Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II

Mehrabمهراب

meh-RAHB

King of Kabul, descended from Zahhak; father of Rudabeh.

In the poem: First at A8.1, Zal Visits Mehrab of Kabul; last at C8.15, Rostam Defends His Race and Deeds
Named: 74 times, in 24 sections
Main stories: A8 The Story of Zal and Rudabeh (56); B1 The Crisis after Manuchehr (8); A9 The Birth and Early Feats of Rostam; Manuchehr’s Closing Counsel (5)
Spouses: Sindokht
Children: Rudabeh
Plates: Vol I: VII

Genealogical plate: The House of Sahm — Volume I, Plate VII: The House of Sahm. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

A8.1

Zal Visits Mehrab of Kabul

Zal tours his lands and reaches Kabul, whose king Mehrab, a descendant of Zahhak and a tributary of Sahm, greets him with rich gifts. Zal hears of Mehrab’s daughter and falls in love unseen, but refuses to visit an idol-worshipper’s house.

A8.1.7
There ruled a monarch, Mehrab was his name,A lord of wealth, established power, and fame,
A8.1.21
While cups were passed and music filled the air,Young Zal beheld Mehrab with measured care;
A8.1.23
At Mehrab’s wisdom Zal was satisfied:“The father of such a man has never died.”

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

A8.10

Mehrab Is Not Pleased

Sindokht breaks the news to Mehrab through a parable of a tree whose fruit turns to poison. Mehrab draws his sword to kill Rudabeh, but Sindokht tells him Sahm already knows and makes him swear to spare her. Rudabeh is brought before him, cursed but unharmed.

A8.10.1
Mehrab returned, well pleased by Zal’s regard,And found Sindokht prostrate, her countenance marred.
A8.10.16
Mehrab replied, “This truth is old and known:The passing world was never ours alone.
A8.10.28
Then Mehrab started up in wrath, and pressedHis hand upon the sword-hilt near his breast.

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

A8.13

Sahm Marches on Kabul

Kabul despairs at the Shah’s sentence. Zal rides to meet his father and, before the army, reproaches him for abandoning him at birth and now threatening the house he loves. Sahm admits his wrongs and promises to write to the Shah and send Zal to plead in person.

A8.13.1
Mehrab and Zal heard all that late had passed;The Shah’s command left all Kabul aghast.
A8.13.2
A cry arose throughout Mehrab’s domain;Fear swept through house and court and open plain.
A8.13.3
Sindokht, Mehrab, and Rudabeh allDespaired of life before the threatened fall.

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

A8.16

Sindokht and Sahm Come to an Agreement

Disguised as a warrior-envoy, Sindokht brings Mehrab’s gifts to Sahm, who has them credited to Rudabeh. She pleads for Kabul’s innocent people, wins his oath of safety, and only then reveals who she is. Sahm accepts the match and sends her home with gifts and an escort.

A8.16.6
She bade the knowing warders bear her word,And only as Mehrab’s envoy be heard:
A8.16.8
A message sent from Mehrab’s royal handTo him who holds dominion over the land.”
A8.16.29
If fault there was, it lay with Mehrab’s hand;His eyes hold heart-blood shed for Kabul’s land.

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

A8.22

Zal Returns to Kabul, Sahm and Rudabeh

Zal returns to Sahm, who tells him of his pact with Sindokht. Father and son ride to Kabul, where Mehrab welcomes them. Zal and Rudabeh marry amid weeks of feasting. Afterwards Sahm gives Zal the rule of Sistan and marches against the Gorgasaran.

A8.22.14
What answer shall we send upon the way?What shall we tell Mehrab without delay?”
A8.22.19
Whatever speech was not of Mehrab’s maidWas night to Zal, where sleep itself would fade.
A8.22.23
The courier reached Mehrab and gave his word,Recounting everything he saw and heard.

Mehrab named 10 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

A9.2

Sahm Comes to Meet Rostam

Sahm comes to Zabul to see his grandson and finds him enthroned on an elephant. Rostam asks for arms, a month of feasting follows, and the drunken Mehrab boasts. Before leaving, Sahm counsels Zal to be just and loyal and says that he feels his own end approaching.

A9.2.7
Then Zal and Mehrab, Kabul’s ruling lord,Rode out to welcome Sahm in one accord.
A9.2.16
Then Mehrab and Zal dismounted on the road,With aged chiefs whose years in silver showed.
A9.2.46
Mehrab drank wine till, everywhere he peered,No man but his own mighty self appeared.

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

B1.9

Shamasas and Khazarvan Raid Zabulistan

Shamasas and Khazarvan march on Zabulistan while Zal mourns at Sahm’s tomb. Mehrab of Kabul, claiming descent from Zahhak, pretends to submit and buys time with promises of gold, while secretly sending a rider to summon Zal.

B1.9.6
But Mehrab in the city held his ground,Bright-minded, sleepless, watching all around.
B1.9.7
The messenger approached Shamasas’s tent,To bring the words Mehrab, his master, sent:
B1.9.8
He reached the pavilion, bowed before the chief,And gave Mehrab’s greetings, smooth and brief.

Mehrab named 4 times 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.

B1.10.2
Toward valiant Mehrab swiftly Zal made way,His fighting army followed in array.
B1.10.3
When he beheld Mehrab, composed and wise,He cast aside all fear before his eyes.
B1.10.5
To wise Mehrab he spoke with steady breath:“By night I will deal these enemies their death.