Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Hormizd (son of Yazdegard)هرمزد

hor-MEZD

Chosen by his father over his elder brother Pirooz, who wins the throne from him in war and then spares him.

In the poem: First at D11.1, The Reign of Yazdegard, Son of Bahram Goor; last at D11.3, The Reign of Pirooz
Named: 8 times, in 3 sections
Main stories: D11 Short Reigns and a Crisis with Khoshnavaz (8)
Parents: Yazdegard (son of Bahram Goor)
Plates: Vol III: I, Vol III: V

Genealogical plate: The Sasanian Succession — Volume III, Plate I: The Sasanian Succession. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 3 sections that name Hormizd (son of Yazdegard) most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Hormizd (son of Yazdegard). Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

D11.1

The Reign of Yazdegard, Son of Bahram Goor

Yazdegard takes the throne, gathers the scattered army, and opens with counsel against envy and against reproaching a man for a kindness done. He rules justly eighteen years, then passes over his elder son Pirooz and leaves crown and realm to Hormizd for his restraint. A week later he dies.

D11.1.20
I give to Hormizd signet, crown, and reign,The army and Iran’s wealth and domain.
D11.1.23
In Hormizd I see wisdom, modest grace,And calm restraint befitting royal place.”

Hormizd (son of Yazdegard) named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D11.2

The Reign of Hormizd, Son of Yazdegard

Hormizd is crowned and Pirooz, enraged, carries treasure to Faghanish of Chaghan and buys thirty thousand Heytalian troops with the promise of two frontier towns. He defeats his brother in a long war, then spares and embraces him, and Hormizd blesses his victory.

D11.2.1
Hormizd succeeded to his father’s seat,And took the golden crown, his rule complete.
D11.2.14
He fought King Hormizd; long their warfare raged,As each against his brother battle waged.
D11.2.15
At last King Hormizd lost the bitter fray;All crowns seemed worthless to him from that day.