Character · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Gordafaridگردآفرید

gord-ah-fa-REED

Gazhdaham’s daughter, a warrior who fights Sohrab.

In the poem: First at B8.9, Sohrab Fights with Gordafarid; last at B8.11, Sohrab Takes the White Fortress
Named: 5 times, in 2 sections
Main stories: B8 The Tragedy of Rostam & Sohrab (5)
Parents: Gazhdaham
Plates: Vol I: VIII
Pictures: 2 panels

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

In the pictures

Gordafarid in 2 woodcut panels of the illustrated poem, in story order. Tap one to see it with the couplets it illustrates.

B8.9Sohrab Unhelms Gordafarid

B8.9Gordafarid Mocks Sohrab from the Rampart

In the poem’s own words

The 2 sections that name Gordafarid most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Gordafarid. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

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.

B8.9.1
When word arrived that Hajir had been bound,Gordafarid grieved deeply at the sound.
B8.9.4
Gordafarid, peerless in warlike art,Took up her arms with steady hand and heart.
B8.9.16
Gordafarid drew back her tempered bow,And sent her arrows whistling at the foe.

Gordafarid named 4 times 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.