Character · The Shahnameh · Volume I

Jarirehجریره

ja-ree-REH

Piran’s daughter, first wife of Siavash and mother of Forood.

In the poem: First at B9.34, Siavash Weds Piran’s Daughter; last at B12.13, The Death of Jarireh
Named: 12 times, in 7 sections
Main stories: B9 The Story of Siavash (6); B12 Forood and the Snowstorm Campaign (6)
Parents: Piran
Plates: Vol I: V, Vol I: VI, Vol II: IV

Genealogical plate: The Kayanian House — Volume I, Plate V: The Kayanian House. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 7 sections that name Jarireh most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Jarireh. 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.

B9.34.18
Yet Jarireh, my eldest, leads them all;No beauty can compare within the hall.
B9.34.21
Jarireh pleases me past all the rest;No kinship dearer lies within my breast.
B9.34.25
He said: “Prepare Jarireh for the day,For Siavash and his farr without delay.

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

B9.35

Piran Proposes Farangis to Siavash

Piran suggests that a marriage to Afrasiab’s daughter Farangis would suit Siavash better still. The prince, accepting that he may never see Iran or his friends again, weeps and agrees, asking that the plan be kept secret.

B9.35.6
Though Jarireh is fair and pleased you well,And though you chose her, and with her would dwell,

Jarireh named 1 time 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.

B9.37.7
For Piran’s daughter was already bride,Jarireh, heart and soul, stood at his side.

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

B9.45

The Birth of Forood

News arrives that Jarireh has borne Siavash a son, Forood, and she sends his saffron handprint on the letter. Siavash rejoices. Visiting Farangis in her splendor, Garsivaz is seized by envy and foresees the prince eclipsing everyone, but hides his feelings.

B9.45.6
Jarireh, mother of the noble boy,Chief of exalted women, stood with joy.

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

B12.3

News of Tus Reaches Forood

Forood, son of Siavash and Piran’s daughter Jarireh, hears that an Iranian army is coming and drives his herds into the mountain. Jarireh urges him to join Kay Khosrow in avenging Siavash, and to seek out Bahram and Zangeh, his father’s old companions.

B12.3.13
Jarireh watched from high upon the wall,And saw the dust-cloud over Charam fall.
B12.3.18
Jarireh answered: “Warrior, may your daysBe fortunate beneath Heaven’s bright gaze.
B12.3.41
Jarireh answered: “In the dust belowTwo mighty riders you will come to know:

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

B12.12

The Death of Forood

Jarireh dreams of fire consuming the fortress and wakes Forood. He arms his men and fights until noon, but his troops are killed. Rohham cuts off his arm, Bijan hamstrings his horse, and he dies inside the fortress, telling the women to leap to their deaths.

B12.12.4
Then Jarireh lay upon her honored bed,While night with grief and pain together spread.

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

B12.13

The Death of Jarireh

The women leap from the roof. Jarireh burns the treasure, kills the horses and stabs herself over Forood’s body. Bahram rebukes the Iranians, Gudarz rebukes Tus, and Tus weeps and builds a royal tomb for Forood, Rivniz and Zarasp.

B12.13.2
Jarireh kindled fire with her own hands,And burned the treasures gathered through the lands.
B12.13.21
But when they reached the throne where Forood lay,Jarireh lay beside him, cold and gray.

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