New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Kuhramکهرم

kah-RAM

A Turanian commander.

In the poem
First at B10.7, Afrasiab Marches to Avenge His Son; last at C7.14, Esfandiyar’s Letter to Goshtasb
Named
13 times, in 6 sections (including 12 where the name may belong to Kuhram (brother of Arjasp), Kuhram (Rukhs))
Main stories
C7 Esfandiyar’s Seven Stages and the Ruyin Dezh (11); B10 Vengeance for Siavash and the Retrieval of Kay Khosrow (1); C3 The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs (1)

In the poem’s own words

The 6 sections that name Kuhram most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Kuhram. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.
B10.7

Afrasiab Marches to Avenge His Son

Afrasiab mourns Surkha and leads his whole army out for revenge. Rostam draws up the Iranians against him, with Faramarz in front, Gudarz and Hajir on the left and Tus and Giv on the right.

  • B10.7.25
    On Turan’s right bold Barman led the throng,While Kuhram held the left, as iron strong.
Kuhram named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C3.28

Gudarz and Piran Choose the Warriors

Piran offers terms: let chosen champions and the two old chiefs decide the war, with the losing side renouncing revenge. Gudarz answers with the charge of Siavash’s murder and accepts. Ten pairs are matched, Gudarz against Piran, and each side marks a hill for its victors’ banners.

  • C3.28.46
    Awkhast met Zangeh, Shavaran’s fierce son;Borteh faced Kuhram, matched there one to one.
Kuhram named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C7.8

The River of the Seventh Stage

The army fords a river Gorgsar swore was desert. When the captive curses him, Esfandiyar splits his head and throws him to the fish. From a height he sees the Ruyin Dezh, despairs, and kills two Turks after they describe its garrison.

  • C7.8.32
    When Kuhram falls, who filled the troops with pain,For Farshidvard, the hero he had slain,
Kuhram named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C7.11

Bishutan Attacks the Ruyin Dezh

Esfandiyar’s bonfire on the rampart signals Bishutan, who brings up the army carrying his brother’s gorz and banner and passing for the prince. Bahman kills Turk-Khan, Kuhram is driven back to the walls, and Arjasp sends out the Turks to fight.

  • C7.11.27
    He then split Turk-Khan in two at the waist;Kuhram felt grief and dread at what he faced.
  • C7.11.30
    Kuhram flew before the Iranian force,And drove his troops along their homeward course.
Kuhram named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C7.13

Esfandiyar Slays Kuhram

The watchman proclaims Arjasp dead and his head is thrown from the rampart; the Turks break. Esfandiyar runs Kuhram down, tears him from the saddle, hangs him and Andariman head-down at the gate, and burns the cities of Turan.

  • C7.13.6
    The Turks all heard; Kuhram grew dark at heart,Struck cold by those loud cries and fear’s sharp dart.
  • C7.13.13
    The watchman’s cry went on and would not cease;Kuhram’s fierce anger found no inward peace.
  • C7.13.17
    Kuhram felt anguish tighten in his breast,And fear of what had happened gave no rest.
Kuhram named 7 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C7.14

Esfandiyar’s Letter to Goshtasb

Esfandiyar has a dispatch written to his father reporting the stratagem, Arjasp’s death and the slaughter. Goshtasb answers with praise, an image of Fereydoon’s tree, warnings to guard his life and show mercy, and an order to bring his chiefs to court.

  • C7.14.12
    Arjasp and Kuhram now are there no more;The Hold is grief and wailing to its core.
Kuhram named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

Where the name appears

Named mentions by book, from the Universe Registry, the index behind this site. Titles and epithets are not counted.
B10Vengeance for Siavash and the Retrieval of Kay Khosrow1C3The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs1C7Esfandiyar’s Seven Stages and the Ruyin Dezh11

More in the Glossary and the index of characters.