New Naqqaliشاهنامه
Character · The Shahnameh · Volume II

Nasturنستور

nas-TOOR

Son of Zarir, who avenges his father in the war with Arjasp.

In the poem
First at C6.10, Goshtasb Hears Jamasp’s Prophecy; last at C6.32, Esfandiyar Reaches Goshtasb
Named
18 times, in 9 sections
Main stories
C6 Goshtasb, Zardosht, and the War with Arjasp (18)
Parents
Zarir
Plates
Vol II: VI
Genealogical plate: The House of Lohrasp
Volume II, Plate VI: The House of Lohrasp. Tap to open the genealogies.

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Nastur most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Nastur. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.
C6.10

Goshtasb Hears Jamasp’s Prophecy

At the Jihun, Goshtasb makes Jamasp read the stars. Under oath of safety, the sage foretells the whole battle: Ardeshir, Shidasp, his own son Girami, Nivzar and finally Zarir will fall, Esfandiyar will kill Bidarfesh and Arjasp will flee. Goshtasb faints with grief.

  • C6.10.74
    Who will rise first to avenge Zarir’s proud name? Young Nastur will rise, with his heart aflame!
  • C6.10.75
    Noble Nastur, the son of brave Zarir, Will urge his charger forward without fear.
Nastur named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C6.11

Goshtasb and Arjasp Prepare for Battle

Scouts report the Turks encamped nearby. Goshtasb gives Zarir the standard and the center, sets Esfandiyar and another son on the wings and Nastur in the rear, then watches from a height. Arjasp arrays his hundred-thousands under Bidarfesh, Gorgsar, Namkhast and Kuhram.

  • C6.11.17
    The rear he gave to Nastur, strong and bold,Zarir’s bright son, of pure and noble mold.
Nastur named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C6.13

Girami and Nivzar Are Slain

Jamasp’s son Girami routs Namkhast, then charges the Turkish center. When Kaveh’s standard falls he dismounts to raise it, loses a hand, holds the banner in his teeth and is killed. Nastur rides out and returns victorious; Nivzar kills a hundred and twenty men and dies.

  • C6.13.25
    That ancient sage would see his son no more;Then lion Nastur charged with battle’s roar.
Nastur named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C6.16

Esfandiyar Marches against Arjasp

Esfandiyar charges and scatters the Turks. Nastur arms, searches the field for his father, finds Zarir stripped on the ground, laments over him and rides to demand vengeance from the Shah. Goshtasb calls for his armor; his minister tells him to send Nastur instead.

  • C6.16.7
    Nastur, Zarir’s own son, came from his tent,And to his father’s horse attendant went.
  • C6.16.40
    The minister said, “Do not fight; insteadGive Nastur your own steed; send him ahead;
Nastur named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C6.17

Nastur and Esfandiyar Slay Bidarfesh

Mounted on Behzad, Nastur challenges Bidarfesh, who is riding Zarir’s horse in Zarir’s armor. As they fight Esfandiyar arrives; Bidarfesh flees, hurls his poisoned weapon, and Esfandiyar catches it in flight and drives it through him, then recovers Zarir’s arms, horse and banner.

  • C6.17.1
    The Shah gave Behzad, jowshan, helm of steel,To young Nastur, of firm, unfailing zeal.
  • C6.17.4
    He cried, “Nastur am I, Zarir’s own heir;No lion dares confront me anywhere.
  • C6.17.9
    As the king of Chin held Nastur’s attack,That Kayanian youth drove the battle back.
Nastur named 5 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C6.18

Arjasp Flees from the Battle

Esfandiyar forms three Kayanian lines under himself, Nastur and his brother. Nastur and Nush Azar swear not to leave the field alive. Esfandiyar’s lance breaks the Turkish ranks; Arjasp holds his ground until dusk, then flees into the wilderness with Iran in pursuit.

  • C6.18.3
    One part he gave to brave Nastur’s command,High-born, the shining light of all the band.
  • C6.18.7
    Nastur, Zarir’s high-born and valiant son,And Nush Azar, through whose strength wars were won,
Nastur named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C6.20

Goshtasb Returns to Balkh

The army carries its wounded home to Balkh. Goshtasb marries Homahyi to his eldest son, gives Nastur a hundred thousand men to avenge his father in Khallokh, distributes cities and honors, founds a hall and fire, and receives tribute from Rum, Hind and Sind.

  • C6.20.2
    He told Nastur, “When darkness yields to dawn,Lead back the army; homeward we are drawn.”
  • C6.20.8
    He gave illustrious Nastur full command,As was the ancient custom of the land.
  • C6.20.13
    Then young Nastur rode forth, his troops behind,All armed for battle, all of single mind.
Nastur named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes
C6.28

News of Lohrasp’s Death Reaches Goshtasb

Goshtasb’s wife rides to Sistan in Turkish disguise with the news: Lohrasp killed, Balkh sacked, the fire quenched, Homahyi and Bih Afrid led away in chains. Goshtasb summons his Pahlevans and marches to Balkh, where three days of battle kill thirty-eight of his sons.

  • C6.28.33
    Upon the left stood Nastur, battle-tried,His courage overflowing like a tide.
Nastur named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes
All 9 sections that name Nastur
  1. C6.10 Goshtasb Hears Jamasp’s Prophecy
  2. C6.11 Goshtasb and Arjasp Prepare for Battle
  3. C6.13 Girami and Nivzar Are Slain
  4. C6.16 Esfandiyar Marches against Arjasp
  5. C6.17 Nastur and Esfandiyar Slay Bidarfesh
  6. C6.18 Arjasp Flees from the Battle
  7. C6.20 Goshtasb Returns to Balkh
  8. C6.28 News of Lohrasp’s Death Reaches Goshtasb
  9. C6.32 Esfandiyar Reaches Goshtasb

Family

Parents
Zarir
Volume II · Plate VIThe House of LohraspLohrasp to Esfandiyar’s sons · C4–C8

Where the name appears

Named mentions by book, from the Universe Registry, the index behind this site. Titles and epithets are not counted.
C6Goshtasb, Zardosht, and the War with Arjasp18

More in the Glossary and the index of characters.