New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Kharradخراد

khar-RAHD

An Iranian champion. Esfandiyar also takes the name Kharrad when he enters the Ruyin Dezh disguised as a merchant (C7.9).

In the poem
First at B1.12, Zal Hears of Nohzar’s Death; last at C7.10, The Sisters Recognize Esfandiyar
Named
12 times, in 12 sections
Main stories
B13 Mount Hamavan and the Kamus Campaign (3); B3 Kay Qobad (2); C7 Esfandiyar’s Seven Stages and the Ruyin Dezh (2)

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Kharrad most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Kharrad. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.
B1.12

Zal Hears of Nohzar’s Death

The Iranians mourn Nohzar and Zal vows vengeance. The captives at Sari beg Aghriras for help, and he promises to withdraw if an Iranian force approaches. Keshvad rides from Zabul, Aghriras pulls back, and Zal welcomes the freed nobles.

  • B1.12.34
    With Gharan, Kharrad, Keshvad at his side,Long-armed, peerless in Iran’s ranks, they ride.
Kharrad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B3.1

Kay Qobad Takes the Throne

Kay Qobad is crowned and at once leads the army against Afrasiab. The Iranian battle order is set out with Rostam in the van, the Kaviani banner flies, and Gharan cuts through the Turanian ranks and kills Shamasas.

  • B3.1.2
    The chiefs drew near: brave Zal and Gharan bold,With Keshvad, Kharrad, Barzin famed of old.
Kharrad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B3.4

Pashang Sues Kay Qobad for Peace

Pashang writes to Kay Qobad offering peace on the basis of Fereydoon’s ancient division of the world, with the Jihun as the frontier. Qobad accepts and the Turanians withdraw. Despite Rostam’s protest, the Shah rewards his champions and gives Rostam the rule of Nimruz.

  • B3.4.63
    To Gharan, Keshvad, Kharrad, Barzin bold,And Pulad too, he gave rich gems and gold.
Kharrad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B4.1

The Reign of Kay Kavus, His Sitting upon the Throne, and His Intent to March to Mazandaran

The poet reflects on good trees and crooked shoots. Kay Kavus, rich and proud, is enchanted by a Div disguised as a minstrel who sings of Mazandaran, and resolves to conquer it. The alarmed nobles send for Zal, who sets out to counsel the Shah.

  • B4.1.50
    With Keshvad, Kharrad, Gorgin, Bahram near,Each hid beneath his words a rising fear.
Kharrad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B5.10

Kavus Wars with Mazandaran

The armies meet, and Rostam spears the boasting champion Juya out of the saddle. After a week of battle Kavus prays; Rostam then spears the sorcerer-king, who turns himself into a rock. Rostam carries it to camp, the king emerges and is killed, and Ulad receives Mazandaran.

  • B5.10.72
    With Farhad, Kharrad, Barzin pressing near,They surged once more with vengeance sharp and clear.
Kharrad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B7.1

Rostam and the Seven Warriors Go Hunting

At a feast at Nawand, Giv proposes a hunt in Afrasiab’s own preserves. Rostam and the champions hunt across the Turanian border for a week, with Guraza as lookout. Afrasiab sends thirty thousand men to trap them, and Rostam, warned, calls for more wine.

  • B7.1.12
    Gorgin and Zangeh of Shavaran came,With Kharrad, Gostaham, chiefs of famous name.
Kharrad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B13.4

Khosrow Dispatches Tus to Turan

Khosrow shames the chiefs for forgetting their vengeance, then honors Giv and gives Tus command again with the Kaviani standard. After consulting the stars, he sees the army off on its march to the river Shahd.

  • B13.4.12
    Kharrad and Zangeh, Shavaran’s bold son,With Bijan, Giv, and chiefs famed one by one.
Kharrad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
B13.9

The Second Battle of Iran and Turan

At dawn both armies deploy. Houman orders a close-quarters charge, while Tus and Gudarz, greatly outnumbered, put their trust in God. The chiefs are paired off in single combats, and Tus leads his footmen forward.

  • B13.9.49
    Shidush, Rohham, Giv, Gostaham drew near,With Kharrad, brave Farhad, and Barzin dear.
Kharrad named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
All 12 sections that name Kharrad
  1. B1.12 Zal Hears of Nohzar’s Death
  2. B3.1 Kay Qobad Takes the Throne
  3. B3.4 Pashang Sues Kay Qobad for Peace
  4. B4.1 The Reign of Kay Kavus, His Sitting upon the Throne, and His Intent to March to Mazandaran
  5. B5.10 Kavus Wars with Mazandaran
  6. B7.1 Rostam and the Seven Warriors Go Hunting
  7. B13.4 Khosrow Dispatches Tus to Turan
  8. B13.9 The Second Battle of Iran and Turan
  9. B13.14 The Iranians Make a Night-Attack, Tus, Giv, Rohham Are Surrounded but Are Saved
  10. C1.2 Rostam Is Summoned to Fight Akvan
  11. C7.9 Esfandiyar’s Guile at the Ruyin Dezh
  12. C7.10 The Sisters Recognize Esfandiyar

On the maps

B3.4The Peace of the JihunB5.10–B5.11Kavus's Mazandaran Campaign and the Return to IranB7.1The Frontier Hunt and the Clash of the Seven ChampionsB13.9–B13.26The Siege of Mount Hamavan and the Gathering of the WorldC7.9–C7.13The Storming of the Brazen Hold

Where the name appears

Named mentions by book, from the Universe Registry, the index behind this site. Titles and epithets are not counted.
B1The Crisis after Manuchehr1B3Kay Qobad2B4The War with Mazandaran1B5The Seven Labors of Rostam1B7The Fight of the Seven Warriors1B13Mount Hamavan and the Kamus Campaign3C1Rostam and the Div Akvan1C7Esfandiyar’s Seven Stages and the Ruyin Dezh2

More in the Glossary and the index of characters.