Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Khoshnavazخوشنواز

khosh-na-VAHZ

Son of the Khan, ruler of the Heytalians, against whom Pirooz marches and falls.

In the poem: First at D11.3, The Reign of Pirooz; last at E6.17, Khosrow Receives Caesar’s Second Letter
Named: 33 times, in 9 sections
Main stories: D11 Short Reigns and a Crisis with Khoshnavaz (25); E6 Khosrow Parviz (4); D12 Qobad and the Mazdakite Revolution (2)
Plates: Vol III: V

Genealogical plate: Bahram Goor and His House — Volume III, Plate V: Bahram Goor and His House. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

D11.3

The Reign of Pirooz

Khoshnavaz named 13 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D11.4

Balawsh

Khoshnavaz named 12 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D12.2

The Fall of Sofrye

Sofrye retires to Shiraz and rules Pars as a king without a crown. Courtiers persuade Qobad that he is a rival, and Shapur of Rey is sent to arrest him. Sofrye submits with dignity; Qobad imprisons him and, on the Mobadan’s advice, has him killed.

D12.2.73
My head I give, or cast his to the ground,From that high throne where Khoshnavaz sits crowned.’

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

D12.4

Qobad’s Escape and Flight to the Heytalians

Rizmehr strikes off Qobad’s fetters and the two ride east with five confidants. At a village near Ahvaz Qobad marries a dehqan’s daughter, leaves her his signet, and goes on to the Heytalian king, who lends him forty thousand horsemen for the promise of Chaghaniyan.

D12.4.24
The king replied, “Your need has come, I fear,From wrong to Khoshnavaz that brought you here.

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

E1.11

Anooshirvan Marches to Tisfoon

The Khan yields Sughd, Chakh and Samarkand and withdraws. The eastern lords come with gifts and recite the history of their sufferings. The Shah prays, gives alms, halts at the fire of Azargashasp on the way home, and sends bride and treasure on to Tisfoon.

E1.11.31
Then Khoshnavaz, in Shah Pirooz’s day,Spread bloodshed, burning ruin, and dismay;

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

E5.24

Bahram Chubin Reveals His Ambition

Bahram lays his case before his chiefs, who answer in riddles and proverbs. His sister Gurdiyeh breaks in and argues from precedent that no subject has ever taken the crown. The council praises her; Bahram, unmoved, calls for wine and for Esfandiyar’s Seven Stages.

E5.24.108
While Khoshnavaz, emboldened by their plight,Sat calmly on the throne in royal might,

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

E6.11

Bahram Chubin Claims the Throne

Bahram puts the question of the throne to Iran’s chiefs. Some hail him, some urge him to seek Khosrow’s pardon; when one proposes waiting for a royal heir, Bahram swears to behead any woman of the royal line. A written pact is signed and sealed, and he is crowned.

E6.11.58
Fourth, foul Khoshnavaz laid our honor low,And dealt Iran a catastrophic blow:

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

E6.17

Khosrow Receives Caesar’s Second Letter

Caesar consults his minister and astrologers, who foretell a long reign for Khosrow. He then writes offering troops, treasure and his daughter, provided Khosrow swears to end the ancient feud, forgo Rum’s tribute and leave the Roman frontier alone. Khosrow’s Iranians welcome the peace.

E6.17.58
Long years have passed since Pirooz’s blood was shed,When Khoshnavaz stood firm and Pirooz fell dead.
E6.17.61
Khoshnavaz strove with every means to savePirooz from ruin and an early grave.

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

All 9 sections that name Khoshnavaz