Character · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Gashasbگشسپ

ga-SHASB

A champion in Manuchehr’s army, companion of Gharan in the war against Salm and Tur; not the same man as Garshasp.

In the poem: First at A6.15, The Birth of Manuchehr; last at A6.23, Gharan Takes the Castle of the Alanons
Named: 5 times, in 4 sections
Main stories: A6 The First Kings: Fereydoon (5)

How we draw Gashasb

The identity sheet the illustrator works from. Tap to open full size. More in the Art section.

Gashasb, identity sheet: Mature champion — **Mature champion**

In the poem’s own words

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

A6.15

The Birth of Manuchehr

Iraj’s daughter bears a son. Fereydoon, blinded by weeping, regains his sight when he holds the child, whom he names Manuchehr. He raises him in splendor, gathers arms and treasure, and calls the champions of Iran together for vengeance.

A6.15.29
There Gashasb stood, the champion armed with steel,And Sahm, Nariman’s son, of fearless zeal.

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

A6.18

Fereydoon Answers His Sons

Fereydoon rejects the plea: the murderers will meet Manuchehr only on the battlefield, and no treasure can buy a son’s blood. The envoy reports the splendor of Iran’s court, and Salm and Tur, alarmed, gather their armies and march on Iran.

A6.18.20
With famed sepahbods marching in his train,With Sahm and Gashasb riding to the plain.
A6.18.70
Sarv, Yemen’s king, gave counsel with great care;Victorious Gashasb watched the treasure rare.

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

A6.19

Manuchehr Marches for Vengeance

The enemy crosses the Jihun, and Fereydoon sends Manuchehr out with Gharan in the van. The vast army marches from Tammisheh with its elephants. Tur taunts Manuchehr as a king born of a daughter, and Manuchehr vows to take his head.

A6.19.32
He gave the left to Gashasb for the fight,And Sahm with Qobad marshaled on the right.

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

A6.23

Gharan Takes the Castle of the Alanons

Manuchehr foresees that Salm will retreat to the sea-fortress of the Alanons. Gharan goes ahead with Tur’s signet ring, poses as Tur’s envoy and is let in, then signals Shirviyeh. The fortress is stormed and burned, and its garrison slaughtered.