Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes II, III

Jamaspجاماسپ

jah-MAHSP

Goshtasb's wise counselor and chief Mobad.

In the poem: First at C6.6, Arjasp Sends Envoys to Goshtasb; last at E8.2, Khosrow Parviz Answers Shiruyeh
Named: 59 times, in 26 sections (including 9 where the name may belong to Jamasp)
Main stories: C6 Goshtasb, Zardosht, and the War with Arjasp (36); C8 The Tragedy of Rostam and Esfandiyar (13); D12 Qobad and the Mazdakite Revolution (3)
Children: Girami
Plates: Vol II: VI

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

In the poem’s own words

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

C6.10

Goshtasb Hears Jamasp’s Prophecy

At the Jihun, Goshtasb makes Jamasp read the stars. Under oath of safety, the sage foretells the whole battle: Ardeshir, Shidasp, his own son Girami, Nivzar and finally Zarir will fall, Esfandiyar will kill Bidarfesh and Arjasp will flee. Goshtasb faints with grief.

C6.10.3
He sat upon the throne and called his guide, Jamasp, the sage who counseled at his side.
C6.10.11
The old Jamasp grew sorrowful and pale; Then spoke before the Shah his bitter tale:
C6.10.115
Jamasp replied, “If they should fail to standWith Kayanian crowns before your fighting band,

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

C6.22

Gurazm Slanders Esfandiyar

Gurazm, a kinsman of Goshtasb who hates the heir, waits for the prince’s name to come up at court and then tells the Shah privately that Esfandiyar means to chain him and take the throne. Goshtasb sickens with suspicion and sends Jamasp to fetch his son.

C6.22.37
He summoned wise Jamasp, experienced, old,His chief minister, trusted, firm, and bold.
C6.22.42
I send Jamasp, who served in former days,And knew Shah Lohrasp’s court and all its ways.
C6.22.43
When you behold him, gird yourself and ride;On swift steeds come with Jamasp at your side.

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

C6.23

Jamasp Comes to Esfandiyar

Hunting when the summons comes, Esfandiyar laughs bitterly and tells his son Bahman that his father has turned against him. Jamasp arrives with the letter and says a Div has clouded the Shah’s mind, but advises obedience. Esfandiyar leaves his troops to Bahman and rides to court.

C6.23.2
Across the hunting ground, he heard a shout:“The Shah has sent Jamasp!” the voice rang out.
C6.23.16
Jamasp, the world’s bright lamp, now came to bringThe prince the royal orders of the king.
C6.23.20
The sage Jamasp replied, “He thrives in cheer,”Then kissed the prince’s head and drew him near.

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

C6.29

Goshtasb Flees before Arjasp

Beaten, Goshtasb retreats up a mountain by its one path and is besieged, his men burning brushwood and killing their horses. Jamasp reads the stars: only Esfandiyar can save him. Goshtasb confesses he was deceived by Gurazm and sends Jamasp through the enemy lines.

C6.29.11
The Shah laid hand on head in deep dismay,And called Jamasp to find some saving way.
C6.29.14
Jamasp arose and answered, “Righteous king,Trust Heaven’s turning and the truth I bring.
C6.29.18
Jamasp replied, “O Shah, give me your ear;Hear now the word that wisdom makes most clear.

Jamasp named 6 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.30

Jamasp Visits Esfandiyar

Nush Azar nearly kills Jamasp for his Turanian cap. Esfandiyar refuses his father’s message, and Lohrasp, his sisters, his father’s plight and his dead brothers all leave him unmoved; only Farshidvard’s name breaks him. He snaps his own fetters, faints, then calls for arms.

C6.30.4
When he perceived Jamasp upon the way,A dark Turanian cap on full display,
C6.30.15
He knew Jamasp as he approached the wall,Then hurried down to seek the prince’s hall.
C6.30.16
He told his glorious father, “At the gateJamasp has come; he stands outside to wait.”

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

C8.1

Esfandiyar Presses His Claim

Drunk and bitter, Esfandiyar tells his mother he means to claim the crown his father promised, and dismisses her counsel with a proverb against women. When the demand reaches Goshtasb, Jamasp reads the charts: the prince will die in Zabulistan by Rostam’s hand.

C8.1.30
He called Jamasp and those who read the skies,Lohrasp’s diviners, men of counsel wise.
C8.1.34
Jamasp, the sage of Iran, heard and readThe ancient charts, his heart grown sick with dread.
C8.1.48
Jamasp replied, “Will grief not fall on me,O king, when I reveal what I foresee?

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

C8.30

Rostam Sends Bahman Back to Iran

Bahman grows up in Zabul under Rostam’s teaching. Rostam writes to Goshtasb and is pardoned. Years later Jamasp urges the Shah to send for his grandson; Rostam loads him with treasure and escorts him on his way, and Goshtasb names him Ardeshir.

C8.30.31
Jamasp, well versed in good and ill, had knownThat Bahman would inherit crown and throne.
C8.30.37
The counsel pleased the Shah; he gave commandTo wise Jamasp to write with his own hand:
C8.30.40
Our grandson, dearer than our life, has grownMore famed than wise Jamasp for knowledge shown.

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

D12.5

Qobad Returns and Reascends the Throne

Qobad reaches the village to find a son born, and names him Kisra. The nobles come out with the boy Jamasp to beg pardon; Qobad forgives them and retakes the throne. He rewards Rizmehr, campaigns in Rum, founds cities, and opens canals.

D12.5.15
Bring young Jamasp, just ten, whose tears descendLike pearls, that this hostility may end.
D12.5.22
He pardoned young Jamasp; the nobles prayed,And blessings on the king of kings were laid.
D12.5.23
He came and sat upon the royal seat;Jamasp bowed low, submissive at his feet.