Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Haftvadهفتواد

haft-VAHD

A poor man whose daughter's lucky worm brings him wealth and power until Ardeshir destroys him.

In the poem: First at D6.12, The Story of Haftvad and the Worm; last at D6.16, Ardeshir Slays Haftvad
Named: 23 times, in 4 sections
Main stories: D6 The Ashkanian Dynasty (23)

In the poem’s own words

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

D6.12

The Story of Haftvad and the Worm

At Kojaran a spinning girl finds a worm in an apple and her day’s output doubles. Her father Haftvad grows rich on its luck, seizes the city, and builds a mountain fortress. The worm swells to the bulk of an elephant, and no army that faces it can win.

D6.12.11
Haftvad lived there, a man of little gold,Yet cheerful in his nature, we are told.
D6.12.12
And why was he called Haftvad? You shall hear:His seven sons had made the meaning clear.
D6.12.38
Haftvad received it as an omen, glad,And put aside all other work he had.

Haftvad named 10 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D6.13

Ardeshir Fights Haftvad and Is Defeated

Ardeshir’s advance force is destroyed by troops Haftvad has hidden in the hills. The Shah comes himself; Haftvad’s son Shahvi arrives by boat, and the two armies fight to a standstill. Ardeshir withdraws to the shore, where his men begin to starve with the roads cut.

D6.13.1
When Ardeshir heard news of Haftvad’s name,Displeasure stirred his heart and lit his flame.
D6.13.3
When Haftvad heard, he held the threat as light,And gave no thought to those who sought the fight.
D6.13.17
He left the boat and came to Haftvad’s side;The sight brought joy his father could not hide.

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

D6.15

Ardeshir Discovers the Truth about the Worm

In flight, Ardeshir is sheltered by two young men who tell him the Worm is Ahriman’s creature and cannot be beaten by force. He kills Mehrak, leaves Shahrgeer in command, enters the fortress as a merchant, drinks the keepers senseless, and feeds the Worm molten metal.

D6.15.13
He flees from Haftvad and the Worm in fear,And from the base-born, worthless troops they rear.”
D6.15.23
So Haftvad too shall fall from power and pride,And writhe in woe when fortune turns aside.”
D6.15.27
How deal with Haftvad and the Worm he rears?May name and line be lost to future years.”

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

D6.16

Ardeshir Slays Haftvad

Haftvad storms the fortress and fails. Ardeshir calls Shahrgeer up, and Haftvad and Shahvi are taken, hung on gibbets by the sea and shot dead. Ardeshir gives away the spoil, founds a fire-temple, rewards his two hosts with provinces, and takes the throne at Tisfoon.

D6.16.1
When Haftvad knew the Worm had met its end,His heart was torn by grief no hope could mend.
D6.16.3
Haftvad strove hard, but failed to gain the height;A lion’s foot still held the rampart tight.
D6.16.6
If Haftvad slips away, what will you gain?But wasted toil, and wind your hands retain?