Character · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Gaharگهار

ga-HAHR

Gahar of Gahan, an ally of the Khan of Chin.

In the poem: First at B13.18, Afrasiab Sends Aid to Piran; last at B14.21, Afrasiab Hears of Rostam’s Coming
Named: 7 times, in 4 sections
Main stories: B14 The Great Battle with the Khan of Chin (6); B13 Mount Hamavan and the Kamus Campaign (1)

In the poem’s own words

The 4 sections that name Gahar most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Gahar. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

B13.18

Afrasiab Sends Aid to Piran

A messenger announces that Afrasiab has sent a vast allied army: the Khan of Chin, Manshur, Kamus of Kashan and kings from Kashmir to the Slav lands. Piran rejoices and boasts that he will lay waste all Iran.

B13.18.27
Chaghan sends Fartus, light of every field;Gahan sends Gahar, fire where foemen yield.

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

B14.8

The Battle Lines Are Drawn

At dawn both armies deploy: Gudarz, Fariborz and Tus face the Khan’s elephants, Kundur and Gahar. Piran reminds Shangul of his boast, and Shangul stands by it. The allied army advances in three divisions, its jeweled line of elephants stretching two mil across the plain.

B14.8.11
Veteran Gahar held the leftward ground;The horses’ trampling tore the earth around.

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

B14.13

Rostam Slays Gahar of Gahan

On the left wing, Gahar rides out against Rostam, loses his nerve and flees, and Rostam spears him and hurls him down. Calling up a thousand men, Rostam threatens any deserter with disgrace, charges towards the Khan and demands the surrender of the allied kings.

B14.13.2
Gahar of Gahan stood among the band,A lion-man with black flag in his hand.
B14.13.8
He thought, “Gahar, you know how battles go;Kamus himself could not withstand this foe.
B14.13.12
He followed Gahar, dust-like, as he flew;Earth glowed like ruby, air turned lapis-blue.

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

B14.21

Afrasiab Hears of Rostam’s Coming

Afrasiab’s warriors urge him to fight, and he vows to kill Rostam and even his own grandson. He sends Farghar to spy and confides his dread of Rostam to his son Shideh, who counsels caution. After Farghar reports and Piran arrives, Afrasiab sends Piran out with the army.