Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Mahbudمهبود

mah-BOOD

A loyal steward of Anooshirvan whose kitchen fed the Shah, destroyed with his sons through Zarvan's envy.

In the poem: First at E1.1, Zarvan’s Sorcery and the Fall of Mahbud; last at E1.2, Anooshirvan Avenges Mahbud
Named: 25 times, in 2 sections
Main stories: E1 The Story of Mahbud and Other Matters (25)
Plates: Vol III: VI

Genealogical plate: Qobad and Anooshirvan — Volume III, Plate VI: Qobad and Anooshirvan. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

E1.1

Zarvan’s Sorcery and the Fall of Mahbud

Mahbud, the Shah’s trusted minister, has his two sons carry the royal food. The envious chamberlain Zarvan and a sorcerer look on the dishes, then warn that the milk is poisoned; the sons die tasting it, and the Shah destroys Mahbud, his house and his kin.

E1.1.1
This matter closed, I turn my words to tellOf Mahbud, who had served the Shah so well.
E1.1.13
This worthy man was Mahbud; all could seeHis heart and speech alike from evil free.
E1.1.16
The Shah would eat no food except the fareThat Mahbud furnished with devoted care.

Mahbud named 18 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E1.2

Anooshirvan Avenges Mahbud

Years later Mahbud’s brand on a hunting horse reopens the Shah’s grief. Zarvan’s talk of milk and magic betrays him; he confesses and blames the sorcerer, who is fetched and confirms it. Both are flayed alive and hung on the gibbet, and the Shah endows Mahbud’s surviving kin.

E1.2.3
Then on some Arab steeds Mahbud’s mark showed;The Shah’s cheeks flushed, and old affection glowed.
E1.2.5
He wept, and pain consumed his troubled breast,Remembering Mahbud, once among the best:
E1.2.20
At this, old memories pierced the monarch’s breast;Mahbud and both his sons denied him rest.