Character · The Shahnameh · Volume II

Kaydafaکیدافا

kay-da-FAH

The wise queen of Andalus, mother of Qaydrush, who recognizes Iskandar when he comes to her disguised as his own envoy.

In the poem: First at D5.17, Iskandar Leads His Troops from Judda to Mesr; last at D5.23, Iskandar and Kaydafa Reach an Agreement
Named: 26 times, in 7 sections
Main stories: D5 The Iskandar Cycle (26)
Children: Taynush, Qaydrush
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 7 sections that name Kaydafa most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Kaydafa. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

D5.17

Iskandar Leads His Troops from Judda to Mesr

Iskandar has ships built at Judda and sails to Mesr, where Qaytun submits and the army rests a year. In Andalus, Queen Kaydafa sends a draftsman to bring back Iskandar’s likeness; the portrait warns her never to oppose him. Qaytun praises her wealth and her stone city.

D5.17.10
World-seeking, generous, famed throughout the land,Kaydafa held the scepter of command.
D5.17.19
Kaydafa saw his likeness with a sigh,And hid it, troubled by what met her eye.
D5.17.22
Iskandar questioned Qaytun, “Tell me true:Who rivals Queen Kaydafa, in your view?”

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

D5.18

Iskandar Writes to Kaydafa, Queen of Andalus

Iskandar writes on silk demanding tribute and pointing to the fates of Dara and Foor. Kaydafa answers that her glory, troops and treasure exceed theirs, that a commander leads each hundred of her millions, and that his boasting has swollen since Dara’s death.

D5.18.3
To wise Kaydafa, eminent of name,Whose majesty has won a world-wide fame.

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

D5.19

Iskandar Captures King Faryan’s Fortress

Iskandar storms King Faryan’s fortress within a week and forbids bloodshed. Among the captives are Kaydafa’s son Qaydrush and his bride. Iskandar sets his minister Bitlqun on the throne to condemn Qaydrush, then pleads for him in the guise of an envoy, and wins the prince’s gratitude.

D5.19.2
A month he marched with all his armed train,And reached Kaydafa’s border and domain.
D5.19.9
Kaydafa’s son was married in that town;He gladdened Faryan, wearer of its crown.
D5.19.10
For King Faryan had given him as brideHis cherished child; Kaydafa swelled his pride.

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

D5.20

Iskandar Plays Envoy and Is Recognized

Calling himself Bitlqun, Iskandar rides with Qaydrush to Kaydafa’s court, marvels at her crystal halls, and delivers his own demand for tribute. Taken aside, he is confronted with the silk portrait and named. Cornered, he regrets having no blade and threatens bloodshed.

D5.20.6
They journeyed on with haste across the land,Toward Queen Kaydafa’s seat of high command.
D5.20.7
When Queen Kaydafa learned her son was near,She listened eagerly, intent to hear.
D5.20.16
When Queen Kaydafa heard her son’s account,Her heavy sorrow rose beyond all count.

Kaydafa named 8 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D5.21

Kaydafa Counsels Iskandar

Kaydafa reproves Iskandar for risking his life, explains the gallery of royal portraits and horoscopes by which she knows every king, and promises secrecy if he swears to spare her kin. He swears by his faith and his sword; she warns him against her son Taynush.

D5.21.1
Kaydafa smiled to see his lion’s pride,And spoke with gentle wisdom at his side.
D5.21.29
Kaydafa said: “One thing I must declare:One warning now deserves your closest care.
D5.21.41
Horse-felling Taynush stood with Qaydrush near;To Kaydafa’s commands both lent an ear.

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

D5.22

Taynush, Son of Kaydafa, Rages against Iskandar

Taynush threatens to tear off the envoy’s head in vengeance for Foor. His mother has him dragged out, then recalls him at Iskandar’s request. Iskandar offers to deliver Iskandar unarmed into an ambush; Taynush promises him a treasury. Kaydafa understands the trick and says nothing.

D5.22.53
Kaydafa heard Iskandar’s subtle speech,And grasped the hidden end he hoped to reach.

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

D5.23

Iskandar and Kaydafa Reach an Agreement

Iskandar swears a Christian oath never to return in arms. Kaydafa’s chiefs counsel peace, and she sends him off with her father’s crown, a seventy-part throne and a vast inventory of gifts. He then rings Taynush’s ambush with armed men, spares him, and reveals himself.

D5.23.16
Kaydafa marked the solemn words he swore,His honest pledge that war would rise no more.
D5.23.65
Taynush had all his men their steeds bestride,Then rode to court to stand by Kaydafa’s side.
D5.23.66
They bade Kaydafa farewell: “May you stayA living thread in heaven’s bright array!”