Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Makaturaمقاتوره

ma-kah-too-RAH

The Khan of Chin's champion, who challenges Bahram Chubin and is killed.

In the poem: First at E6.32, Bahram Chubin and the Khan of Chin; last at E6.36, Kharrad’s Mission to the Khan
Named: 10 times, in 4 sections
Main stories: E6 Khosrow Parviz (10)

In the poem’s own words

The 4 sections that name Makatura most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Makatura. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

E6.32

Bahram Chubin and the Khan of Chin

Bahram is received in Chin with honor and an oath of friendship. Noting that the Khan’s champion Makatura carries off a thousand dinars every morning, he persuades the Khan to refuse him. Makatura rages, and the two exchange an arrow and a sword as tokens of challenge.

E6.32.30
Makatura, nobler born, had earned a name;Through him the Khan had won success and fame.
E6.32.49
That night passed on; when dawn began to stir,The haughty Makatura came to confer.
E6.32.58
When Makatura heard, his anger burned;Against Bahram Chubin his vengeance turned.

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

E6.33

Makatura Falls to Bahram Chubin

The two fight before the Khan and his Turks. Makatura shoots first and his arrow is turned by Bahram’s jowshan; Bahram’s shaft goes through his spine, and he dies upright, his feet bound to the saddle. The Khan, secretly delighted, loads Bahram with treasure.

E6.33.2
Makatura armed himself for fight,With Turkish sword and coat of armor bright.
E6.33.7
Makatura reached the chosen ground,And drove the dust in clouds that wheeled around.
E6.33.11
Then Makatura sneered with wrath and tiedThe notched bowstring on either horn with pride.

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

E6.34

Bahram Chubin Slays the Lion-Ape

A monster called the Lion-Ape has swallowed the Khan’s daughter, and the Khan is too ashamed to ask for vengeance. His queen appeals to Bahram, who rides out alone and kills the beast with arrows, spear and sword. The Khan gives him a second daughter in marriage.

E6.34.19
When Bahram slew Makatura, renowned,The queen sought out the chief with triumph crowned.

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

E6.36

Kharrad’s Mission to the Khan

Kharrad Barzin goes as envoy and wins the Khan’s favor with wise talk, but cannot shake his oath. Turning to the women’s quarters, he recruits a steward, befriends the despised old Turk Kulun, and earns the queen’s gratitude by curing her daughter’s fever.