Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Kulbadکلباد

kol-BAHD

A son of Viseh, brother of Piran, slain by Fariborz in the Twelve Rukhs.

In the poem: First at B1.2, Pashang Hears of Manuchehr’s Death; last at C3.29, Fariborz Battles Kulbad
Named: 23 times, in 18 sections
Main stories: B14 The Great Battle with the Khan of Chin (6); B10 Vengeance for Siavash and the Retrieval of Kay Khosrow (5); C3 The Battle of the Twelve Rukhs (4)
Plates: Vol II: IV

Genealogical plate: The House of Viseh — Volume II, Plate IV: The House of Viseh. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

B1.2

Pashang Hears of Manuchehr’s Death

Hearing that Manuchehr is dead and Nohzar’s rule is faltering, Pashang of Turan resolves to avenge Tur and Salm. He summons his son Afrasiab, who eagerly takes command, although his brother Aghriras counsels caution.

B1.2.7
Aghriras came, with Barman, strong of hand;Garsivaz too, and Kulbad joined the band.

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

B1.10

Zal Comes to Mehrab’s Aid

Zal comes to Kabul and announces himself by shooting three arrows into the enemy camp at night. Next day he kills Khazarvan with his father’s ox-headed gorz and Kulbad with an arrow. Shamasas flees, only to run into Gharan, and escapes with a handful of men.

B1.10.31
Then Zal saw Kulbad moving through the dust,And raised his steel to strike with battle-lust.
B1.10.32
But Kulbad saw Dastan’s dread gorz and blade,And turned to flee, seeking the nearest shade.

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

B3.3

Afrasiab Goes to His Father

Afrasiab returns to Pashang and blames him for the war. He describes Rostam’s terrifying strength, lists the Turanian champions lost, confesses the shame of killing Aghriras, and urges his father to make peace and keep to Fereydoon’s old frontiers.

B3.3.42
Kulbad is gone, and Barman, lion’s bane,And Khazarvan, whom Zal’s great gorz has slain.

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

B9.33

Siavash Displays His Prowess before Afrasiab

Afrasiab tests his guest at polo, archery and the hunt. Siavash hits the ball out of sight, strings a bow no Turanian can bend, pierces the target and cuts a Gur-e-Khar in equal halves. The king grows fonder, but some Turanians grow uneasy.

B9.33.20
Afrasiab then chose his champions well:Kulbad and Pulad, horsemen known to excel.

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

B10.20

Kay Khosrow, Giv, and Farangis Flee to Iran

The three ride secretly for Iran. Piran learns of the flight and sends Kulbad and Nastihan with three hundred riders to kill Giv and bring back Khosrow. While mother and son sleep, Giv keeps armed watch.

B10.20.10
Kulbad and Nastihan were called to lead,Two hardened chiefs renowned for martial deed.

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

B10.21

Giv Puts Kulbad and Nastihan to Flight

Giv alone scatters Kulbad’s and Nastihan’s riders and returns to reassure Khosrow. Kulbad tells Piran that Giv shrugged off a thousand blows, and Piran scornfully accuses his captains of cowardice.

B10.21.11
Then Kulbad said: “A mountain stands in sight,Of granite rock in shoulder, flank, and height.
B10.21.22
Kulbad and Nastihan pursued our trail,With all their force, but even they would fail.
B10.21.30
Then Kulbad said: “The tale I tell is true;O Pahlevan, I open speech to you.

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

B14.6

Turan’s Counsel before Battle

Piran warns his kinsmen and the Khan that Rostam has come for vengeance, while the kin of Kamus and Chingish swear to burn Sistan. Shangul, king of Hind, mocks the fear of ‘one Sagzi’ and promises to lead the attack. Houman foresees disaster.

B14.6.91
He came to Kulbad, speaking on the way:“Does Shangul have no wisdom left today?
B14.6.97
Kulbad replied, “O wielder of the blade,Speak no ill omens; do not be afraid.

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

C3.29

Fariborz Battles Kulbad

Fariborz, son of Kavus, opens the day against Kulbad of Viseh’s house. His arrow goes astray, but his sword splits Kulbad to the waist. He binds the body on the saddle, strips its armor, climbs the height and shouts a blessing on Gudarz and the Shah.

C3.29.2
With bow already strung, he charged his foe,Kulbad of Viseh’s house, to strike a blow.
C3.29.6
He bound dead Kulbad on the saddle tight,Then loosed the steel that clothed his foe for fight.

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

All 18 sections that name Kulbad