Character · The Shahnameh · Volume II

Kaydکید

KAYD

A wise king of Hind whose daughter is sent to Iskandar.

In the poem: First at D5.5, Kayd of Hind Has a Dream; last at D5.36, Iskandar’s Letter to His Mother
Named: 22 times, in 9 sections
Main stories: D5 The Iskandar Cycle (22)
Plates: Vol II: VII

Genealogical plate: The Houses beyond Iran — Volume II, Plate VII: The Houses beyond Iran. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

D5.5

Kayd of Hind Has a Dream

Ten nights of dreams frighten Kayd of Hind, and none of his sages can read them. The hermit Mehran interprets each as a sign of a corrupt age to come, and advises Kayd to buy off the approaching Iskandar with four treasures no other king possesses.

D5.5.2
There once ruled Kayd, a king of Hind renowned,Whom wisdom, insight, happiness had crowned.
D5.5.118
King Kayd rejoiced at all the sage had said,And felt new life throughout his spirit spread.

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

D5.6

Iskandar Marches against Kayd of Hind

Master of Iran, Iskandar turns his banners toward Kayd’s kingdom, camps before the city of Milad, and dictates a letter demanding instant submission: Kayd is not to wait for daylight, and defiance will cost him head, throne and crown.

D5.6.2
He turned his banners toward King Kayd’s domain,By road and trackless land he led his train.
D5.6.5
He reached the mighty city on the plain,Named Milad, in King Kayd of Hind’s domain.

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

D5.7

Kayd of Hind Answers Iskandar

Kayd receives the envoy with honor and answers that he will not present himself unprepared. He offers instead four things unmatched anywhere in the world, to be sent whenever Iskandar commands, and promises then to come and serve him as a bondsman.

D5.7.1
When Kayd received the letter, he drew nearTo meet the royal envoy and give ear.

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

D5.8

Iskandar Is Intrigued

Iskandar sends the envoy back to learn what the four things are. Kayd names his hidden daughter, a cup that never empties of wine or water, a physician who diagnoses from a drop, and a philosopher who reads the heavens. Iskandar is delighted and promises to spare Hind.

D5.8.5
The envoy left the presence, swift as fire,And rode to Kayd to voice the Shah’s desire.
D5.8.6
He said to Kayd: “These four things you possess,Which none else holds, as you yourself profess;
D5.8.8
Then Kayd dismissed the strangers from the place,And with his counselor sat face to face.

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

D5.9

Nine Sages Are Sent to Inspect the Four Wonders

Iskandar sends nine Roman sages to verify the wonders. Shown Kayd’s daughter enthroned in gold, they are struck motionless and can only agree that each will describe a single feature. Iskandar reads their reports, sends for all four wonders, and guarantees Kayd his kingdom.

D5.9.2
He wrote a letter, gracious in its plea,With scent and colored art for Kayd to see.
D5.9.9
I shall write: ‘While life lasts, let Kayd commandAs king of Hind, the ruler of that land.’”
D5.9.10
The nine wise Roman sages left his side,And swiftly to King Kayd they chose to ride.

Kayd named 7 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D5.10

Nine Sages Return with the Four Wonders

Kayd sends the four wonders with three hundred camel-loads of treasure. The bride comes weeping before Iskandar, who marvels at her beauty, praises her Maker, and marries her by Christian rite before his Mobadan and Roman sages, heaping gold upon her.

D5.10.3
They left their lodging for the royal seat,And stood before King Kayd, the Shah to greet.
D5.10.4
They read aloud the words that Caesar sent,And told King Kayd the sovereign’s full intent.
D5.10.5
King Kayd rejoiced; his land was free from fear,No threat from Iskandar now hovered near.

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

D5.11

Iskandar Tests the Sage, the Physician, and the Cup

Iskandar tests the philosopher with a bowl of ghee, answered with needles, then a mirror, then rust; the sage explains every step and refuses his gifts. The physician’s regimen and his shrewd diagnosis delight the Shah, and the sage explains that the cup draws water like a loadstone.

D5.11.90
They gathered round King Kayd to make it right,Through daylight and the lapis-colored night.
D5.11.98
Four wonders I received from Kayd’s own hand;No further gain from him shall I demand.”

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

D5.13

Foor Answers Iskandar’s Letter

Foor answers with contempt. Dara’s fall has made Iskandar overbold; Foor is of his own royal line, sent Dara elephants and courage, and has ranks so thick they stop the wind. He warns Iskandar to sow no more seeds of greed.