dara elephants and courage, and has ranks so thick they stop the wind. He warns Iskandar to sow no more seeds of greed.

D5.13.10
If Faylaqus once wrote to Foor this way,Then you may raise such tumult for the fray.

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

D5.20

Iskandar Plays Envoy and Is Recognized

Calling himself Bitlqun, Iskandar rides with Qaydrush to Kaydafa’s court, marvels at her crystal halls, and delivers his own demand for tribute. Taken aside, he is confronted with the silk portrait and named. Cornered, he regrets having no blade and threatens bloodshed.

D5.20.13
“The man who rides beside my wife and meFrom Iskandar Faylaqus set me free.
D5.20.69
She said: “O son of Faylaqus, you shareBoth feast and fight, both joy and bitter care.”
D5.20.74
Bitlqun am I, steward of all you see;No son of Faylaqus should you call me.”