Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Numanنعمان

no'-MAHN

An Arab prince, companion of Monzer, who helps raise Bahram Goor in Yemen and win him the throne.

In the poem: First at D9.2, Bahram Goor Is Born and Raised by an Arab; last at D10.2, Bahram Pardons Iran and Remits the Arrears
Named: 18 times, in 8 sections
Main stories: D9 Yazdegard I and the Rise of Bahram Goor (16); D10 The Bahram Goor Cycle: Justice, Foreign Adventures, and End of a Reign (2)
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 Numan most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Numan. 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.
D9.2.107
Then Monzer ordered Numan, “Go and seekThe finest steeds for battle, swift and sleek.

Numan named 2 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.

Numan named 1 time 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.

D9.5.7
Then Numan, favored in the Iranian court,Went with Bahram as escort and support.
D9.5.14
He lodged Numan in chambers fit to please,And gave the prince a palace for his ease.
D9.5.17
A month did Numan at the court remain,Then asked to take his leave and ride the plain.

Numan named 6 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.

D9.6.22
Numan came forth, and Monzer at their head,With loyal spearmen, riding where he led.

Numan named 1 time 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.
D9.9.24
Monzer gave Numan orders: “Ride and go,And gather lions brave against the foe.
D9.9.27
Numan assembled men with spear and blade,A mighty army, ready for the raid.

Numan named 3 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.

D9.11.31
Monzer and Numan flanked him, and a bladeWas held by Numan, naked and displayed.

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

D9.12

Bahram Goor Claims His Right to Rule

Bahram argues his hereditary right and is refused. The chiefs parade men mutilated by his father; Bahram curses his father’s dust, sets out the justice he intends, and proposes an ordeal, the crown between two chained lions. The lions are brought and chained to the ivory throne.

D9.12.27
Another had lost shoulders; Numan stared,Astonished at the wounds those men had shared.

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

D10.2

Bahram Pardons Iran and Remits the Arrears

Monzer pleads for the men who opposed Bahram and the king pardons them all. He feasts and loads the Arabs with gifts, makes his brother Narsi sepahbod, and then cancels ninety-three million dirhams of tax arrears and burns the ledgers. Iran celebrates at the fire-temples.

D10.2.14
He told what Numan and Monzer had done,Those stainless men through whom his crown was won.
D10.2.18
To Numan and Monzer he gave the hoard,While Javanuy counted out each reward.

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