Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes II, III

Lohraspلهراسپ

loh-RAHSP

The king whom Kay Khosrow chooses as his successor; father of Goshtasb.

In the poem: First at C3.3, Kay Khosrow Sends Gudarz against Turan; last at E10.10, The Plot against Yazdegard
Named: 118 times, in 54 sections
Main stories: C5 Lohrasp (33); C6 Goshtasb, Zardosht, and the War with Arjasp (27); C4 The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow (21)
Children: Goshtasb, Zarir
Plates: Vol II: I, Vol II: II, Vol II: VI

Genealogical plate: The Crown in Volume II — Volume II, Plate I: The Crown in Volume II. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

C4.60

Kay Khosrow Names Lohrasp Shah

Khosrow calls Lohrasp in, sets his own crown on him and names him Shah. The chiefs are appalled, and Zal denies that Lohrasp has the birth for it. The Shah defends his choice; Zal blackens his lips with dust and submits; Khosrow takes his leave weeping.

C4.60.2
Among the chiefs, Lohrasp’s name still remainedUnread upon the list the Shah maintained.
C4.60.3
He bade Bijan bring Lohrasp, cap in place,Before the throne to meet him face to face.
C4.60.4
When Khosrow saw Lohrasp before him stand,He rose and greeted him with outstretched hand.

Lohrasp named 11 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C4.64

Lohrasp Learns Kay Khosrow Has Vanished

Lohrasp takes the throne, tells the chiefs that rejecting him means rejecting Khosrow’s last command, and invites objections. Zal and Gudarz swear loyalty, Gudarz tearing his robes for his dead sons. Lohrasp is crowned at Mehrgan, and the poet closes the tale of Kay Khosrow.

C4.64.1
When escort troops returned with news of woe,Lohrasp learned what had passed with Kay Khosrow.
C4.64.3
When chiefs and lords had each assumed their place,Lohrasp rose up and looked on every face.
C4.64.16
When Zal had spoken, Lohrasp gave him praise,Then paused before the chieftains’ watchful gaze.

Lohrasp named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C5.2

Goshtasb Departs in Anger

Lohrasp’s sons Goshtasb and Zarir outshine everyone, but the Shah prefers Kay Kavus’s grandsons. Goshtasb demands to be named heir, is refused with a parable about an overfed stream, and rides for Hind by night with three hundred horsemen. Riders are sent after him in every direction.

C5.2.5
Lohrasp took joy in that distinguished pair,And left Goshtasb neglected in despair.
C5.2.6
Goshtasb’s head swelled with vanity and pride;This grieved Lohrasp, and heavily he sighed.
C5.2.9
Lohrasp commanded that the chiefs appear;The leaders of his warriors gathered near.

Lohrasp named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C5.3

Goshtasb Returns with Zarir

Zarir overtakes his brother near Kabul. A noble argues that a Shah must not submit to idolaters in Hind, and Goshtasb turns for home; Lohrasp rides out to meet him and feasts him. But the Shah still favors Kavus’s line, and Goshtasb begins planning to leave alone.

C5.3.30
Zarir, for your sake I will roam no more,Though wrath at Lohrasp burns me to the core.
C5.3.34
This said, he turned his horse toward home that day,And rode toward Lohrasp’s court without delay.
C5.3.35
When word of this at last reached Lohrasp’s ear,He rode with chiefs and troops to meet him near.

Lohrasp named 6 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C5.16

Caesar Demands Iran’s Tribute

Caesar sends the sage Kalus to demand tribute from Iran. Lohrasp receives him with honor and feasts him, then asks what has made Rum so bold. Kalus describes the rider who broke Khazar; Lohrasp hears Zarir’s face in the description, and sends back a promise of war.

C5.16.4
Experienced and wise, he shall depart,And speak to Shah Lohrasp with measured heart:
C5.16.10
The Caesar called that sage and said, “Depart;Give Shah Lohrasp the message from my heart:
C5.16.21
Lohrasp, on hearing, took the ivory seat,And wore the crown that made all hearts complete.

Lohrasp named 7 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C5.18

Goshtasb Receives the Kingship

Goshtasb rides to his brother’s camp and is given the crown; Iran’s chiefs hail him Shah. Caesar comes to make peace, learns who his son-in-law is, and sends Katayun a treasure train. Goshtasb remits the tribute, rides home, and Lohrasp crowns him.

C5.18.9
The warriors saw Lohrasp’s son appear,Goshtasb, that noble prince they held so dear.
C5.18.37
Then Caesar knew Goshtasb was his true name,The son who made Lohrasp’s crown shine with fame.
C5.18.60
When Shah Lohrasp heard Goshtasb neared the townWith brave Zarir, his brother of renown,

Lohrasp named 6 times 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.

C6.27.20
As they drew near to Balkh, they spoke with gall;Lohrasp heard Kuhram’s name and grieved for all.
C6.27.26
But none was fit for war. Lohrasp then drewHis jowshan on; the Turks came into view.
C6.27.35
Lohrasp, now helpless in the hostile ring,Called on God’s name, that old and faithful king.

Lohrasp named 4 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

C8.16

Esfandiyar Vaunts His Lineage

Esfandiyar answers with his own line, from Goshtasb through Lohrasp, Aurand, Kay Pashin and Kay Qobad to Fereydoon, and through his Roman mother to Salm. He recounts his war for the Faith, his Seven Stages, and the taking of the Ruyin Dezh.

C8.16.6
Goshtasb, my father, comes of Lohrasp’s line;The seed of those two kings is also mine.
C8.16.7
Lohrasp was son of Aurand, king of state,Whose name and standing in his time were great.
C8.16.18
Since Shah Lohrasp gave Goshtasb the throne,My belt stays cinched; my strength and luck are known.