Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II, III

Nohzarنوذر

now-ZAR

Manuchehr’s son and heir, killed by Afrasiab.

In the poem: First at A7.4, Manuchehr Hears of Zal; last at E6.11, Bahram Chubin Claims the Throne
Named: 98 times, in 52 sections
Main stories: B1 The Crisis after Manuchehr (41); C4 The Final Afrasiab Wars and the Disappearance of Kay Khosrow (14); B10 Vengeance for Siavash and the Retrieval of Kay Khosrow (6)
Parents: Manuchehr
Children: Tus, Gostaham (son of Nohzar)
Plates: Vol I: IV

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

In the poem’s own words

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

A7.4

Manuchehr Hears of Zal

Manuchehr sends his son Nohzar to welcome Sahm, who hurries to court with Zal. The king marvels at the youth and asks for his story, and Sahm tells of the dreams, the nest, and the Simorgh returning his son.

A7.4.4
Nohzar was one; Zarasp the other name,Like Azargashasp upon the field of fame.
A7.4.5
He ordered Nohzar, “Ride at once and goTo Sahm the champion; let no hindrance grow.
A7.4.10
When Nohzar reached great Sahm upon the way,A new world-champion stood in bright array.

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

A8.11

Manuchehr Hears of Zal and Rudabeh

Manuchehr learns of the match and fears that a child of Zahhak’s line may one day threaten the throne. He sends his son Nohzar to summon Sahm, who feasts the prince and rides for court, where the Shah’s army turns out to greet him.

A8.11.18
The Shah, resolved to bring the matter clear,Commanded them to summon Nohzar near.
A8.11.19
With lords and chiefs assembled at his side,He spoke to Nohzar, whom he charged to ride:
A8.11.22
Nohzar obeyed, and galloped as decreed;When Sahm was told, he mounted on his steed.

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

B1.1

Nohzar Accedes to the Throne

Nohzar takes Manuchehr’s throne but soon turns greedy and harsh, and the realm falls into turmoil. The nobles offer the crown to Sahm, who refuses it, rebukes them, and comes to court to set the young Shah back on the path of justice.

B1.1.1
The mourning passed; Nohzar assumed the throne,Toward Saturn’s height the Kayanian crown shone.
B1.1.27
“Nohzar has turned from wisdom’s ancient way,And drives the land toward ruin and decay.
B1.1.32
Who dares pronounce that claim upon this earthWhile Nohzar lives, of Kayanian birth?

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

B1.3

Afrasiab Invades Iran

In spring Afrasiab crosses the Jihun with a vast army and camps before Nohzar at Dehestan. He sends a force against Zabulistan, where Zal is building Sahm’s tomb, and writes in triumph to Pashang that Iran’s one feared champion is dead.

B1.3.3
No center marked it, no far edge was known,Yet Nohzar’s youthful fortune now had flown.
B1.3.4
When Turan’s army to the Jihun drew near,The news soon reached King Nohzar’s waiting ear.
B1.3.7
Behind him rode King Nohzar with his train,And all the world rang loud with war’s refrain.

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

B1.4

Barman and Qobad in Single Combat

The Turk Barman challenges the Iranians, and only old Qobad answers him. Qobad falls. Gharan leads a furious charge against the Turanian ranks and fights Afrasiab until sorcerous darkness ends the day.

B1.4.5
He told him all he saw throughout the ground,Nohzar’s pavilion with the troops around.
B1.4.14
Then Barman rode and loudly gave his cry:“Who in Nohzar’s ranks will dare reply?”
B1.4.65
Nohzar beheld him, weeping for the slain,And spoke while sorrow filled his heart with pain.

Nohzar named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B1.5

Afrasiab Battles Nohzar Again

The second day’s battle goes against Iran, and Nohzar fights Afrasiab himself without result. Remembering his father’s prophecy, the Shah sends Tus and Gostaham to take the royal women from Pars to the safety of Alborz, and bids them a tearful farewell.

B1.5.9
From army’s center Nohzar gave the call,And rode against his foe before them all.
B1.5.16
Nohzar was struck with grief and bitter care,For dust had veiled the star his crown should bear.
B1.5.19
Nohzar revealed the anguish in his breast;He spoke at length, while tears his grief confessed.

Nohzar named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B1.6

Nohzar’s Third Battle with Afrasiab

In the third battle Shapur falls and Nohzar retreats into the fortress of Dehestan. When Afrasiab sends Kurukhan to seize the royal women in Pars, Gharan and the chiefs slip away by night against the Shah’s wishes, and Gharan kills Barman on the road.

B1.6.1
Tus and Gostaham had gone upon their way,While grieving Nohzar in Dehestan lay.
B1.6.2
Two days they rested; on the third the fightWas forced on Nohzar by Afrasiab’s might.
B1.6.19
Then Nohzar and Gharan knew from the signNo friendly star would aid their battle line.

Nohzar named 6 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B1.12

Zal Hears of Nohzar’s Death

The Iranians mourn Nohzar and Zal vows vengeance. The captives at Sari beg Aghriras for help, and he promises to withdraw if an Iranian force approaches. Keshvad rides from Zabul, Aghriras pulls back, and Zal welcomes the freed nobles.

B1.12.15
Before renowned men Nohzar lost his head;Now we must rise in vengeance for the dead.
B1.12.26
May Nohzar’s soul shine bright among the great,And dwell in honor far beyond our fate.
B1.12.69
He cast dust on his head in bitter woe,And mourned the slaughtered Nohzar lying low.