Character · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Golshahrگلشهر

gol-SHAHR

Piran’s wife, mother of Jarireh.

In the poem: First at B9.34, Siavash Weds Piran’s Daughter; last at B10.25, Farangis Wins Piran’s Release
Named: 13 times, in 6 sections
Main stories: B9 The Story of Siavash (11); B10 Vengeance for Siavash and the Retrieval of Kay Khosrow (2)
Plates: Vol I: VI, Vol II: IV

Genealogical plate: The House of Tur — Volume I, Plate VI: The House of Tur. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 6 sections that name Golshahr most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Golshahr. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

B9.34

Siavash Weds Piran’s Daughter

Piran urges the lonely prince to marry and offers his eldest daughter, Jarireh. Siavash gladly accepts, Piran’s wife Golshahr brings the richly dowered bride, and Siavash lives happily, forgetting Kavus as his standing at court grows.

B9.34.24
When Piran left, he hurried from the hall,And told Golshahr what soon would them befall.
B9.34.27
Golshahr then brought her daughter forward dressed,A coronet of gold adorned her crest.

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

B9.37

The Marriage of Siavash and Farangis

Piran and his wife Golshahr prepare a vast dowry of cloth, jewels, gold and servants. Afrasiab gives his daughter in marriage before witnesses, and Farangis is brought to Siavash by night. Seven nights of celebration follow.

B9.37.10
He gave Golshahr the key to garments rare,And put the household stores beneath her care.
B9.37.22
Golshahr and all her sisters came in sight,A golden ammari draped in diba bright.
B9.37.23
Golshahr took ten thousand dinars then,And cast them out in largesse among men.

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

B9.43

Piran Visits Siavash-Gard

Returning from his campaign, Piran visits Siavash-Gard, marvels at the city and at Farangis, and feasts there for a week. At Afrasiab’s court he reports the tribute he has gathered and praises Siavash’s city in glowing terms, to the king’s delight.

B9.43.30
Returning home, he spoke to Golshahr thus:“If one has never seen what gladdens us,

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

B9.56

Piran Shields Farangis

Warned by his brothers, Piran rides for two days and nights and arrives as Farangis is being dragged to her death. He halts the guards, rebukes Afrasiab for following a Div’s counsel, and wins her life, promising to bring the child to the king. He takes her to Khutan.

B9.56.40
Once home, to Golshahr Piran whispered low:“Keep Farangis concealed, and let none know.

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

B9.57

The Birth of Kay Khosrow

Siavash appears to Piran in a dream to announce his son’s birth. Kay Khosrow is born, as sturdy as a year-old child. Piran vows to protect him and tells Afrasiab, who, remorseful, orders the boy sent to shepherds and kept ignorant of his birth.

B9.57.6
The chieftain woke and cast off slumber deep;Golshahr arose, awakened from her sleep.
B9.57.10
Golshahr ran swiftly to the queen and sawThe newborn prince, and stood transfixed with awe.

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

B10.25

Farangis Wins Piran’s Release

Farangis pleads for Piran, who saved her and her son. Giv has sworn to shed his blood, so Khosrow has him pierce Piran’s ear. Piran is freed, his hands bound, on oath that only his wife Golshahr may untie them.

B10.25.23
Save Golshahr, foremost wife within your hall,Who knows your skin and marrow, and knows all.”
B10.25.25
“None shall release me till she cuts me free;Golshahr alone shall loose these bonds from me.”

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