Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II, III

Miladمیلاد

mee-LAHD

Father of Gorgin.

In the poem: First at B4.3, Kay Kavus Ventures to Mazandaran; last at E6.5, Khosrow and Bahram Parley
Named: 15 times, in 13 sections (including 7 where the name may belong to Milad, Milad (city))
Main stories: C2 The Tale of Bijan and Manijeh (4); B11 Kay Khosrow’s Kingship (2); C4 The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow (2)
Children: Gorgin
Plates: Vol I: VIII, Vol II: V

Genealogical plate: The Champions of Iran — Volume I, Plate VIII: The Champions of Iran. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

B4.3

Kay Kavus Ventures to Mazandaran

Kavus leaves Milad to guard Iran and marches to Mazandaran. Giv sacks a city of dazzling wealth, but the king of Mazandaran summons the White Div, who blinds the Shah and his army with sorcerous darkness, takes them captive and sends their treasure to the king.

B4.3.4
To Milad he entrusted Iran’s land,The treasury keys, crown, signet in his hand.

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

B11.5

The Mustering of the Pahlevans

When the sun enters Virgo, Kay Khosrow has a new army register drawn up, clan by clan: the kin of Kavus under Fariborz, Nohzar’s line, the sons of Gudarz and the other great houses. He orders the army out to the plain to await the new month.

B11.5.15
A hundred horsemen came from Milad’s race,Victorious Gorgin rode before their pace.

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

B11.6

Kay Khosrow Honors the Pahlevans

Kay Khosrow opens his treasury and sets prizes for feats of war: Palashan’s head, Tazhav’s crown, the capture of Tazhav’s companion Espanoye, Tazhav’s head, the burning of Afrasiab’s timber barrier and an embassy to Afrasiab. Bijan, Giv and Gorgin claim them.

B11.6.70
And brought his answer back before the throne.Gorgin, Milad’s son, claimed it as his own.

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

B13.15

Khosrow Learns of His Army’s Plight

News of the defeat reaches Khosrow, who summons Rostam, praises his past deeds and begs his help. Rostam agrees at once. The Shah opens his treasury and orders thirty thousand men, with Fariborz leading the van.

B13.15.61
With Gorgin, son of Milad, at your side,Battle-tried in good and ill to guide.’”

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

C2.2

Irman’s People Appeal to Khosrow

Khosrow is feasting with his champions when envoys from the Irman marches beg help against giant boars ruining their fields. He offers treasure to whoever will go, and only Bijan volunteers. Giv protests that his son is too young, and Khosrow sends Gorgin as guide.

C2.2.12
Gudarz, the son of Keshvad, wise and grave,And Gorgin, Milad’s son, alert and brave.
C2.2.67
To Gorgin, son of Milad, then he said:“Go with him to the water-barrier’s head,

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

C2.3

Bijan Goes to Fight the Wild Boars

Bijan and Gorgin ride toward the forest, hunting with cheetahs and hawks along the way. Gorgin refuses any part in the fight, so Bijan goes in alone, kills the boars with his khanjar, and loads their heads and tusks to carry before the Shah.

C2.3.2
He took Gorgin, the son of Milad, too,His match in strength, whose war-cry carried through.

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

C2.24

Rostam Rescues Bijan from the Pit

Seven chiefs cannot shift the stone, so Rostam lifts it alone and hurls it away. He makes Bijan pardon Gorgin before drawing him up by kamand, breaks his fetters, and sends him off with Manijeh while he rides against Afrasiab.

C2.24.24
Forgive Gorgin, Milad’s son, and breakThe chain of vengeance; pardon for my sake.”

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

E6.5

Khosrow and Bahram Parley

Across the Nahravan the king and the rebel abuse and argue with each other at length. Khosrow offers him command of Iran; Bahram offers a gibbet. They dispute whether kingship comes by blood, merit or conquest, trading precedents from Ardeshir to Rostam, until Khosrow laughs and turns back.

E6.5.129
Have you forgotten Gorgin, Milad’s son,Whose treacherous folly left his name undone?
E6.5.221
I shall restore the customs Milad knew,And make the ancient laws of Rey come true.

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

All 13 sections that name Milad