Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Gazhdahamگژدهم

gazh-da-HAM

Keeper of the White Fortress, father of Gordafarid.

In the poem: First at B1.6, Nohzar’s Third Battle with Afrasiab; last at C4.2, Kay Khosrow Musters against Afrasiab
Named: 23 times, in 14 sections
Main stories: B8 The Tragedy of Rostam & Sohrab (14); B11 Kay Khosrow’s Kingship (2); B12 Forood and the Snowstorm Campaign (2)
Children: Gostaham (son of Gazhdaham), Gordafarid
Plates: Vol I: VIII

Genealogical plate: The Champions of Iran — Volume I, Plate VIII: The Champions of Iran. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

B1.6

Nohzar’s Third Battle with Afrasiab

In the third battle Shapur falls and Nohzar retreats into the fortress of Dehestan. When Afrasiab sends Kurukhan to seize the royal women in Pars, Gharan and the chiefs slip away by night against the Shah’s wishes, and Gharan kills Barman on the road.

B1.6.52
There Gazhdaham stood firm against the foe;His wakeful warriors let no peril grow.

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

B8.9

Sohrab Fights with Gordafarid

Gordafarid, daughter of Gazhdaham, arms herself like a man and challenges the invaders. She holds Sohrab off with arrows and spear until he tears off her helmet and ropes her. She talks him into releasing her, slips into the fortress and mocks him from the walls.

B8.9.3
Renowned in battle, rider fierce and famed,The daughter of Gazhdaham was acclaimed.
B8.9.57
Gazhdaham waited where the gate stood wide,And watched his daughter struggle toward his side.
B8.9.61
Gazhdaham came with nobles in his train,And praised her courage after battle’s strain.

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

B8.10

Gazhdaham’s Letter to Kavus

The old commander Gazhdaham has a scribe write to Kavus. A Turanian champion of fourteen, as mighty as Rostam or Sahm, has captured Hajir, and the fortress cannot hold. That night he sends the letter by a trusted rider and prepares to abandon the fortress.

B8.10.1
When Sohrab turned and left the field behind,Old Gazhdaham grew troubled in his mind.

Gazhdaham 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.

B8.11.6
His army entered, searching court and hall,But Gazhdaham was nowhere found at all.
B8.11.7
For in the night the fortress chiefs had fled,With Gazhdaham, who rode out at their head.
B8.11.14
Gazhdaham’s letter reached Kay Kavus’s hand,And grief arose at what he learned was planned.

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

B8.12

Kavus Summons Rostam from Zabulistan

Kavus writes urging Rostam to come at once, and Giv rides to Zabul. Rostam cannot believe that a Turk could be so strong, and his own son by Tahmineh must still be a child. He feasts and drinks for three days before setting out.

B8.12.17
The chiefs have read the words Gazhdaham sent,And all agree on what his warning meant.
B8.12.19
He bears Gazhdaham’s letter as he rides,So you may weigh the good and ill it hides.

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

B8.13

Kavus’s Anger at Rostam

Kavus, furious at the delay, orders Rostam and Giv hanged. Rostam strikes Tus, declares that his strength comes from God alone and rides away. Gudarz talks Kavus into repentance, then shames Rostam into returning with a rumor that he fears Sohrab. King and champion are reconciled.

B8.13.72
Gazhdaham has seen him; heed his warning plain:No man but Rostam should confront his strain.
B8.13.73
If Rostam goes, who meets that wolf-like youth,When Gazhdaham has warned us of the truth?
B8.13.101
They say Gazhdaham read the danger clear;That even Rostam now gives ground to fear.

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

B11.5

The Mustering of the Pahlevans

When the sun enters Virgo, Kay Khosrow has a new army register drawn up, clan by clan: the kin of Kavus under Fariborz, Nohzar’s line, the sons of Gudarz and the other great houses. He orders the army out to the plain to await the new month.

B11.5.14
From Gazhdaham came sixty-three, who foundIn Gostaham a leader far renowned.

Gazhdaham 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.