Character · The Shahnameh · Volume II

Kuhram (brother of Arjasp)کهرم

koh-RAM

Arjasp's brother and commander, who kills Farshidvard at Balkh and is slain by Esfandiyar.

In the poem: First at C6.8, The Envoys Bear Goshtasb’s Answer; last at C6.32, Esfandiyar Reaches Goshtasb
Named: 21 times, in 7 sections
Main stories: C6 Goshtasb, Zardosht, and the War with Arjasp (21)
Parents: Arjasp
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 Kuhram (brother of Arjasp) most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Kuhram (brother of Arjasp). Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

C6.8

The Envoys Bear Goshtasb’s Answer

The envoys return in disgrace and Arjasp has the reply read aloud: Goshtasb boasts of his lineage, his lions, Zarir and Esfandiyar, and throws back the musk. Arjasp musters Turan, dividing the army among Kuhram, Andariman, Gorgsar, Bidarfesh, Khashash and Hushdiv.

C6.8.46
The king had brothers, Ahrimans in soul:Kuhram, Andariman, who took control
C6.8.50
He called Kuhram, his brother, to his side,And gave him one whole army wing to guide.

Kuhram (brother of Arjasp) named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.11

Goshtasb and Arjasp Prepare for Battle

Scouts report the Turks encamped nearby. Goshtasb gives Zarir the standard and the center, sets Esfandiyar and another son on the wings and Nastur in the rear, then watches from a height. Arjasp arrays his hundred-thousands under Bidarfesh, Gorgsar, Namkhast and Kuhram.

C6.11.30
Kuhram stood there, a horseman brave and bold,Whose head had weathered years of heat and cold.
C6.11.31
He set Kuhram to oversee the field,With full command, the army’s strength to wield.

Kuhram (brother of Arjasp) named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.12

The Opening of the Battle

The armies close under a storm of arrows. Goshtasb watches from the mountain on armored Behzad. Ardeshir rides out and is shot through the waist; Hormizd avenges him and falls; Shidasp unhorses a Turkish champion and is killed by an arrow in turn.

C6.12.29
“Where is Kuhram, that mighty warrior? WhereIs he whose form both wolf and tiger share?”

Kuhram (brother of Arjasp) named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.27

Lohrasp Falls at Balkh

Arjasp sends Kuhram to burn Balkh and kill Esfandiyar in his chains. Lohrasp, old and with only market men to help, arms and fights until the Turks surround and kill him. They sack Balkh, burn the Zand-Avesta and slaughter eighty priests at the fire.

C6.27.2
He gave command that Kuhram, sword in hand,Should lead the army toward Iran’s land.
C6.27.3
For Kuhram, his strong eldest son, held highHis head toward the bright sun in the sky.
C6.27.10
Then end him there; divide his head and frame,And make the world resound with Kuhram’s name.

Kuhram (brother of Arjasp) named 8 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.28

News of Lohrasp’s Death Reaches Goshtasb

Goshtasb’s wife rides to Sistan in Turkish disguise with the news: Lohrasp killed, Balkh sacked, the fire quenched, Homahyi and Bih Afrid led away in chains. Goshtasb summons his Pahlevans and marches to Balkh, where three days of battle kill thirty-eight of his sons.

C6.28.36
Kuhram, the swordsman, held the left in flame;Arjasp stood central with his men of name.
C6.28.48
Then Farshidvard strove lion-like in strife,Till Kuhram struck and almost took his life.

Kuhram (brother of Arjasp) named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.31

Farshidvard Comes before Esfandiyar

Esfandiyar rides out by night with Bahman, Nush Azar and Jamasp, vowing fire-temples and wells if he is granted vengeance. He finds his brother Farshidvard dying, shrouds him under a tree, curses the dead Gurazm, and cuts through Turkish scouts to reach his father.

C6.31.60
One asked his purpose. “Kuhram heard,” he lied,“That Esfandiyar passed you on this side.

Kuhram (brother of Arjasp) named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C6.32

Esfandiyar Reaches Goshtasb

Goshtasb welcomes his son and promises him the crown. At dawn the armies close; Esfandiyar cuts down hundreds, takes the boastful Gorgsar with his kamand, and Arjasp flees by camel toward Khallokh. Spared, Gorgsar offers to guide the prince to the Ruyin Dezh.

C6.32.17
Neither Arjasp nor Chin’s Khaqan shall stand,Nor Kuhram, Khallokh, nor the Turan land.”
C6.32.31
Arjasp, in grief, called all his chiefs to hear,And spoke at length to Kuhram standing near:
C6.32.39
He charged Kuhram to guard the heavy prize,And bade his younger sons prepare to rise.