Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Lambakلنبک

lam-BAK

A kind, generous water-carrier who hosts Bahram Goor for a night and is richly rewarded.

In the poem: First at D10.3, Bahram Visits Lambak the Water-Carrier; last at D10.5, Bahram Grants Baraham’s Wealth to Lambak
Named: 10 times, in 2 sections
Main stories: D10 The Bahram Goor Cycle: Justice, Foreign Adventures, and End of a Reign (10)

In the poem’s own words

The 2 sections that name Lambak most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Lambak. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

D10.3

Bahram Visits Lambak the Water-Carrier

An old man tells Bahram of two townsmen, Baraham the rich miser and Lambak the generous water-carrier. The king forbids the market to buy Lambak’s water, then lodges with him three nights as a stray captain, watching him pawn his gear each day to feed his guest.

D10.3.5
But Lambak bears men water and is kind,A gracious host, warm-hearted and refined.”
D10.3.7
A worthy said, “Great king of noble name,Lambak’s good words and welcome earn acclaim.
D10.3.15
‘Whoever buys from Lambak at the wellShall feel the Shah’s fierce wrath; let none rebel.’”

Lambak named 8 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D10.5

Bahram Grants Baraham’s Wealth to Lambak

In open court Bahram sends an honest man to empty Baraham’s house. A thousand camels cannot carry the hoard. He gives it to Lambak, quotes the miser’s own proverb back at him, leaves him four dirhams to start again, and throws the emptied house open to plunder.

D10.5.2
He summoned Lambak, who obeyed the call,And stood with folded arms within the hall.
D10.5.18
He gave to Lambak all this treasure bright;The water-carrier bore it from his sight.

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