Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Monzerمنذر

mon-ZER

The Arab king of Yemen who raises Bahram Goor.

In the poem: First at D9.2, Bahram Goor Is Born and Raised by an Arab; last at D13.9, Anooshirvan’s Letter to Caesar
Named: 72 times, in 12 sections
Main stories: D9 Yazdegard I and the Rise of Bahram Goor (59); D13 Anooshirvan and the Road to the End-time (9); D10 The Bahram Goor Cycle: Justice, Foreign Adventures, and End of a Reign (4)
Plates: Vol III: V

Genealogical plate: Bahram Goor and His House — Volume III, Plate V: Bahram Goor and His House. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

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

D9.2

Bahram Goor Is Born and Raised by an Arab

In Yazdegard’s eighth year Bahram is born under happy stars, and the astrologers foretell that the seven climes will bow to him. Fearing the father’s nature, the Mobadan urge fostering him abroad. Yazdegard gives him to Monzer, who has him nursed, schooled and horsed.

D9.2.36
At night went Numan, Monzer at his side,With Arab spearmen famous far and wide.
D9.2.45
Then Monzer spoke: “We are your slaves, your own;We live for nothing but the royal throne.
D9.2.51
When Yazdegard had heard what Monzer said,He weighed the matter deeply in his head.

Monzer named 16 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

D9.4

Bahram Shows His Strength to Monzer

Monzer gathers Arab notables to judge Bahram’s prowess. Bahram rides down ostriches and plants four arrows so evenly that no hair divides the shafts. Monzer sends to Yemen for painters, has the feat worked on silk, and dispatches the picture to Yazdegard.

D9.4.1
Another week, Numan and Monzer rodeTo watch Bahram along the hunting road.
D9.4.2
Monzer brought Arab men of noble name,As judges of his prowess and his fame.
D9.4.3
Monzer desired that Bahram Goor displayHis strength and horsemanship to them that day.

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

D9.5

Bahram and Numan Visit Yazdegard

Longing for his father, Bahram rides to Istakhr with Numan and Yemeni gifts. Yazdegard lodges him well but works him like a servant. Bahram sends Monzer a secret letter of complaint; Monzer counsels patience and sends money, goods, and the handmaid Bahram loves.

D9.5.2
That lion spoke to Monzer: “Though I stayedFor long a guest in your protecting shade,
D9.5.4
Monzer prepared whatever was required,With gifts from Yemen fit to be admired.
D9.5.19
He said, “Monzer has labored long and hard,And raised young Bahram under watchful guard.

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

D9.6

Yazdegard Jails Bahram, but He Escapes

Caught dozing after a day’s service, Bahram is stripped of cap and girdle and confined a year. He persuades Caesar’s envoy Taynush to obtain his release and rides back to Yemen. Yazdegard’s star-readers then foretell his death near Tus, at the spring of Sav.

D9.6.15
Send me to those who reared me; Monzer’s careWas more than mother’s, more than father’s share.”
D9.6.22
Numan came forth, and Monzer at their head,With loyal spearmen, riding where he led.
D9.6.23
As Monzer neared, the light of day grew pale;The army’s dust spread out, a darkening veil.

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

D9.9

Bahram Goor Marches to Claim the Throne

Told that his father is dead and Khosrow crowned, Bahram mourns a month, then takes counsel with Monzer. Numan raises ten thousand Arab horsemen and harries Iran as far as Tisfoon. News of the vacant throne brings raiders from Rum, Chin, Hind and Makran.

D9.9.9
Then Numan drew beside him; Monzer came,With Yemen’s Arabs, every rank and name.
D9.9.14
To Monzer Bahram spoke in his dismay:“Now darkness clouds the fortune of our day.
D9.9.19
Monzer heard Bahram’s words and made his stand;With manly speech, he answered his demand.

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

D9.10

The Iranians Protest Bahram’s Ravages to Monzer

Worn out by the raids, the Iranians send the scribe Javanuy to Monzer. Monzer sends him on to Bahram, whose presence strikes him dumb. Monzer’s reply blames Iran for starting the quarrel, and Javanuy ends by advising that Bahram be allowed to ride into Iran as a king.

D9.10.7
They sent him forth to Monzer to conveyTheir words, and hear what he in turn would say:
D9.10.32
The Shah sent him to Monzer with a guide,A sage to bear these words back at his side:
D9.10.35
Then Javanuy returned and spoke; the lightOf joy made Monzer’s face grow warm and bright.

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

D9.11

Bahram Goor Approaches with Monzer’s Army

Monzer levies thirty thousand Arab spearmen and camps on dry ground near Jahram. He advises Bahram to feast the Iranian chiefs and hear them out before fighting. Bahram sets an ivory throne on the plain, Numan beside him with a naked blade, and receives Iran’s nobles.

D9.11.1
Monzer, Bahram Goor, and counselors all met,In private council where their course was set.
D9.11.7
Near Jahram, Monzer led his ranks to standUpon the waterless expanse of land.
D9.11.11
Monzer replied, “Invite the chiefs to dine;When they arrive, set out the food and wine.

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

D13.8

Monzer Seeks Justice from Anooshirvan

Monzer, the Arab chief, meets the Shah on his return and complains that the Romans lord it over the desert horsemen. Anooshirvan sends Caesar a warning; Caesar answers with contempt. The Shah musters his troops and puts thirty thousand under Monzer to burn the Roman frontier.

D13.8.4
He left his charger, bowed, and then he said,“Behold Monzer, the Arab chief ahead.”
D13.8.5
When Monzer came before the Shah’s own face,The chiefs made way and left him ample space.
D13.8.13
The Shah grew angry at proud Caesar’s claim,Whose lifted crown had put Monzer to shame.